June 25, 2025 • 23 mins
Score CDC better known as South City is gearing up for their Heritage Festival says Executive Director Rebecca Hutchison on The Bev Johnson Show on WDIA Radio.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Bell, Don't show, Bell Time Talking and home Away, Help
on you go, you go.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Son't getting ready in time.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
Show, Let's go, Bell, don't will make Gordy by hereon
talk you d.
Speaker 3 (00:32):
Listen to one to say, you.
Speaker 4 (00:35):
Know it's time of the belt of this show the Mountains,
so lucky, let's go.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
I am definitely rocking and rolling on this Wednesday, June
twenty fifth, twenty twenty five.
Speaker 4 (00:48):
Humph day.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
We're rocking and rolling, and I am so proud to
have this next guest in the house with me. The
executive director of score CDC, Rebecca Hutcheson, is in by house.
Speaker 4 (01:04):
Good afternoon, Rebecca, how are your sister?
Speaker 5 (01:06):
Good afternoon, miss bab And I'm so grateful to be here.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
I'm so glad to have you. I'm so glad to
have you. Yes, a little while since I've seen you.
It's been a little bit, yeah, but you here.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
That's right.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Somebody is listening this day and they say, SCOREC.
Speaker 5 (01:24):
What is that exactly? Well, I'm it is an acronym.
I'm gonna tell you what that acronym stands for. It
stands for South City, a community opportunity, revitalization and Empowerment
Community Development Corporation, and I founded SCORE CDC in twenty
seventeen to serve the residents of that community, particularly the
(01:47):
three eight one two six zip code, which is a
part of South Memphis. Yeah, our focus is civic engagement.
We have a leadership academy, we have technical assistance, and
we provide services for the small business owners and entrepreneurs,
and we have community meetings for the residents and just
(02:08):
all kinds of different things for the community and we
love to serve them.
Speaker 4 (02:12):
So so, Rebecca, you all been there since twenty seventeen.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
That's right.
Speaker 4 (02:17):
Doesn't seem like it's been that long.
Speaker 5 (02:19):
Doesn't seem like it's been that long, But it has been, Yes,
and we've been rocking and rolling ever since.
Speaker 4 (02:24):
I love it. I love it.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
And so when you say, because I know Soulsville, but
this is South City.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
South City is just north of Soulsville.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Okay, so time listener. So when they're saying South City
where area.
Speaker 5 (02:39):
Is exactly, because we know this where Soulsville is, and
you know, eh Crump Boulevards Okay, well eh Crump Boulevard
devised Soulsville and South City. So yeah, and so we
kind of we kind of expanded our reach. We go
a little bit beyond ehecrumpt boulevarc because three eight one
two six goes over to laming On In College, so
(03:02):
we do expand our work over there. But to let
you know more about where it is, the boundaries are
to the north is Union Avenue, to the south is
eh Crump Boulevard, to the west is Front Street, and
to the east is Walnut slash Monassas. So that's actually
(03:25):
the boundaries of South City and that.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
Far we do we do.
Speaker 5 (03:30):
And and that that area to the north at Union
Avenue and Front Street, that's that little ale I call
that downtown South City.
Speaker 4 (03:38):
Right, Yes, you know what, Rebecca.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
I'm so glad you explained that because I'm thinking I
know Eh Crump and I was thinking Crump and so people.
Speaker 4 (03:47):
Will know Booker T. Washington High School.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
That's all in that area where the old the old
foothomes and.
Speaker 5 (03:53):
The class that's it. That's the heart, that is the
heart of South Citty.
Speaker 4 (03:57):
So that's the heart, that's it, and.
Speaker 5 (03:59):
That's primarily where our work occurs. And we are actually
located on Vance Avenue, down the street from the historic
NAACP Wow.
Speaker 4 (04:10):
So that's where your office headquarter, that's.
Speaker 3 (04:12):
Where our office headquarters is located.
Speaker 2 (04:14):
Wow, And I know that you all since been there
since twenty seventeen.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
You have really been trying.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
And I know you have because I know the work
you do to revitalize that community again.
Speaker 4 (04:27):
So how is it coming?
Speaker 3 (04:29):
You know what it is coming.
Speaker 5 (04:31):
If you bet, if you were to go to, for instance,
the intersection of Georgia Avenue, Lauderdale and Mississippi Boulevard by
Booker T. Washington High School, you wouldn't recognize it because
it has. Yes, it has really changed and evolved in there.
They changed that intersection a little bit, quite a bit actually,
(04:54):
and actually embedded in the sidewalks are brass plates that
talk about various historical facts in the neighborhood.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
So that's pretty cool in there.
Speaker 5 (05:05):
And then and actually right now today there are artists
out painting some really cool crosswalks in the neighborhood blue
and definitely green and gold for Booker T. Washington High School,
so you'll see that. So that you've got a lot
of art over there in that community. And last year
score CDC commissioned and artist Joseph Boyd and we actually
(05:28):
put up a mural on a building that used to
be the older motorcycle club actually at Georgia Avenue and
Mississippi Boulevard, and it depicts the history of the community.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (05:42):
So we're really trying to showcase the history of our
neighborhood because this is one of the most historically rich
communities really globally, because there are people who have come
out of that neighborhood who have made major impacts in
this world.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Wow, that's right, you know what, Rebecca, I have not
been in that area for a little while. I think
the last time that I was over there when they
were naming the street for.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
Nat d Oh.
