The M Made Me....

The M Made Me... Jamond

The M Made Me ARTISTIC. In this episode, we talk to Jamond Bullock about his childhood in Frayser and finding his talent early, what he learned about life and art at Lemoyne-Owen College and what the art scene in Memphis is like. We talk about his murals around the city and how he's gotten to work with NBA teams and players and some Memphis rap royalty. He even has murals in Memphis International Airport! To read more about Jamond, make sure you check out Diamondinthebluff.com and see a video of his latest mural at the Diamond in the Bluff Youtube Page. To see more of Jamond's pieces, follow him on Instagram @alivepaint, or check out his website, alivepaintart.com. Where to find Jamond's murals in Memphis: The entryway of Memphis International Airport; Halle Park, right by the basketball courts; On the walls(both inside and outside) of Slim & Huskies on Union Ave. Inside Bruce Elementary Cafetorium; Willow Park near Overton High School; Crosstown Concourse; the Stax Music Academy.

The M Made Me.......Bobby and Derravia

In this episode, we profile Bobby and Derravia Rich, the creators and founders of the Black Seeds Urban Farm. We learn more about them and what they are doing to change the narrative around access to fresh vegetables and food for different communities in Memphis. In their words:  "Why Memphis an important part of your story? Why do you choose Memphis? Memphis is a huge part of our story because we were both raised here and we have learned invaluable life lessons growing up in Memphis. We went to school here, walked many streets here, and met people that have been purposed to be apart of our destiny.  We choose Memphis because it is our home. It is where our roots were established. We both feel a sense of responsibility for our city because it gave us life-long jewels." Memphis, TN is a place like no other. Whether Memphis is your hometown or your adopted home, the M makes an indelible mark on you. So we created, The M Made Me, a platform to share these stories of Memphis that are often untold. To read more, make sure you check out our website, DiamondintheBluff.com

The M Made Me.......Austin

The M Made Me profiles Austin Webster, the CEO and founder of the Deepr Music App. We learn more about Austin and how the city helped grow his love of music and the game of basketball.    Why is Memphis an important part of your story? The cultural pride that Memphis naturally ingrained in me is special. My love for Hoops, Music, and Food all came from growing up in the 901.   What's your favorite Memphis memory or story? This is tough, because there are so many. Growing up in the M during the 90s the only way to watch the NBA in person was yearly NBA exhibition games at the Pyramid or Penny's Charity Classic games in the Summer. When Michael Heisley decided to relocate the Grizzlies franchise to Memphis in 2001, it was an awesome time to be in Memphis. I used to work at the Germantown Centre, and one afternoon Jason "J-Will" Williams came to play pick up. The way he embarrassed a collective bunch of middle aged men and teenagers with his legendary handles and crossovers was something I will always remember. I had a front row seat and it was classic.   Memphis, TN is a place like no other. Whether Memphis is your hometown or your adopted home, the M makes an indelible mark on you. So we created, The M Made Me, a platform to share these stories of Memphis that are often untold. To read more, make sure you check out our website, DiamondintheBluff.com

The M Made Me.....Channa.

The M Made me UNIVERSAL PNW transplant, Talent Expert, and Coach, this Memphis-bred foodie and beer enthusiast can’t come home without having Soulfish and a local brew. In Her Words: Memphis gave me the ability to be in whatever space I want without fear. White suburban life... I lived it until Hickory Hill was annexed into the city and transitioned to all black neighborhood due to white flight. Deep appreciation of Black History ... I got it from Peabody Elementary where I had exactly three white teachers between kindergarten and sixth grade and a bunch of Black women that settled for nothing less than me being great. A top tier education that exposed me to kids from various economic and social backgrounds, White Station Middle and High School. But what Memphis gave me most is the appreciation of a gritty culture where you have to seek what's worth finding. You can't be entitled in Memphis, it's not the city for handouts. Now I wish I had even more Memphis in me, but I take what I have and make my city proud. Favorite Memphis Memory: When Mikhail Gorbechav, the last leader of the Soviet Union, won the National Civil Rights Museum's Freedom Award in the 90s I got to go to the ceremony and be in a video showcased at the event about Civil Rights. I was about 10. Why? Because my former school principal also happened to be a church member who also happened to be a part of the school board and organizing the video. So basically... I'm in a world's leader award ceremony, a person known for helping to dismantle the Berlin Wall, because of a hook-up. Peak Memphis even though not a story shared across Memphis Learn more about Channa and hear about why she reps Memphis so hard everywhere she goes.

The M Made Me.....Kandace.

The M Made Me AMBITIOUS. Lifelong Memphian, reformed lawyer, this yogi believes there's no better energy than 18,000 Grizzlies fans yelling Whoop that Trick together during a Grizzlies game. And we would have to agree. In her own words: Memphis made me who I am. The people, the culture, the energy, the history, the food, the grit, the ingenuity...I think Memphians are just wired differently because we grew up here with access to all of that. I choose Memphis because I love it the city and the people, and I know that there are still so many opportunities available to succeed and flourish. Favorite Memphis memory: My favorite Memphis story is being on the field at the game when Memphis beat UT in football! I was on the pom squad that year so I was on the field when we won and fans stormed the field. Most terrifying and exhilarating time of my life! Listen to the full interview to hear more out how Kandace survived the game link in bio.