16-05-2025
‘We are Memphis': Nonprofit works to change negative perceptions
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Amid hardships and turmoil across the city of Memphis, there's one organization that says they are working to positively move the city forward.
By showing the world that 'Soul Lives Here,' WREG is introducing the faces behind the slogan 'We Are Memphis' in this week's Bright Spot.
President and Chief Marketing Officer for Memphis Brand, David French, has lived in various cities across the country, but he says nothing compares to his current home — Memphis.
'People do not walk down the street in other cities and hear 'Have a blessed day.' That happens here in Memphis,' said French.
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Crime, corruption, poverty – those are just some of the conversations people across the city have with each other daily. However, French says he and his team want to add another topic to the conversation.
'I think sometimes Memphians forget what a wonderful city this is, and Memphis Brand is here to, I think, remind people of all the great things that are happening here,' said French.
Memphis Brand is a non-profit whose focus is elevating, celebrating, and radiating the people of Memphis through various campaigns locally and globally.
You may have heard of the phrase 'Soul Lives Here' or seen the logo 'We Are Memphis.'
The team behind the brand may be small, but it is backed by several major organizations, such as FedEx and St. Jude, that want to prove to the world that they believe Memphis is the place to be.
'Our numbers have never been stronger in terms of how people feel about Memphis outside of Memphis. But here at home, we have work to do. Memphians can be really tough on this city,' French said.
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Vice-President of Brand Development, Jen Booker Prudhome, says the people, businesses, and organizations they highlight are a part of the collective effort to rise above the negativity and showcase the true soul of Memphis.
'No matter how much you hear about the city, whether it's positive or negative, there is a deep-seated, rooted understanding that people love being here, but they also want to see progress happen,' said Prudhome.
French says even though they've made strides changing how Memphians view the city and themselves, the movement is not over.
'I think this idea of 'Bring Your Soul' or 'Soul Lives Here,' these campaigns, these calls to action are just the catalyst for pride, for people to believe in what Memphis not has been, but is becoming,' French said.
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