Speaker 5 (06:12):
Yes, yes, it's different now, so I have to go
over there and drive through there, you will recognize it.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Wow.
Speaker 5 (06:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
So one of the other things, Rebecca, is a lot
of new housing.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
Coming up where we're there.
Speaker 5 (06:28):
They're actually there is there is a new senior housing complex.
Really that's the intersection of Mississippi Boulevard and Danny.
Speaker 4 (06:39):
Thomas Okay, okay, that.
Speaker 5 (06:41):
One opened in December of twenty twenty three, and then
you've got another set of senior housing just next to that.
That's I think it opened this week. Because there are
people moving into it. Yeah, so you've got new development
coming up, still still progressing, and our neighborhood still providing
(07:02):
affordable housing for residents in our community.
Speaker 4 (07:05):
That is wonderful. I love that.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
So you all at Score you're trying to get that
neighborhood back And Rebecca, what about you know, letting people
telling people come on back home.
Speaker 5 (07:18):
Well, yeah, Well the thing is we want people to
understand Beib. Every neighborhood has their challenges.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
We're so different.
Speaker 5 (07:26):
But we also have some very positive things happening in
our community. And there are some great people. There are
some great organizations in our neighborhood that are doing some
wonderful things to serve the folk in our community. Right
up and down Vance Avenue. As I just mentioned, you've
got the NAACP. Yes, you've got the Vance Avenue. You
(07:47):
Development Center that prepares a hot meal for everyone in
the neighborhood every day. You've got Streets Ministries, You've got
Advanced Memphis, You've got Immanual Center. You've got Urban Church
that provides counseling for the residents in our neighborhood. So
there are so many things happening and so many services
in our community. And just right now, if you go
(08:10):
down Vance Avenue, the city has just paid the street,
so you got Yes, those potholes are gone now, so.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
Are great.
Speaker 5 (08:21):
And then they finished it yesterday. So I mean, so
we're seeing some progress. Progress does not happen overnight. It
takes time, yes, but it comes. But also we have
to let residents know that a big part of it
is up to you too, and so to that.
Speaker 3 (08:40):
We have community meetings.
Speaker 5 (08:43):
We invite residents to come and identify those challenges, but
not just talk about them and complain, but let's sit
down and talk about some strategies that you as residents
can implement that we can put forth to try to
address some of these challenges. And then let's move together
(09:04):
and approach our elected officials and.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
Then hold them accountable.
Speaker 5 (09:08):
So it's all a part of this is empowering the residents,
helping them to understand that they have a voice, and
helping them to amplify amplify that voice, because the power
is already there inside of them.
Speaker 3 (09:24):
They're already empowered. We tell them that you just need
to activate that power.
Speaker 4 (09:29):
I love it. I love it.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
If you've just tuned in this afternoon, we are talking
with Miss Rebecca Hutchison, who is the executive director of
Score CDC. And you all talking about South City, that area.
You know, we're familiar with that area.
Speaker 4 (09:46):
Booker T. Washington dvance all that we're talking.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
Also, we're going to take a break, Rebecca, come back
because Rebecca's going to tell us about something exciting that's
happening in South City. If you have a question or
two for her nine zero one five three five, nine
three four two eight hundred five zero three nine three
four two eight three three five three five nine three four.
Speaker 4 (10:13):
Two will get you in to us. You're listening to
double D i A Got.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Something to say?
Speaker 5 (10:23):
Say it next with Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer Bev
Johnson on do W D i A the Bev Josie.
Speaker 4 (11:20):
You're listening to the Bev Johnson Show. Here's Bev Johnson.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
And I'm talking with the executive director of Score CDC
and we're talking about South City, Rebecca Hutcheson. And I know, Rebecca,
you have something fabulous coming up you want to let
our listeners know about.
Speaker 5 (11:37):
Ma'am I do on this Saturday, June the twenty eighth
in L. E. Brown Park, which is at the corner
of South Orleans and Georgia Avenue and if you need
a landmark, I know y'all know where the old club parentheus.
Speaker 4 (11:51):
Yeah, we know where the Club Paradi.
Speaker 5 (11:53):
That's right, So just just a little bit diagonal for that.
Across the street, we're going to have our second an
annual South City Heritage Fest.
Speaker 4 (12:04):
Wow.
Speaker 5 (12:05):
South City Heritage Fest jet BEV is an opportunity for
us to say, this is what's happening in our neighborhood,
and we have great history. We are honoring the history,
the rich history of our community. We're bringing attention to
some of the really great things that's happening in South City.
