Interesting Article Commercial Appeal

[Suzan]

It made me think a little bit more and perhaps see things in a different light. I still think though that Graceland and it's immediate area should be left alone, the way it was when Elvis had it.

A very interesting column from Sunday's edition of the Commercial Appeal:
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http://www.commerci alappeal. com/news/ 2007/aug/ 26/x26tom/

Whitehaven - my kind of Memphis
By Emmanuel A. Tom
Special to The Commercial Appeal
Sunday, August 26, 2007

Some years ago when I was publishing a community newspaper for the Whitehaven area, I was often asked what it is about Whitehaven that makes some of us who are long-term residents so fiercely loyal to the community. I have often pointed them to a bumper sticker that the old Whitehaven Community Association used to pass around. It states: "Whitehaven is my kind of Memphis."

Whitehaven is unique in the history of Memphis, not only because of its economic and geographic importance but for the quality, dedication and community involvement of its residents who, despite all odds, are battling great apathy and seem to be making headway.

Before it was annexed by Memphis in 1969, Whitehaven was a self-sustaining and vibrant community.

Today, our community has been misnamed "Blackhaven" and our crown jewel, Graceland, called "Wasteland." Despite such slurs, we take pride in this community that we hold so dear.

For the sake of history, Whitehaven residents proudly claim Graceland and all that it stands for.

Years ago when Elvis Presley bought Graceland, the racial composition of the Whitehaven area was very different. In the years since, white flight became the norm. Many people may dispute this publicly, but the only reason that Graceland is still in Whitehaven is that there is no way for it to be moved anywhere else and still be called Graceland.

Graceland has survived the racial changes in Whitehaven and it continues to grow. Even though Elvis Presley Enterprises does not depend directly on its interactions with area residents for Graceland's growth and survival, no doubt the estate's location does have some residual effects that, if tapped wisely, could benefit the Whitehaven area tremendously.

It is very obvious that most of the more than 600,000 visitors who tour Graceland annually do not venture beyond its confines. In order for the Whitehaven area to benefit from any infusion of capital in and development of Graceland and the adjoining areas, we must devise ways to encourage those visitors to stay and shop in the Whitehaven area.

But there is much more to the Whitehaven area than Memphis' biggest tourist attraction. Memphis International Airport, for example. We proudly claim that, too. And FedEx. UPS. Smith & Nephew. Sofamor Danek. Just to name a few internationally known businesses located in the Whitehaven area.

And of course we claim another Memphis notable who is well known all over the world and has his church right in Whitehaven -- Rev. Al Green.

Yes, we do have issues that are not so peculiar to our neighborhood. Crime. White flight. Apathy. Economic downturn and the resulting effects on property values.

But over the years, prominent Whitehaven residents have taken up the cause of economic development in the area.

Some years ago, Jerome Rubin, then the Memphis City Council member representing the Whitehaven area, joined with the Whitehaven Economic Development Corporation and Graceland in the beautification of Elvis Presley Boulevard. The result is the median and the trees that are on Elvis Presley Boulevard today in front of Graceland.

And while many of the white residents of Whitehaven have moved south to DeSoto County in Mississippi or east to Germantown and beyond, a look at the area will show that others have made quite a commitment to the development of Whitehaven. One example that comes to mind is Chuck Strong, whose family owns Piano's Flowers & Gifts on Elvis Presley Boulevard.

Strong has been a resident of Whitehaven for more than 45 years and is president of the Whitehaven Economic Development Corporation, a body that has been actively involved in the revitalization of the Whitehaven area.

Today, despite all the negative news about the economy, there is a glimmer of hope for an economic resurgence in Whitehaven.

Whitehaven is blessed to have Southland Mall, the first enclosed mall in Memphis. While other malls are struggling or shutting down, Southland has more than 60 stores that cater to shoppers of varying ethnic backgrounds.

And there's more. Did you know that a satellite radio station that is received all over the world broadcasts Memphis music from Graceland in Whitehaven?

A Wal-Mart store is in place in the community to bring all its collateral economic benefits.

There is talk of a coordinated development and revitalization plan for the Brooks Road corridor.

