General contractor and Melrose High School grad Dwayne Jones taking first steps to help re-brand his beloved Orange Mound’s profile with opportunities. photo by Don Mooney
by Don Mooney 6-22-2024
Memphis, TN—Its an obvious admission that Memphis’ geo-location has a direct impact on the economic health in the U. S. By maritime, over the road trucking or global overnight delivery FEDx, the city is a major contributor economic engine the our U.S. marketplace.
Warren W. Patten Jr shares insightful suggestions for future fathers. photo by Don Mooney
So it’s not surprising that Saturday’s TEDx event envisions Memphis expanding into the marketplace of ideas. This Saturday, at the Orange Mound Community Center, the preliminary groundwork was laid by a team of visionaries and residents with longtime ties to Orange Mound, led by businessman Dwayne Jones.
Orange Mound native Dr. Mario D. Wallace shares an unique approach to addressing gangs. photo by Don Mooney
For Jones, whose profession as a general contractor, familiar with building from the ground up, laid the foundation of speakers and volunteers from the ‘Mound’ who have ties with the community and have a track record and background of service in the community.
Carey Moore spotlighted her Orange Mound non-profit and its service to the community. photo by Don Mooney
WHY ORANGE MOUND
Speaking with Jones, I asked the question, “why Orange Mound? There may be those scratching their heads and scowling, “Orange Mound! Why not Collierville or Germantown?” Dwayne Jones provides a view from within instead of out. “I’m aware of the negative press and reputation the community has. TEDx events give our residents, particularly our young people, another route to outlet with ideas, said Jones. Everybody can’t be a sports star, a rapper, or doctor and attorney. This gives our young people another avenue.”
Attendees like Cheryl Henderson, lives, works and serves in the historic Orange Mound at the social enterprise My Cup Of Tea, and says she’s here to support all the speakers. “I never heard of TED Talk, shared Henderson. I’m super excited about change. Change not just for Orange Mound but change for the city of Memphis”
Austin Avery III, Laresia Avery, & Josiah Avery focus on a unified household. photo by Don Mooney
Addressing the audience at the end of of Saturdays session, Jones admits there’s a big pool of servants to choose from in Orange Mound. He plans to use a similar format going forward. “I want the talks to be diverse and represent the wide swatch of diverse ideas and brand the community in a positive light,” said Jones. This afternoons presenters were indeed diverse. Among many offerings of ideas some reflected on unifying the family household, outside the box approaches to addressing gang activity and even just being a good and present father.
Dr. Sharron J. Brown, USA Georgia Goodwill Ambassador, UN Ambassador. photo by Don Mooney
In the spirit of TED’s mission, “ideas worth spreading,” the TEDx program helps communities, organizations and individuals produce TED-style events at the local level. TEDx events are planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis, under a free license from TED. Jones noted after a couple of three-months of evaluations with the TED committee the results will determine what and when the next move will happen.
Jones was surprised with recognition of his community efforts by the White House. photo by Don Mooney
Although his profession has taken his to numerous place across this country Jones has Orange Mound in his blood. A graduate of Melrose and Tennessee State he wants to thank all that participated. Today Jones uses his vast knowledge and lends his acquired skillset to building projects in the city. ” I live here, I work here, says Jones.