(12:25):
So not only are we going to have a lot
of vendors there that particularly come from that neighborhood, we
are honoring the small entrepreneurs there as well, so that
we're giving them an opportunity to receive visibility that they
would not otherwise get. And we're also going to have
the knowledge quiest kids on face painting, game trucks, live entertainment,
(12:49):
and the new feature this year is going to be
an outdoor museum Wow. So we're going to have a
lot of photographs and paraphernalia from our community, so people
can see what exactly isn't it is the history of
this neighborhood. Who came out of our community and what
are some of the the the well known businesses if
(13:12):
you will, like Universal life, Oh yeah, came out of
our neighborhood. Like the first African American firefighters that were
in our Yeah, the first African American fire station was
once located at the corner of eh Crump Boulevard and Mississippi.
Speaker 4 (13:30):
Right.
Speaker 3 (13:30):
So we want folks to see that history.
Speaker 5 (13:32):
So we're going to have a lot of photographs from
that oh wow.
Speaker 4 (13:36):
And so the festival will be in the park.
Speaker 5 (13:38):
It would be in the park. It's an outdoor event
and stand bell As a matter of fact, it's going
to be r EMC the bell ringer, Yeah, the bell ringer.
So we're going to have performers succh as Ekpe Abbiodo
who always is great with helping to lead us off
and start us off, Ayana Alexis who is a young
rapper here in the neighborhood.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
We're going to have line dance lessons.
Speaker 5 (14:03):
We're going to have the Bible Believers, who is a
gospel band in the neighborhood. And we're also going to
have Drey Walker and the Mississippi Boys are going to
be our headline at Wow.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
I love that. Now is this festival free?
Speaker 5 (14:19):
The festival is free. Just come on, just come on. Now,
we've got food trucks. Now, the food's not.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Free now okay, no, no, gotta help the brothers and
sisters out the trug the food truck.
Speaker 5 (14:33):
But yeah, we're just but the entertainment is free. We're providing,
you know, is just come down, sit down, enjoy your said.
We know it's going to be a warm day, but
we're gonna have fun there this time. So just come
down and enjoy the neighborhood and support our entrepreneurs as well.
Speaker 4 (14:51):
Good. So, now what time are you all kicking off?
Speaker 5 (14:54):
Absolutely, it's going to be from eleven o'clock a m.
Until three o'clock pm. So we'll be in the park
all day long, uh huh.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
And and come out and it's it's family friendly.
Speaker 5 (15:05):
It's family friendly, and it's going to be safe. Okay,
you're gonna make sure that it's safe and there's something
there for everyone. So age doesn't matter. So because as
you heard, we've got a we got a diverse range
of performers. We've got something for everyone. We're also going
to have a group from Rose College that's going to
take oral history. So if you want to come and
(15:28):
talk about your history, your relationship.
Speaker 4 (15:31):
To the community, come on and we're.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
Going to start documenting that history as well.
Speaker 2 (15:36):
I love that because I'm I'm sure our listeners who
are listening who grew up in that neighborhood, who grew
up in the footholds, you know, the Cleven Hall, hey,
and and you can tell your experience.
Speaker 5 (15:49):
You can tell you and we want you to come.
And that's just the beginning. We're going to continue throughout
the summer. Okay, getting that information as well. So yeah,
they can contact me. Contact us at score CDC info
at SCORECDC dot org. The phone number is nine O
one five zero four fifty three ninety two.
Speaker 4 (16:09):
If you want to talk about the neighborhood, you know.
Speaker 5 (16:11):
We're going to have meetings and community meetings where we're
going to invite people to come and just share about
their experience in the community.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
If someone's listening Rebecca and they're thinking, you know, there
may be a business person and saying, you know what,
maybe I want to go back to that neighborhood I
want Can they contact.
Speaker 4 (16:31):
You to get more information?
Speaker 5 (16:32):
Yes, Bev, and I'm glad you asked that because this fall,
we are going to be starting an entrepreneurship initiative where
we're going to be providing technical assistance to entrepreneurs. We're
trying to recruit businesses to our neighborhood. Okay, we want
folks to come into our neighborhood and provide services that
the residents can have. We need amenities in our neighborhood
(16:53):
just like any other neighborhood, right, and so we're going
to be helping them direct them to non traditional funding opportunities. Okay,
that a lot because a lot of our small business
owners do not qualify to go to the big financial
institutions like the large banks, but there are community development
financial institutions better known as CDFs that will take the
(17:14):
risk with small businesses. So we'll be doing that. And
also if you need help with developing a logo, if
you need help with developing your brochures, we'll be doing
that as well. So we're going to try to We're
going to serve as an entrepreneurship small business hub this
fall beginning this fall in South City.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
So when you have, Rebecca, your community meetings, how do
you get the word out or how do so people
will know.
Speaker 5 (17:42):
It's various ways that we have to do that. And
as you know, in our neighborhood, we go out and
we canvas the community, our old school community organizer, so
we pass out flyers in the neighborhood. We put in
yard signs, we staple posters on the telephone polls, and
then we ask forgiveness later.
Speaker 3 (18:00):
And then of course we use.
