Historic Beale Street

If you’re in Memphis, TN for #MLK50 commemorating the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr (April 4, 1968) be sure to visit the historic First Baptist Beale Street Church, located at the end of the entertainment district.

According to the website downtownmemphis.com, “It was the first and largest Negro Missionary Church, built just after the Civil War. (1871-1885)

In the 1890s, Ida B. Wells used the basement of the church to publish the Free Speech and Headlights newspaper, one of the first newspapers written specifically for an African-American audience.

The church is included in the Heritage Tour of Historic Churches. Call +1 901 527 3427 for information or call the church office recording and leave a message for a private tour.”