And there is the new "aerotropolis" concept being considered to revitalize the area around the airport and give arriving visitors a first impression of Memphis that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

All these projects, and more, show that we are on a resurgence that hopefully will make Whitehaven a better and more vibrant place to live and work.

[ksimms2]

Suzan, Memphis certainly does need sprucing up for sure. The area surrounding Graceland is just so run down and I was disappointed when I finally made it to Memphis in June. Whatever they are planning, I hope it's nice.

[The King's Queen]

Thanks for the post! I think everyone knows where I stand on this issue, however, this article makes me feel better about the situation because it sounds as if the improvements are coming from where they need to...instead of relying totally on Elvis and his legacy. I just soooo hate it when people use him (I call it riding his coat-tails) for things that should be the responsibility of others. I guess part of that anger stems from the fact that I, as a dedicated fan, feel as if my love for Elvis is being taken advantage of too. After all, it is our money they seek... But this is an interesting article. Perhaps there is light at the end of the Memphis tunnel after all.... As long as they leave Graceland alone, I'm ok with it.

[Suzan]

Thanks for the post! I think everyone knows where I stand on this issue, however, this article makes me feel better about the situation because it sounds as if the improvements are coming from where they need to...instead of relying totally on Elvis and his legacy. I just soooo hate it when people use him (I call it riding his coat-tails) for things that should be the responsibility of others. I guess part of that anger stems from the fact that I, as a dedicated fan, feel as if my love for Elvis is being taken advantage of too. After all, it is our money they seek... But this is an interesting article. Perhaps there is light at the end of the Memphis tunnel after all.... As long as they leave Graceland alone, I'm ok with it.

__________________________________________________ _______________

I couldn't agree w/u more on all you've said.

[Vissie]

Great article Suzan, thanks so much for sharing it with us!

[Suzan]

Your welcome.

[Diane]

Good article, thanks for posting Suzan. I agree with everyone, Whitehaven needs to be cleaned up but leave Graceland alone!

Diane

[Gerianne]

Once Graceland is left alone, I'm happy with other improvements.

[Suzan]

Your very welcome Diane ..I agree, the area does need cleaning up...beautification, but def. leave Graceland alone...
Been wondering though, if they move the visitor center next to Graceland...where will EPE Corp. offices go and will that get rid of the tour buses, how will fans enter the grounds for tours?

Your welcome Gerianne...hey you on LMP forum?

[rickb]

most cities in the US have rundown areas and Memphis is certainly no exception. Sadly you can turn a corner and go from a good to a bad area
rick

[Suzan]

That's certainly true Rick.
Shoot in Beverly Hills, you go from lush lawns and greenery to billboards and concrete (Sunset Blvd as you enter W.Hollywood) in a blink of an eye. lol

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

I'm not much for Whitehaven. I hope they improve it , but when I was there last year it was a mess. I got hit up by more druggies than you can imagine, saw a few half naked people mumbling down the street or just laying beside it and, stopping at Southhaven mall, I felt like I was in hip hop gangland. It has definately gone down since I lived near there in the 70's. Of course it would, with age, but it really is a mess. I hope, with Ck ENt. new commitments and plans, Whitehaven catches on and gets in the game. Sure would be nice to take my family to Graceland someday and not be worried about eating or staying near by.

[Suzan]

I'm not much for Whitehaven. I hope they improve it , but when I was there last year it was a mess. I got hit up by more druggies than you can imagine, saw a few half naked people mumbling down the street or just laying beside it and, stopping at Southhaven mall, I felt like I was in hip hop gangland. It has definately gone down since I lived near there in the 70's. Of course it would, with age, but it really is a mess. I hope, with Ck ENt. new commitments and plans, Whitehaven catches on and gets in the game. Sure would be nice to take my family to Graceland someday and not be worried about eating or staying near by.

I have heard that from a lot of people. So sad, I remember visiting in 1978 and it was nice, no bars on windows, the houses around Vernon's were nicely upkept, so forth...and when I was there in 1983 (Jan. shortly after it's opening)...it still wasn't that bad, but hearing from friends who live there or who go there quite frequently, it's really gotten bad. I hope they fix it up but at same time hope they don't mess w/Graceland itself.