Speaker 5 (18:02):
Social media and okay, we send out email blasts so
we let folk know not only in the community, but
outside of our community as well, because we want folk
to know what's happening in our neighborhood. Because one of
my my middle name is is collaboration, is partnerships. So
I like folk to know what's happening because I like
to bring resources into our neighborhood as well. So those
(18:25):
that's so, those are some of the ways we get
the word out in the community.
Speaker 4 (18:28):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
And as you said earlier, Rebecca, that community, that community
South City has so much rich history. It does, and
I think about back in the day, Rebecca on Vans,
they had those big mansions that black folk lived in.
Speaker 3 (18:45):
That's right.
Speaker 5 (18:46):
And you know what Carnee your criend shop, remember she's
the library is named after her on Vance Avenue. But
she lived in one of those big houses not standing
any longer, but she was in one of those.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
And I think about one of our ladies who work
here with the first lady of radio, Miss William Monroe,
had a big mansion on Van's Avenue.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
Yes, yes, so that's some rich.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
History that.
Speaker 5 (19:11):
The first African American millionaire, Robert R. Church, his home
was on Lauderdale Wow, near Vance Avenue. Yes, And you
know Robert R. Church Park over by the FedEx Forum
is named after.
Speaker 2 (19:23):
Him, right, right, So you'all don't know about South City,
Well now you know, but you can get to know more.
You can call Rebecca. But Rebecca wants you all to
come out again. What's happening this Saturday?
Speaker 5 (19:37):
That's right, this Saturday, South City Heritage Fest from eleven
am to three o'clock pm in L. E. Brown Park
And if you need an address, it's six seventeen South
or Leans near the Old Club Paradise.
Speaker 4 (19:54):
Yeah, we know about that.
Speaker 3 (19:56):
That's right.
Speaker 2 (19:57):
That's so good that you know what it sounds exciting
it Rebecca and you, I'm so proud of you.
Speaker 4 (20:03):
You're doing good years.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
You're trying to keep that community up and keep the
history going in that community.
Speaker 5 (20:10):
And you know what too, babe, we are branding our
neighborhood okay, because we want and we're using the history
to do that, because we want folks to know about
the greatness of our community. But we also want the
people who live there, the young people who live in
our community, to appreciate that history. If you understand where
(20:30):
you came from, you know, you can have appreciation and
you take care of your community, that's right, you know. So,
so those are some of the things we do. We want.
We really want folks to know this is a great community. Yeah,
we've got challenges. Who doesn't, Yes, but we also have
some great things going on in our community, not just
the history, but they are wonderful people who are doing
(20:51):
things in the neighborhood.
Speaker 4 (20:52):
Now good good.
Speaker 2 (20:54):
So again, if you haven't been to South City lately,
I'm going to take Rebecca's and she said, I need
to drive over and see what they've done. Yes, yes,
especially as since they paved the road.
Speaker 4 (21:07):
I can't wait.
Speaker 2 (21:08):
So this Saturday. It's the South City Heritage Festival.
Speaker 3 (21:12):
That's right.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
Absolutely free, Rebecca.
Speaker 3 (21:14):
Absolutely free, consolutely.
Speaker 2 (21:17):
And again Rebecca, if people want to get in contact
with you, how do they do that?
Speaker 3 (21:21):
Absolutely?
Speaker 5 (21:21):
You can go on our website info at score CDC
dot org, or you can call us at nine zero
one five zero four five three two h.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
Thank you, thank you for being here and sharing the
good news and thanks. I know it's gonna be I'm
gonna drive down there. I'm gonna come over to South
City and see what's going.
Speaker 4 (21:48):
On over there.
Speaker 5 (21:48):
Recognizing you can I add one more thing, Yes, ma'am,
we're about to get a museum that honor South what
FI Memphis? You know what old Porter Junior High Building? Yes, yes,
we got a go. Yes, the old school is going
to be a museum. Why going to be a museum
that will honor their history. And then organizations like Portly
(22:09):
is going to offer early childhood education in that facility
as well. So that's that's something great. That is great museum.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
Oh good, Yes, and I'm glass that'd be able to
use that building.
Speaker 3 (22:20):
That's right.
Speaker 4 (22:21):
Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 2 (22:22):
Thank you again, cheering with Miss Rebecca Hutchison, the executive
director of score c DC South City Sustay, thank you
for being here and thank you for having much success.
Speaker 4 (22:35):
I'm coming to see you now, all right now, thank you.
Speaker 3 (22:38):
I hold you today.
Speaker 4 (22:39):
You got it. Rebecca Hutche said, y'all, thank you so much.
You're welcome. I want to thank you callers.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
I just want to thank you listeners for joining us
this day on the BEV Johnson Show.
Speaker 4 (22:52):
We do, we really do appreciate you.
Speaker 2 (22:57):
So until tomorrow, please please be safe, keep a cool head, y'all,
don't let anyone steal your joy. Until tomorrow, I'm BEB Johnson,
and y'all keep the faith.
