Memphis Downtowner September 2011 : Page 11
The FireHouse Little Theater performs works by national, regional, and local playwrights, such as this production of The Bow Wow Club . as the FireHouse Community Arts Festival and the Jazzy Holiday Luncheon, where, of course, entertainment is partially provided by the talent nurtured in the firehouse. Future goals include promoting cultural tourism by collaborating with other arts organizations and public and private patrons to establish a world-class African-American History Museum & Cultural Center. A benefactor recently donated 200 classic movies and historic documentaries, which will soon allow MBAA to host a monthly Black Cinematheque to view and discuss films by black filmmakers and artists worldwide. But until then, “We support the creative spirits of all ages and provide an opportunity for them to spend time together,” says West. “We continue to appreciate the diversity within and outside our community by having events that bring people together.” Memphis Black Arts Alliance 985 S. Bellevue, 948-9522 memphisblackartsalliance.org. courtesy Memphis Black Arts Alliance Now Serving Breakfast at Downtown’s only Starbucks location. Located across from FedExForum (901) 334-5940 Open daily at 6am The 12th edition is now underway. Explore your business opportunities in The Downtown Directory (901) 525-7118 x17 www.memphisdowntowner.com septemBer 2011 MEMPHIS DOWNTOWNER 11 Orange Mound native Bennie Nelson West returned to Memphis in 1978 from a cultural stint in New York. With a new perspective on the power of unified black artists, West immediately realized that her home -town had no such alliance to bring black artists and the community together. So she fueled her passion inside Firehouse No. 12, 985 S. Bellevue, building a permanent coalition from the ashes. memphisdowntowner.com Terre Gorham
