Vision 2.0 Programs
Learn the Memphis Model
Lesson summary: After centuries of adversity, a unifying diversity. The Memphis economy declined sharply after 1968 and fell behind other major cities in the South. In 1977 & later, the diverse founders of Memphis in May made their shared efforts a catalyst for change that sparked a rebirth, especially in Downtown Memphis.


New Visions Conference
The New Visions Conference will be an annual 3-day gathering, currently planned to take place at the Orpheum Theatre and Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education, along with partner hotel/s, to bring together diverse new visionaries and prospective collaborators and supporters to meet, learn from each other, and work together.
The event is projected to start with a Friday evening kick-off reception with all participants, followed by a day of panel discussions, a Saturday evening networking gala, then a final get-together on Sunday where Memphians with new visions and innovations for the city can initiate significant discussions with co-creators, civic allies, potential sponsors, and mentors who might help bring concepts to light and life in myriad ways. The first New Visions Conference is in the planning stages for 2025.
New Visions Exchange


Vision 2.0 Mixers
Rebirth on the River Documentary
REBIRTH ON THE RIVER is a documentary about how a diverse group of Black and white Memphians came together for a common cause after the Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike and the tragic passing of Dr. Martin Luther King in 1968. These two unfortunate events sparked a cultural and economic depression that lasted for more than a decade. The unique group of young leaders coalesced around a shared vision to help turn their city around. They created THE MEMPHIS MODEL of diverse people working successfully together.