Speaker 3 (23:13):
The abuse and opinions discussed on The BEB Johnson Show
are that of the
Speaker 4 (23:17):
Hosts and callers, and not those of the staff and
sponsors of d I A
Bell, Don't show, Bell Time Talking and home Away, Help
on you go, you go.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Son't getting ready in time.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
Show, Let's go, Bell, don't will make Gordy by hereon
talk you d.
Speaker 3 (00:32):
Listen to one to say, you.
Speaker 4 (00:35):
Know it's time of the belt of this show the Mountains,
so lucky, let's go.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
I am definitely rocking and rolling on this Wednesday, June
twenty fifth, twenty twenty five.
Speaker 4 (00:48):
Humph day.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
We're rocking and rolling, and I am so proud to
have this next guest in the house with me. The
executive director of score CDC, Rebecca Hutcheson, is in by house.
Speaker 4 (01:04):
Good afternoon, Rebecca, how are your sister?
Speaker 5 (01:06):
Good afternoon, miss bab And I'm so grateful to be here.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
I'm so glad to have you. I'm so glad to
have you. Yes, a little while since I've seen you.
It's been a little bit, yeah, but you here.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
That's right.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Somebody is listening this day and they say, SCOREC.
Speaker 5 (01:24):
What is that exactly? Well, I'm it is an acronym.
I'm gonna tell you what that acronym stands for. It
stands for South City, a community opportunity, revitalization and Empowerment
Community Development Corporation, and I founded SCORE CDC in twenty
seventeen to serve the residents of that community, particularly the
(01:47):
three eight one two six zip code, which is a
part of South Memphis. Yeah, our focus is civic engagement.
We have a leadership academy, we have technical assistance, and
we provide services for the small business owners and entrepreneurs,
and we have community meetings for the residents and just
(02:08):
all kinds of different things for the community and we
love to serve them.
Speaker 4 (02:12):
So so, Rebecca, you all been there since twenty seventeen.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
That's right.
Speaker 4 (02:17):
Doesn't seem like it's been that long.
Speaker 5 (02:19):
Doesn't seem like it's been that long, But it has been, Yes,
and we've been rocking and rolling ever since.
Speaker 4 (02:24):
I love it. I love it.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
And so when you say, because I know Soulsville, but
this is South City.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
South City is just north of Soulsville.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Okay, so time listener. So when they're saying South City
where area.
Speaker 5 (02:39):
Is exactly, because we know this where Soulsville is, and
you know, eh Crump Boulevards Okay, well eh Crump Boulevard
devised Soulsville and South City. So yeah, and so we
kind of we kind of expanded our reach. We go
a little bit beyond ehecrumpt boulevarc because three eight one
two six goes over to laming On In College, so
(03:02):
we do expand our work over there. But to let
you know more about where it is, the boundaries are
to the north is Union Avenue, to the south is
eh Crump Boulevard, to the west is Front Street, and
to the east is Walnut slash Monassas. So that's actually
(03:25):
the boundaries of South City and that.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
Far we do we do.
Speaker 5 (03:30):
And and that that area to the north at Union
Avenue and Front Street, that's that little ale I call
that downtown South City.
Speaker 4 (03:38):
Right, Yes, you know what, Rebecca.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
I'm so glad you explained that because I'm thinking I
know Eh Crump and I was thinking Crump and so people.
Speaker 4 (03:47):
Will know Booker T. Washington High School.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
That's all in that area where the old the old
foothomes and.
Speaker 5 (03:53):
The class that's it. That's the heart, that is the
heart of South Citty.
Speaker 4 (03:57):
So that's the heart, that's it, and.
Speaker 5 (03:59):
That's primarily where our work occurs. And we are actually
located on Vance Avenue, down the street from the historic
NAACP Wow.
Speaker 4 (04:10):
So that's where your office headquarter, that's.
Speaker 3 (04:12):
Where our office headquarters is located.
Speaker 2 (04:14):
Wow, And I know that you all since been there
since twenty seventeen.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
You have really been trying.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
And I know you have because I know the work
you do to revitalize that community again.
Speaker 4 (04:27):
So how is it coming?
Speaker 3 (04:29):
You know what it is coming.
Speaker 5 (04:31):
If you bet, if you were to go to, for instance,
the intersection of Georgia Avenue, Lauderdale and Mississippi Boulevard by
Booker T. Washington High School, you wouldn't recognize it because
it has. Yes, it has really changed and evolved in there.
They changed that intersection a little bit, quite a bit actually,
(04:54):
and actually embedded in the sidewalks are brass plates that
talk about various historical facts in the neighborhood.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
So that's pretty cool in there.
Speaker 5 (05:05):
And then and actually right now today there are artists
out painting some really cool crosswalks in the neighborhood blue
and definitely green and gold for Booker T. Washington High School,
so you'll see that. So that you've got a lot
of art over there in that community. And last year
score CDC commissioned and artist Joseph Boyd and we actually
(05:28):
put up a mural on a building that used to
be the older motorcycle club actually at Georgia Avenue and
Mississippi Boulevard, and it depicts the history of the community.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (05:42):
So we're really trying to showcase the history of our
neighborhood because this is one of the most historically rich
communities really globally, because there are people who have come
out of that neighborhood who have made major impacts in
this world.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Wow, that's right, you know what, Rebecca, I have not
been in that area for a little while. I think
the last time that I was over there when they
were naming the street for.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
Nat d Oh.
