Watch Kamala Harris speak to National Civil Rights Museum staff on sharing history
Former Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to the staff of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis on the importance of their work.
April was believed to be sacred to the goddess Venus, and we mortals like it, too.
Spring goes into full gear. Flowers bloom, temperatures rise (not too much, we hope), and outdoor events proliferate. Winter becomes a memory, while the dog days of summer seem far ahead.
In Memphis, April offers plenty of opportunities for those seeking entertainment or enlightenment or some combination thereof. Here are a few of them — an assonantly chosen Eight for April, culled from dozens of possibilities.
National Civil Rights Museum MLK Commemoration
The museum built on the site of the historic Lorraine Motel — where Dr. Martin Luther King was murdered by an assassin’s bullet on April 4, 1968 — honors the legacy of the civil rights leader with three days of public book talks, economic forums and other events, April 2-4. The event culminates with the annual “laying of the wreath” ceremony on April 4 at the Lorraine balcony where King was killed; the speakers will include the Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, and Clara Ester, one of the last living Memphis activists who was at the Lorraine when King was shot.
For more information, visit civilrightsmuseum.org.
‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’
Set in 1927 Chicago, Pulitzer Prize-winner August Wilson’s 1985 play is the final production of the Hattiloo Theatre’s 2025-2026 season. With Littoya Walker as the title blues diva (the role was played by Viola Davis in the 2020 movie version), the play opens April 10 and runs through May 10 at the theater at 37 S. Cooper, with performances Thursday through Sunday most weeks.
For tickets and more information, visit hattiloo.org.
Art in the Loop
The ninth annual edition of what is billed as the “Art Festival in East Memphis” takes place April 10-12 on Ridgeway Loop Road (between Briarcrest and Ridge Bend Road), with food trucks, craft demonstrations, classical music performances and multiple locations offering fine-crafted works in metal, glass, wood, clay, fiber and more. Hours are 1-6 p.m. Friday, April 10; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 11; and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 12.
For more, information, visit artworks.foundation or artintheloop.org.
‘Hamilton’ star Mandy Gonzalez
Actress and singer Mandy Gonzalez, who played Angelica Schuyler for six years in the Broadway run of “Hamilton,” was the witch Elphaba in “Wicked” on Broadway, and originated the role of Rosario in the Off Broadway and Broadway productions of “In the Heights,” will perform on the Tabor Stage of the Tennessee Shakespeare Company at 7950 Trinity Road in Cordova during the organization’s annual “Children’s Literacy Gala,” a fundraiser for the company’s education and outreach programs. The April 11 event, which begins at 6 p.m., includes an open bar, buffet dinner and silent auction.
For more information, visit tnshakespeare.org.
Furry Lewis grave cleanup
Music lovers, heritage enthusiasts and other public-spirited folks are invited to historic Hollywood Cemetery at 2012 Hernando from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, April 11-12, for a community cleanup organized by a group that includes filmmaker Augusta Palmer (director of the documentary “The Blues Society”). Volunteers are needed to clear brush, cut grass, remove trash and otherwise help restore the 117-year-old African American cemetery, which marks the final resting place for such renowned blues artists as Walter “Furry” Lewis, whose career took him from the street corners of 1920s Memphis to the Liberty Bowl (where he opened for the Rolling Stones in 1975), and Frank Stokes, whose Beale Street Sheiks began making records in 1927.
“The time taken to clean their graves gives them the dignity of being seen in ways they may not have been in their lifetimes,” said musician Dom Flemons, in a statement supporting the cleanup. As Lewis himself often sang, covering a song by Blind Lemon Jefferson: “Please See That My Grave Is Kept Clean.”
Those who wish to sign up in advance can do so at https://form.jotform.com/260615215012038.
Shelby County Star Trek Day
Long before he was Shelby County District Attorney, Steve Mulroy was an enthusiastic “Trekkie” — a fan of “Star Trek,” the science fiction franchise that has been touted for its progressive ideals as well as for its spacefaring adventure. The original “Star Trek” series debuted 60 years ago, on Sept. 8, 1966 — an anniversary that will be noted when Mulroy hosts the 11th annual “Star Trek” day from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, April 12, at Neil’s Grille & Bar, 5725 Quince.
A family-friendly mini-convention, the free event will include trivia and costume contests, costume displays, displays of “Trek” memorabilia and merchandise, a program about Memphis connections to “Star Trek,” a Zoom talk with actor Cirroc Lofton (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”) and more. “If you’re a ‘Trek’ fan or ‘Trek’-curious and within 100 miles of Memphis, this is the place to be,” said Mulroy, who, in his last official act as a Shelby County Commissioner in 2014, had April 9 declared Shelby County Star Trek Day, making this the only city or county in the country with an official “Trek” day.
Africa in April
Launched in 1986 as both complement and response to the then decade-old Memphis in May International Festival, the African in April Cultural Awareness Festival returns Friday-Sunday, April 17-19, with activities and entertainment in and around Robert R. Church Park on Beale Street. Founded by a husband-and-wife team of educator-activists, David and Yvonne Acey, the festival this year salutes the Republic of Ghana, and will showcase the wares of dozens of vendors. Live music will be featured daily in the park, with April 19 being “International Music Day,” with a focus on performers representing many styles from around the African diaspora.
For more information, visit africainapril.net.
Overton Square Crawfish Festival
“Mountains of juicy crawfish” and “live music to keep you groovin'” are promised by organizers of this Memphis tradition, which emphasizes comestible crustaceans over the usual pig meat. The food, fun and crafts begin at 11 a.m. April 25 and continue until 5 p.m.
For more information, visit overtonsquare.com.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.commercialappeal.com ’
