By Cadace A. Gray
The New Tri-State Defender

New Memphis, a non-profit organization focused on helping Memphis prosper by developing, activating and retaining talent, hosted its annual Celebrate What’s Right luncheon Wednesday, Nov. 5 at The Kent in the Uptown neighborhood. Local movers and shakers gathered to honor progress and envision the city’s next chapter of growth.

Hosted by New Memphis President and CEO Anna Mullins Ellis, the event brought together voices from across arts, culture, business, sports and civic sectors to share tangible evidence that Memphis is thriving.

“‘Celebrate What’s Right’ is more than a luncheon. It’s a reflection of our collective movement toward a stronger, safer and more connected Memphis,” Ellis said. “We are celebrating the good that’s happening and committing to keep it going.”

The focus of this year’s event was “Activating a Vibrant Downtown.”

Kevin Woods, a New Memphis board member and Memphis market president for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST), one of the event sponsors, continued the program with a challenge for corporate partners.

“It’s not enough to serve our clients. We must also improve our community,” said Woods.

Woods also highlighted BCBST’s support for new downtown parks and public spaces designed to foster wellness and inclusion, to the tune of $11M, before introducing the first speaker, Chandell Ryan.

Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC) President and CEO, Chandell Ryan, highlighted milestones from the recent The State of Downtown report, underscoring gains in safety, walkability and overall growth.

“We’ve seen more growth in the past five years than in the prior 15 combined,” Ryan said. “Downtown is safer, more walkable and full of new energy.”

A slide highlighting the Downtown Memphis Commission’s priorities — including making downtown safe, attractive and welcoming — is shown during New Memphis’ Celebrate What’s Right: Activating a Vibrant Downtown luncheon Nov. 5 at The Kent. The presentation emphasized continued investment in downtown growth and community engagement. (Candace Gray/Tri-State Defender)

A slide highlighting the Downtown Memphis Commission’s priorities — including making downtown safe, attractive and welcoming — is shown during New Memphis’ Celebrate What’s Right: Activating a Vibrant Downtown luncheon Nov. 5 at The Kent. The presentation emphasized continued investment in downtown growth and community engagement. (Candace Gray/Tri-State Defender)

Ryan talked about recent efforts of “Make Main Street the Main Thing” and initiatives such as “Downtown Dining Week” (Nov. 3-9). She also introduced DMC’s new VIBES framework — Visit, Invite, Beautify, Elevate, and Share — as a call to action for all Memphians.

“We all have a role in bringing good vibes to our city,” Ryan said. “It’s about participation, pride and moving our city forward — together.”

Following her address, Ryan invited Zoe Kahr and Paul Chandler to join her on stage for the first Q&A session.

Paul Chandler, the new president and CEO of Memphis River Parks Partnership, shared highlights from the newly renovated Tom Lee Park, which reopened in the fall of 2023, among other riverfront updates.

“We manage 350 acres of riverfront property, offer more than 200 programs a year spanning more than 300 days of the year,” said Chandler. He also mentioned supporting the shared goal of making a connected downtown, a theme that ran throughout the luncheon.

Chandler asked the 400-plus person crowd to save the dates for Memphis River Parks’ fundraising celebration on February 28 and a unique culinary experience on April 18 in 2026.

From city infrastructure to entertainment, speakers stressed that Memphis’ strength lies in its connectivity.

John Zeenah, the fairly new chief of development and infrastructure for the City of Memphis, reported that crews had filled 4,000 potholes and swept 2,000 lanes of streets in just four months.

“Our goal is to help President Ryan make Main Street the main thing,” Zeenah said. “People and pedestrians come first.”

He encouraged residents to report issues through the city’s 311 service, reinforcing accountability and responsiveness, and to let one activity lead to another when coming downtown, in line with the connectivity theme.

Jessica Benson of the Memphis Grizzlies and Grind City Media shared how sports mirror the city’s pulse.

“When sports are vibrating high, Memphis is at its best,” Benson said. “This is where sports and culture collide.”

She noted that before the NBA season began, she asked each player to describe Memphis in one word. “Ja Morant said, ‘Home.’ That’s the feeling that defines this city.”

A slide highlighting the Downtown Memphis Commission’s priorities — including making downtown safe, attractive and welcoming — is shown during New Memphis’ Celebrate What’s Right: Activating a Vibrant Downtown luncheon Nov. 5 at The Kent. The presentation emphasized continued investment in downtown growth and community engagement. (Candace Gray/Tri-State Defender)

Benson also highlighted the unique intersections of Memphis life, where local music, sports and culture merge downtown every week, and how easy it comes when you live, work and play downtown.

“Where else will you see Money Bagg Yo and Carla Thomas all in one week?” she said, alluding to Memphis being unlike anywhere else in the world.

Russ Wiggington, president of the National Civil Rights Museum, reflected on how institutions like the museum shape both civic identity and moral growth.

“The NCRM and Memphis are like family,” Wiggington said. “This city loves this museum, and every visit brings something new. It’s a head-and-heart collision, where you learn something intellectually and feel inspired to act.”

Wiggington also shared news about the opening of the Legacy Building that will honor Martin Luther King, Jr., in Spring 2026 and last month’s opening of Founders Park. He invited the community to utilize the museum as part of the downtown corporate ecosystem and learn more about its new membership program.

Zoe Kahr, executive director of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, offered updates on the museum’s major transformation and relocation project, which will culminate with a name change to Memphis Art Museum in a new downtown facility, opening in December 2026.

“The Memphis Art Museum will not only display 600% more art-filled spaces, but it will also serve as a civic space that is welcoming for all Memphians,” said Kahr.

She also spoke of its economic potential and credited the museum’s founding values for guiding its future.

“Since 1916, this museum has been about serving Memphis, collecting art for the city and sharing it with everyone.” (Have you seen the Of Salt & Spirit exhibit yet?)

Designed by world-renowned Swiss architect firm Herzog & de Meuron, the new facility will feature a rooftop terrace, theater space and a retail shop offering works by local artists.

Kahr emphasized that architecture itself “frames how you see the art,” underscoring that the museum’s structure and surroundings are part of the experience. When asked how the museum will engage Memphis residents, Kahr shared that events designed to blend creativity, culture and commerce downtown will continue at the Memphis Art Museum.

Closing the event, Duncan Williams President David Scully reaffirmed that service remains the throughline of New Memphis’ mission, as he challenged attendees to get involved by sharing the day’s messages with others and using New Memphis as a resource to move Memphis forward.

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