Orange Mound, Memphis

[1][failed verification][dubious – discuss] Built on the grounds of the former Deaderick plantation, the Orange Mound subdivision was developed for African Americans in the 1890s to provide affordable land and residences for the less wealthy.

[citation needed] Orange Mound is bounded by Semmes St. to the east, (bordering the University of Memphis district) and by Lamar and Kimball Avenues to the south.

The Southern Avenue & IC Railroad tracks that cross in front of the Mid-South Coliseum form the northern & western borders while separating it from the Belt Line and Midtown.

The streets outlining the plantation that originally existed on that ground were Goodwyn St on the east, Park Ave on the south and Airways at the southwest.

Although the streets of the early Orange Mound were unpaved, it was a vibrant community in which a mix of residences, businesses, churches, and cultural centers flourished.

In the fall of 2009, Melrose High School opened its stadium with new state of the art technology, new field, bleachers, and park.

Alumni of the high school are taking it upon themselves to become more involved in the lives of the upcoming generation in order to ensure a brighter future.

A group called the Mid-South Peace & Justice Center helped neighborhood residents to create the Orange Mound Community Garden.

[5] Churches in Orange Mound, and throughout Memphis, have played a critical role in developing community leaders and fostering stability.

This church played a role in the Civil Rights Movement by assisting activists jailed for their activities in support of racial equality.

The hit rap duo 8 Ball & MJG (Premro Smith and Marlon Jermain Goodwin) grew up in Orange Mound.