Building Community & Wisdom in Memphis, TN
As a documentary creator, I have the pleasure of being able to observe a lot of unforgettable moments. I get to play the role of someone who gets to document these moments and, through the creation process (editing), dive deep into their impact and true meaning. This has put me in a unique position to listen and learn about people and their communities.
Community isn't just a buzzword; it's a lifeline that offers support, purpose, and life-altering wisdom. This reality was deeply felt as I immersed myself in the "Preserve the Pit" fellowship while in Memphis, Tennessee, for the Memphis in May Festival.
This experience was one-of-a-kind, I was privy to extraordinary dialogues among Black entrepreneurs that ranged from the essence of Black excellence to the psychology of entrepreneurship.
Passing Down Wisdom & Knowledge
The fellowship participants—mentors and mentees alike—landed in Memphis and checked into The Hu Hotel. The hotel, meant to lodge the participants, became an intellectual salon for late-night, thought-stirring conversations. Industry titans like Kevin Bludso, Rasheed Philips, Bryan Furman, and Pat Neely were all present and offered a guiding light for the 2023 Preserve the Pit cohort.
Our first official day began with a tour of iconic Black-owned barbecue joints—Payne's BBQ, Jim Neely’s Interstate BBQ, and A&R BBQ. While the food was mouthwatering, it was the wisdom from barbecue veterans like Jim Neely that was the natural sustenance. Mr. Neely captivated the group, linking his life experiences, from flying fighter jets to serving President Obama, with his message of pride, passion, and perseverance.
The time Mr. Neely spent imparting knowledge to the group was an experience. I have experienced very few moments in my lifetime where titans of the industry will all stop talking, take a seat, and listen to the words of another. This is precisely what happened when Jim Neely walked into the room to speak about his vast knowledge gained from over 90 years on this earth.
The Spotlight: Media Moments at Memphis in May
Back at the festival, Kingsford obtained a space for all their partners to use for events and gatherings. This not only gave the Preserve the Pit participants an area to interact but also became a place where celebrities like Anthony Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer would visit while shooting for their A&E television show “The Kings of BBQ.” But the actual value would be through the connections made and the relationships forged through mentorship.
A great example of the relationships built was when Rasheed Philips took an opportunity to introduce his mentee, Deah Berry Mitchell, to members of his own network. During a lull in the weekend events, he pulled her aside to discuss her aspirations and what she wanted to get out of this experience. No sooner than she asked, he walked her directly over to The Home Depot event area and introduced her to one of his partners within the brand, an act that surprised and wowed Deah.
This moment encapsulated what programs like this should be about — empowering the mentors to share their experiences, networks, and resources with the mentees. Moments like these are where the true power of mentorship truly lies.
A Different Flavor: The Backyard Party
Saturday offered a new experience when the Preserve the Pit members arrived on location in a residence in the suburbs of Memphis. Filming for Revolt.tv was set to take place in a home's backyard, offering a casual setting for interviews and camaraderie. While we may never know the authentic conversations and impact that occurred behind the fenced-in backyard, I can say that the actual knowledge and value were delivered in the driveway and front sidewalk. This is where conversations with mentees Darren & Theresa Carter, Deah Berry Mitchell, and Tay Nelson took place. These conversations included themes of transferring knowledge and leading through action at the forefront.
Big Kev Bludso spoke eloquently about his love for the community and the importance of mentorship while standing next to his mentees, The Carters. These dialogues reinforced the irreplaceable worth of having a community genuinely invested in each other's growth—a value often overlooked and not often showcased in the public sphere.
Lasting Impressions and Late-Night Revelations
As the final evening unfolded, the cohort reunited at the hotel’s rooftop bar, finally unwinding after an eventful weekend. What unfolded were conversations of enduring worth. Impromptu speeches were delivered by the likes of Rasheed Philips and Bryan Furman. The ultimate takeaway was encapsulated in the words of Rasheed when he told those still in the lobby at 3 AM, “Work so that your have-to isn’t handed down to your children. Give them the ability to choose to.” Basically, give your children the means and resources to choose their future instead of having it dictated to them.
And so, as the weekend ended, we were reminded that the spotlight and financial perks were merely the garnish—the real meat was the community and the wisdom it imparted. I couldn't be more grateful to be a silent observer of such profound truth.
