Griggs Business and Practical Arts College

02/13/2025

We are incredibly grateful to FOX13 Memphis for sharing the powerful story of Griggs Business and Practical Arts College and its impact on Memphis’ Black history. As one of the first Black-owned colleges in the city, Griggs played a pivotal role in shaping generations of entrepreneurs and professionals.

Thanks to this coverage, more people can learn about our rich legacy and the ongoing efforts to preserve this historic site for future generations. We appreciate the community’s continued support as we work toward restoring Griggs to its former glory!

🎥 Calling all Griggs alumni! As part of our preservation efforts, we are working on a documentary to capture the history and stories of those who attended Griggs. If you or a family member are an alum, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to share your story.

📺 Watch the full story here:

https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/how-one-of-memphis-first-black-owned-colleges-became-a-piece-of-history/article_8dbc4cb2-e4a4-11ef-8029-8770e43d524f.html

The name "Griggs" on the sign signified a world of potential for a generation of Black students in Memphis, at a time when opportunity was scarce. Griggs Business and Practical Arts College was one of three black-owned colleges in Memphis at the time it was chartered in the 1940s.

12/06/2024

🎉 Join Us at the South City Holiday Bazaar! 🎄

📅 When: Saturday, December 7th
🕚 Time: 11:00 a.m.
📍 Where: 571 Vance Avenue

Get ready for a fun-filled, family-friendly holiday event you won’t want to miss! 🎅🤶 The first 45 families will receive FREE pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus, so come early to snag your spot! 🎁 Enjoy live music, show off your festive spirit in the Uuuuuugly Holiday Sweater Contest, and shop with our incredible local vendors for unique holiday gifts.

🌟 Stop by the Griggs Legacy Project booth! 🌟
We’re excited to be part of the event as a vendor and would love to hear your thoughts on our efforts to restore the historic Griggs Business and Practical Arts College. Share your feedback and ideas for the future of this important landmark – we’re here to listen and connect with you!

We will also have commemorative brick available for purchase.

Bring the whole family, and let’s celebrate the season together in style! 🎶✨ SCORE CDC

11/26/2024

🎉 Exciting News! The Griggs Legacy Project at the South City Holiday Bazaar!🎄

We’re thrilled to announce that the Griggs Legacy Project Team will be a vendor at the South City Holiday Bazaar this year! 🌟

📅 Date: Saturday, December 7th
🕒 Time: 11am - 3pm
📍 Location: 571 Vance Ave

Come visit our booth to learn more about the restoration of the historic Griggs Business and Practical Arts College and share your thoughts! We’d love to hear your feedback on the project and your ideas for how this historic site can best serve the community in the future. 💬

Let’s work together to preserve the past and shape the future! Stop by, say hello, and be part of this exciting journey. See you there! SCORE CDC

08/01/2024

📢 Big Thanks to the Tri-State Defender! 🙏

We're thrilled to see the spotlight on the historic Griggs Business College! 🏫✨ A huge thank you to the Tri-State Defender for covering the exciting $750k renovation project that will breathe new life into this iconic institution. 🎉 Check out their article for all the details on how we're preserving history and investing in the future of our community.

https://tri-statedefender.com/historic-griggs-business-college-set-to-for-750k-renovation/07/31/

Discover the transformative rehabilitation of the historic Griggs Business College in Memphis, funded by a $750,000 grant from the National Park Service.

03/18/2024

🎓🌟 Honoring the Griggs Business College Class of 1960 🌟🎓

Let's take a trip down memory lane and celebrate the incredible achievements of the graduating class of 1960! 🎉✨ From embarking on new adventures to shaping the world with their unique talents, this remarkable group of individuals has left an indelible mark on history.

As we reflect on the years gone by, let's also remember the events that took place in the 60s: Sit-ins and Civil Rights Protests, 1961: Integration of Memphis Public Libraries, 1963: March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, 1964: Civil Rights Act, 1968: Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr, and the Memphis Sanitation Workers' Strike.

To the graduates of 1960, your dedication, hard work, and passion have not gone unnoticed. Your legacy lives on through the lives you've touched and the paths you've paved. Here's to you, a class filled with promise, hope, and endless possibilities! 🌟🎓💫

Thank you Loretta McClure, Roscoe McClure III, and Eric McClure for sharing this photo of your father Roscoe McClure (passed in 2016) and his friend, Dobbie Reese (passed in the late 1990s).

Do any of these faces or names look familiar? Share your favorite memories or special shoutouts to the amazing individuals from the graduating class of 1960 in the comments below. Let's celebrate their achievements and lasting legacies
🎉👏

01/13/2024

Emma Griggs, Founder of Griggs Business College, was a devout member of the Metropolitan Baptist Church (MBC) and served in the women's circles. Rev. S.A. Owen was the pastor and head of the State Baptist Convention. He also served as the chairman of the board of directors for Griggs College. MBC has and continues to be a staple in the black community. As we celebrate , let's also celebrate the churches that helped the Civil Rights Movement and the people that helped to make it possible.

Please enjoy the historic photos from the Metropolitan Baptist Church archives.

✨ Embrace Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream: 5 Powerful Ways to Make a Difference! ✨

Let's honor Martin Luther King Jr., a towering figure who dedicated his life to racial equality. 🙏 Here are five impactful ways we can continue his legacy together:
1️⃣ Educate 📚: Learn about MLK's life & teachings. Share his powerful speeches to promote understanding among friends & family.
2️⃣ Advocate 🗣️: Speak up against racism & discrimination. Participate in peaceful protests or join organizations working towards equality.
3️⃣ Volunteer 👐: Serve in your community. Engage in projects that uplift vulnerable individuals or contribute to social justice causes.
4️⃣ Celebrate 🎉: Attend local MLK Day events. Amplify his message by telling stories of hope & unity in your own circles.
5️⃣ Inspire 💫: Spread love & compassion in all interactions. Use your voice to encourage others to pursue justice & equality for all.
Let's embrace MLK's dream to create a world where every person is treated with dignity. Together we can make a difference! 🤝💜

11/07/2023

Happy Birthday to Carrie H., 1967 graduate of Griggs College 🥳

09/11/2023

Emma J. Griggs (1873-1948) founder of the Griggs Business and Practical Arts College, dedicated her life to the scholastic achievement and empowerment of the black community. Emma was part of an influential generation of black women born just after the Civil War who created schools and community organizations that became the building blocks of flourishing black urban centers in the post-slavery South.

thank you for making the vision a reality! Renovations will begin November 2023… stay tuned

06/06/2023

to say the least!🌟 what a dynamic duo and unshakable force

06/02/2023

We look forward to the future collaboration with Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls Code, and her team at Ascend Ventures. Using the site of the former college, creation of the Black Innovation Lab (BIL) will provide mentorship, investment, and a supportive ecosystem for socially and economically disadvantaged founders. The focus will be on tech and tech-enabled companies that tackle critical issues such as AI, climate change, sustainability, health tech, and more. The team believes that by nurturing these innovative ideas, BIL will create pathways to equity and generational wealth. BIL will empower marginalized founders, offering them more than just resources and opportunities. BIL will provide a refuge—a nurturing ecosystem where dreams can bloom, collaborations can be forged, and visions can take flight.

We wish them much success on their campaign to raise the necessary funding for program implementation and sustainability 🌟

A Legacy Reborn: Building Dreams on Hallowed Grounds Let me shar… Kimberly Bryant needs your support for A Reborn Legacy: Innovation at Griggs College