Orange Mound The First Black Town

When it comes to the first All-Black towns and communities, Rosewood, Greenwood/Tulsa, and Harlem come to mind. Orange Mound, a historic section of Memphis, Tennessee is the first All-Black community, built chiefly by and for Black Americans. After the Union Army took over Memphis during the Civil War, many slaves escaped bondage on their plantations to join the Union, resulting in a dramatic increase of the Black population as the Civil War neared its end.

Following the Union victory in the Civil War and the 13th Amendment freeing Black America from bondage in the U.S. A white real estate investor by the name of Izey Meacham purchased the property from the previous plantation owners in 1890. Good-hearted and munificent as Mr. Meacham was, he opposed the norm of the time and divided the land. Creating a segregated area solely for Black Americans during the time of the calamitous Jim Crow laws. Mr. Meacham begin selling the lots for less than $100 apiece. During the time, most areas especially in the south experienced much race violence, rioting, the destruction and violation of Black communities and liberties. Troubles for our predecessors became so diabolical many Black Memphians left the area for good. For those who endured the torment Black America faced, Orange Mound was born. Although inferior to white neighborhoods, Orange Mound was an imperative status symbol for Black America, and a start to a brighter future.

By the 1970’s Orange Mound was the 2nd largest area next to Harlem of concentrated successful Blacks in one area. Despite the harsh conditions at the beginning of this foundation, the first generation raised children who would become business owners, attorneys, doctors, teachers and other successful professions. Home to well-known churches such as Mount Moriah and Beulah Baptist churches, which played a great role in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s. Home too many great achievers such as Harper Brewer, member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, Dr. Alvin Crawford, the first Black American earning a medical degree from the University of Tennessee, propelling to a tremendous surgeon career. Known for great music and BBQ, many famous Blues singers and hip hop artists derive from the area as well. This was a haven created where Black Americans could thrive, where homes were owned, schools, churches and businesses were successful.

During the era of desegregation, Orange Mound began to decline as the younger generations began to move away. Shortly after poverty begin to invade as drugs, crack, and alcohol began to ravage the neighborhoods, escalating violence and crimes. The community role models began to change for the worse. Since the mid 1990’s, Orange Mound has made great strides for improvement as they continue to revitalize the old historic community.