Speaker 5 (06:12):
Yes, yes, it's different now, so I have to go
over there and drive through there, you will recognize it.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Wow.
Speaker 5 (06:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
So one of the other things, Rebecca, is a lot
of new housing.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
Coming up where we're there.
Speaker 5 (06:28):
They're actually there is there is a new senior housing complex.
Really that's the intersection of Mississippi Boulevard and Danny.
Speaker 4 (06:39):
Thomas Okay, okay, that.
Speaker 5 (06:41):
One opened in December of twenty twenty three, and then
you've got another set of senior housing just next to that.
That's I think it opened this week. Because there are
people moving into it. Yeah, so you've got new development
coming up, still still progressing, and our neighborhood still providing
(07:02):
affordable housing for residents in our community.
Speaker 4 (07:05):
That is wonderful. I love that.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
So you all at Score you're trying to get that
neighborhood back And Rebecca, what about you know, letting people
telling people come on back home.
Speaker 5 (07:18):
Well, yeah, Well the thing is we want people to
understand Beib. Every neighborhood has their challenges.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
We're so different.
Speaker 5 (07:26):
But we also have some very positive things happening in
our community. And there are some great people. There are
some great organizations in our neighborhood that are doing some
wonderful things to serve the folk in our community. Right
up and down Vance Avenue. As I just mentioned, you've
got the NAACP. Yes, you've got the Vance Avenue. You
(07:47):
Development Center that prepares a hot meal for everyone in
the neighborhood every day. You've got Streets Ministries, You've got
Advanced Memphis, You've got Immanual Center. You've got Urban Church
that provides counseling for the residents in our neighborhood. So
there are so many things happening and so many services
in our community. And just right now, if you go
(08:10):
down Vance Avenue, the city has just paid the street,
so you got Yes, those potholes are gone now, so.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
Are great.
Speaker 5 (08:21):
And then they finished it yesterday. So I mean, so
we're seeing some progress. Progress does not happen overnight. It
takes time, yes, but it comes. But also we have
to let residents know that a big part of it
is up to you too, and so to that.
Speaker 3 (08:40):
We have community meetings.
Speaker 5 (08:43):
We invite residents to come and identify those challenges, but
not just talk about them and complain, but let's sit
down and talk about some strategies that you as residents
can implement that we can put forth to try to
address some of these challenges. And then let's move together
(09:04):
and approach our elected officials and.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
Then hold them accountable.
Speaker 5 (09:08):
So it's all a part of this is empowering the residents,
helping them to understand that they have a voice, and
helping them to amplify amplify that voice, because the power
is already there inside of them.
Speaker 3 (09:24):
They're already empowered. We tell them that you just need
to activate that power.
Speaker 4 (09:29):
I love it. I love it.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
If you've just tuned in this afternoon, we are talking
with Miss Rebecca Hutchison, who is the executive director of
Score CDC. And you all talking about South City, that area.
You know, we're familiar with that area.
Speaker 4 (09:46):
Booker T. Washington dvance all that we're talking.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
Also, we're going to take a break, Rebecca, come back
because Rebecca's going to tell us about something exciting that's
happening in South City. If you have a question or
two for her nine zero one five three five, nine
three four two eight hundred five zero three nine three
four two eight three three five three five nine three four.
Speaker 4 (10:13):
Two will get you in to us. You're listening to
double D i A Got.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Something to say?
Speaker 5 (10:23):
Say it next with Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer Bev
Johnson on do W D i A the Bev Josie.
Speaker 4 (11:20):
You're listening to the Bev Johnson Show. Here's Bev Johnson.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
And I'm talking with the executive director of Score CDC
and we're talking about South City, Rebecca Hutcheson. And I know, Rebecca,
you have something fabulous coming up you want to let
our listeners know about.
Speaker 5 (11:37):
Ma'am I do on this Saturday, June the twenty eighth
in L. E. Brown Park, which is at the corner
of South Orleans and Georgia Avenue and if you need
a landmark, I know y'all know where the old club parentheus.
Speaker 4 (11:51):
Yeah, we know where the Club Paradi.
Speaker 5 (11:53):
That's right, So just just a little bit diagonal for that.
Across the street, we're going to have our second an
annual South City Heritage Fest.
Speaker 4 (12:04):
Wow.
Speaker 5 (12:05):
South City Heritage Fest jet BEV is an opportunity for
us to say, this is what's happening in our neighborhood,
and we have great history. We are honoring the history,
the rich history of our community. We're bringing attention to
some of the really great things that's happening in South City.
