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2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour

2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour

Overview

On this 2.5 hour African American History tour, we will be your "conductor" and take you on a journey through Memphis that will be sure to open your eyes to some of the most historical sites connected to slavery through to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. There is so much more to Memphis than Downtown to experience, so we will also explore some of our interesting neighborhoods.

This tour is for residents, families, and visitors who are looking for the activities to do that are safe, fun and insightful.

City: Memphis

Sat 21 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $66.00

Make a reservation

Sat 21 Sep

Starting at $66.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
3 person minimum required.
Dress code is smart casual
This tour does not stop for guests to visit museums. Visits can be made at your leisure on your own. We will drive by sites with narration.
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff

What To Expect

National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel

From our vehicle you will see the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, room 306 where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. This is also the location of the National Civil Rights Museum.

Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum

This was once the home of Jacob Burkle, a German immigrant who chose to participate in the Underground Railroad. This home was a stop on the Underground Railroad and is now a museum.

Beale Street

We will tell you the "rest of the story" about this most iconic street. Once referred to as the Negro Mainstreet USA.

Historic Mason Temple

This is the world headquarters for the Church of God in Christ. It was here where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his last speech, "I've Been to the Mountaintop" less than 24 hours before he was assassinated.

Clayborn Temple

It was in this church, built in the late 1800's, Sanitation Workers gathered to strategize the strike that caused Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to come to Memphis.

Show 2 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (98)

I1155IAdeborahr

Sep 2021

OMG, I am really not sure as how to begin my review, but here we go! I am one of those people that travel all over the world at every opportunity, and in order to get a real feel for any planned destination, I usually retain the services of a professional tour guide or company. Even though I do a little research on the internet prior to the trip to educate myself, I still expect the guide to further enlighten me with some extra information (breathe life into the information per se). So, in other words my expectations are high and “Tour of Possibilities” did not disappoint. I contacted the owner of the company via email and she promptly replied equipped with answers to any questions I asked or did not know to ask. On the day of the tour, the guide whose name was Ms. Jackie, arrived on time, entered the lobby of the hotel, identified herself, gave us a brief run down of what to expect for the duration of the tour and then escorted us to a very professionally designed, clean and comfortable van. Ms. Jackie treated us like VIP’s. Allow me to mention that she made certain COVID-19 rules were adhered to throughout the tour for our safety. An extra precaution that we really appreciated. The tour route was mapped out and as we approached each attraction, Ms. Jackie was creative in introducing that attraction (building, statue, park, etc.). She would sing; act out a character; ask trivia type questions; play music; or quote a historical phrase. She was full of knowledge and eager to share. There was never a dull moment. I did not even have time to take a nap as I have done in the past on some of those boring “read straight off the paper type tours”. Ms. Jackie in my opinion went above and beyond to ensure we had a good time and learned something new. If you are ever in the Memphis, TN area seek out “Tour of Possibilities” if you have an interest in African History at any level. I suggest, if possible, you book this tour early in your visit to Memphis. By doing so you will have the opportunity to see an attraction that interest you, then double back to further explore on your own. The following day after our tour we made reservations to visit the Civil Rights Museum (Lorraine Motel), Slave Haven Museum (house built in 1856 & used as part of the underground railroad), revisited the church that Rev C.L. Franklin( Aretha Franklin’s father) once pastored, Beale Street and lastly visited the Peabody Hotel to see the famous ducks strut their stuff. Each stop was definitely worth a look, although this was mostly a drive by type tour, which was one of the selling points for us; we made a few photo stops and the site was better explained as we were perhaps standing in the very spot of the event. In summary do not hesitate to book a tour with “Tour of Possibilities” you will not be disappointed. Trust and believe money and time well spent.

Response from Host

Oct 2021

Thank you just doesn't seem to be enough but that's all I have for now. Thank you!!! Your review means more than you will ever know!

CJM_Family

Aug 2021

Jackie was the best! She is so knowledgeable and entertaining. My family had a blast learning about the civil rights history of Memphis. Best tour offered in Memphis!

Response from Host

Oct 2021

Thank you for this great review. I apologize for taking so long to respond. Thanks!

melissahJ6004SU

Aug 2021

Queen spent extra time with our group helping us understand some of the true history of Memphis. She answered every question, took time to take photos and gave us ideas of next steps in our journey of learning the history of Memphis. It was personal, she has studied like a professor of history, a professor of the true African American studies. As a white woman, no question was too simple. PLEASE take this tour. It will rock your world. I love you Queen.

Response from Host

Aug 2021

Thank you for sharing your experience! It was a day I will not soon forget. I believe we are on the right path. We must continue to do the work.