Residents of South Memphis are prepping for a festive evening as Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, Commissioner Mickell M. Lowery, and South Memphis Alliance Founder Reginald Milton come together to celebrate the ninth annual Soulsville USA Holiday Tree Lighting. This community event, a neighborhood favorite since its inception in 2017, will take place this tomorrow, and once more, Walmart is stepping in to provide gifts for the children attending.
The tree lighting ceremony is set to honor Lar’Juanette Williams, a cherished community figure who passed away and was known for her tenure as the Executive Director of the Memphis Black Arts Alliance. Williams played a significant role in developing this event as a key holiday gathering for Shelby County families. The spectacle centers around the lighting of a towering 30-foot Christmas tree at Bellevue Boulevard and Beechwood Avenue, which will brighten the area throughout the holiday season, according to a statement obtained by Shelby County's announcement.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the event will present several musical performances featuring the iconic Queen of Memphis Soul, Carla Thomas, and artist Kortland Whalum. Attendees will enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, a visit from Santa Claus, readings, and the gift of holiday presents. Moreover, four notable Shelby County figures will be recognized as Shining Stars for their contributions in the arts and community service during the event: Kortland Whalum, Reverand Lemar Walker, Barbara Nesbit, and Rebecca Matlock-Huchison.
"The Soulsville USA Holiday Tree Lighting gets brighter every year," Mayor Lee Harris shared, emphasizing the growing brilliance of this local tradition and the strong communal bonds it represents. Commissioner Mickell M. Lowery also remarked on the privilege of representing South Memphis and District 8, expressing his pleasure in co-hosting the event that has become an signature sight of the season. Reginald Milton, reflecting on the event that welcomes in the holiday season, voiced his pleasure in seeing the celebration evolve into a pivotal event for South Memphis, praising the Soulsville USA Neighborhoods Development District (SNDD) for its exceptional partnership and the community's pride in calling Soulsville USA home, as per the Shelby County's announcement.