(12:25):
So not only are we going to have a lot
of vendors there that particularly come from that neighborhood, we
are honoring the small entrepreneurs there as well, so that
we're giving them an opportunity to receive visibility that they
would not otherwise get. And we're also going to have
the knowledge quiest kids on face painting, game trucks, live entertainment,
(12:49):
and the new feature this year is going to be
an outdoor museum Wow. So we're going to have a
lot of photographs and paraphernalia from our community, so people
can see what exactly isn't it is the history of
this neighborhood. Who came out of our community and what
are some of the the the well known businesses if
(13:12):
you will, like Universal life, Oh yeah, came out of
our neighborhood. Like the first African American firefighters that were
in our Yeah, the first African American fire station was
once located at the corner of eh Crump Boulevard and Mississippi.
Speaker 4 (13:30):
Right.
Speaker 3 (13:30):
So we want folks to see that history.
Speaker 5 (13:32):
So we're going to have a lot of photographs from
that oh wow.
Speaker 4 (13:36):
And so the festival will be in the park.
Speaker 5 (13:38):
It would be in the park. It's an outdoor event
and stand bell As a matter of fact, it's going
to be r EMC the bell ringer, Yeah, the bell ringer.
So we're going to have performers succh as Ekpe Abbiodo
who always is great with helping to lead us off
and start us off, Ayana Alexis who is a young
rapper here in the neighborhood.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
We're going to have line dance lessons.
Speaker 5 (14:03):
We're going to have the Bible Believers, who is a
gospel band in the neighborhood. And we're also going to
have Drey Walker and the Mississippi Boys are going to
be our headline at Wow.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
I love that. Now is this festival free?
Speaker 5 (14:19):
The festival is free. Just come on, just come on. Now,
we've got food trucks. Now, the food's not.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Free now okay, no, no, gotta help the brothers and
sisters out the trug the food truck.
Speaker 5 (14:33):
But yeah, we're just but the entertainment is free. We're providing,
you know, is just come down, sit down, enjoy your said.
We know it's going to be a warm day, but
we're gonna have fun there this time. So just come
down and enjoy the neighborhood and support our entrepreneurs as well.
Speaker 4 (14:51):
Good. So, now what time are you all kicking off?
Speaker 5 (14:54):
Absolutely, it's going to be from eleven o'clock a m.
Until three o'clock pm. So we'll be in the park
all day long, uh huh.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
And and come out and it's it's family friendly.
Speaker 5 (15:05):
It's family friendly, and it's going to be safe. Okay,
you're gonna make sure that it's safe and there's something
there for everyone. So age doesn't matter. So because as
you heard, we've got a we got a diverse range
of performers. We've got something for everyone. We're also going
to have a group from Rose College that's going to
take oral history. So if you want to come and
(15:28):
talk about your history, your relationship.
Speaker 4 (15:31):
To the community, come on and we're.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
Going to start documenting that history as well.
Speaker 2 (15:36):
I love that because I'm I'm sure our listeners who
are listening who grew up in that neighborhood, who grew
up in the footholds, you know, the Cleven Hall, hey,
and and you can tell your experience.
Speaker 5 (15:49):
You can tell you and we want you to come.
And that's just the beginning. We're going to continue throughout
the summer. Okay, getting that information as well. So yeah,
they can contact me. Contact us at score CDC info
at SCORECDC dot org. The phone number is nine O
one five zero four fifty three ninety two.
Speaker 4 (16:09):
If you want to talk about the neighborhood, you know.
Speaker 5 (16:11):
We're going to have meetings and community meetings where we're
going to invite people to come and just share about
their experience in the community.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
If someone's listening Rebecca and they're thinking, you know, there
may be a business person and saying, you know what,
maybe I want to go back to that neighborhood I
want Can they contact.
Speaker 4 (16:31):
You to get more information?
Speaker 5 (16:32):
Yes, Bev, and I'm glad you asked that because this fall,
we are going to be starting an entrepreneurship initiative where
we're going to be providing technical assistance to entrepreneurs. We're
trying to recruit businesses to our neighborhood. Okay, we want
folks to come into our neighborhood and provide services that
the residents can have. We need amenities in our neighborhood
(16:53):
just like any other neighborhood, right, and so we're going
to be helping them direct them to non traditional funding opportunities. Okay,
that a lot because a lot of our small business
owners do not qualify to go to the big financial
institutions like the large banks, but there are community development
financial institutions better known as CDFs that will take the
(17:14):
risk with small businesses. So we'll be doing that. And
also if you need help with developing a logo, if
you need help with developing your brochures, we'll be doing
that as well. So we're going to try to We're
going to serve as an entrepreneurship small business hub this
fall beginning this fall in South City.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
So when you have, Rebecca, your community meetings, how do
you get the word out or how do so people
will know.
Speaker 5 (17:42):
It's various ways that we have to do that. And
as you know, in our neighborhood, we go out and
we canvas the community, our old school community organizer, so
we pass out flyers in the neighborhood. We put in
yard signs, we staple posters on the telephone polls, and
then we ask forgiveness later.
Speaker 3 (18:00):
And then of course we use.
Speaker 5 (18:02):
Social media and okay, we send out email blasts so
we let folk know not only in the community, but
outside of our community as well, because we want folk
to know what's happening in our neighborhood. Because one of
my my middle name is is collaboration, is partnerships. So
I like folk to know what's happening because I like
to bring resources into our neighborhood as well. So those
(18:25):
that's so, those are some of the ways we get
the word out in the community.
Speaker 4 (18:28):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
And as you said earlier, Rebecca, that community, that community
South City has so much rich history. It does, and
I think about back in the day, Rebecca on Vans,
they had those big mansions that black folk lived in.
Speaker 3 (18:45):
That's right.
Speaker 5 (18:46):
And you know what Carnee your criend shop, remember she's
the library is named after her on Vance Avenue. But
she lived in one of those big houses not standing
any longer, but she was in one of those.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
And I think about one of our ladies who work
here with the first lady of radio, Miss William Monroe,
had a big mansion on Van's Avenue.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
Yes, yes, so that's some rich.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
History that.
Speaker 5 (19:11):
The first African American millionaire, Robert R. Church, his home
was on Lauderdale Wow, near Vance Avenue. Yes, And you
know Robert R. Church Park over by the FedEx Forum
is named after.
Speaker 2 (19:23):
Him, right, right, So you'all don't know about South City,
Well now you know, but you can get to know more.
You can call Rebecca. But Rebecca wants you all to
come out again. What's happening this Saturday?
Speaker 5 (19:37):
That's right, this Saturday, South City Heritage Fest from eleven
am to three o'clock pm in L. E. Brown Park
And if you need an address, it's six seventeen South
or Leans near the Old Club Paradise.
Speaker 4 (19:54):
Yeah, we know about that.
Speaker 3 (19:56):
That's right.
Speaker 2 (19:57):
That's so good that you know what it sounds exciting
it Rebecca and you, I'm so proud of you.
Speaker 4 (20:03):
You're doing good years.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
You're trying to keep that community up and keep the
history going in that community.
Speaker 5 (20:10):
And you know what too, babe, we are branding our
neighborhood okay, because we want and we're using the history
to do that, because we want folks to know about
the greatness of our community. But we also want the
people who live there, the young people who live in
our community, to appreciate that history. If you understand where
(20:30):
you came from, you know, you can have appreciation and
you take care of your community, that's right, you know. So,
so those are some of the things we do. We want.
We really want folks to know this is a great community. Yeah,
we've got challenges. Who doesn't, Yes, but we also have
some great things going on in our community, not just
the history, but they are wonderful people who are doing
(20:51):
things in the neighborhood.
Speaker 4 (20:52):
Now good good.
Speaker 2 (20:54):
So again, if you haven't been to South City lately,
I'm going to take Rebecca's and she said, I need
to drive over and see what they've done. Yes, yes,
especially as since they paved the road.
Speaker 4 (21:07):
I can't wait.
Speaker 2 (21:08):
So this Saturday. It's the South City Heritage Festival.
Speaker 3 (21:12):
That's right.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
Absolutely free, Rebecca.
Speaker 3 (21:14):
Absolutely free, consolutely.
Speaker 2 (21:17):
And again Rebecca, if people want to get in contact
with you, how do they do that?
Speaker 3 (21:21):
Absolutely?
Speaker 5 (21:21):
You can go on our website info at score CDC
dot org, or you can call us at nine zero
one five zero four five three two h.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
Thank you, thank you for being here and sharing the
good news and thanks. I know it's gonna be I'm
gonna drive down there. I'm gonna come over to South
City and see what's going.
Speaker 4 (21:48):
On over there.
Speaker 5 (21:48):
Recognizing you can I add one more thing, Yes, ma'am,
we're about to get a museum that honor South what
FI Memphis? You know what old Porter Junior High Building? Yes, yes,
we got a go. Yes, the old school is going
to be a museum. Why going to be a museum
that will honor their history. And then organizations like Portly
(22:09):
is going to offer early childhood education in that facility
as well. So that's that's something great. That is great museum.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
Oh good, Yes, and I'm glass that'd be able to
use that building.
Speaker 3 (22:20):
That's right.
Speaker 4 (22:21):
Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 2 (22:22):
Thank you again, cheering with Miss Rebecca Hutchison, the executive
director of score c DC South City Sustay, thank you
for being here and thank you for having much success.
Speaker 4 (22:35):
I'm coming to see you now, all right now, thank you.
Speaker 3 (22:38):
I hold you today.
Speaker 4 (22:39):
You got it. Rebecca Hutche said, y'all, thank you so much.
You're welcome. I want to thank you callers.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
I just want to thank you listeners for joining us
this day on the BEV Johnson Show.
Speaker 4 (22:52):
We do, we really do appreciate you.
Speaker 2 (22:57):
So until tomorrow, please please be safe, keep a cool head, y'all,
don't let anyone steal your joy. Until tomorrow, I'm BEB Johnson,
and y'all keep the faith.
Speaker 3 (23:13):
The abuse and opinions discussed on The BEB Johnson Show
are that of the
Speaker 4 (23:17):
Hosts and callers, and not those of the staff and
sponsors of d I A
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.