Northeast Preparatory Academy, an alternative school within Memphis-Shelby County Schools, now has a new basketball court behind its building, part of the Memphis Grizzlies' Dream Court initiative honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. The court features a mural from Memphis artist Siphne Sylve, who is originally from New Orleans and has created artwork across the city.
According to WREG, Northeast Preparatory Academy did not previously have a gym or basketball court, and the school has a playground next to the building where school officials said teachers try to keep students away from aging equipment. The Memphis Grizzlies Dream Court, presented by FedEx, is described by the Memphis Grizzlies as a manifestation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring vision of equality, unity and community empowerment. The program transforms basketball courts across Shelby County and aims to encourage youth to dream bigger.
A Mural Rooted in King's Words
Sylve spent two weeks working on the court's mural, per the station's report, creating imagery meant to encourage viewers to feel empowered, connected and included. The design draws inspiration from Dr. King's speech known as Keep Moving From This Mountain, and includes binoculars representing vision, mountains referencing the speech, obstacles representing challenges people must overcome, and stars and clouds representing dreams and aspirations.
Sylve said art has the power to move people, and described Memphis as a special place, according to the same account. The new court, WREG reported, will be ready for students very soon.
How the Program Has Grown in Memphis
The Dream Court effort has already reshaped at least one other Memphis space. The first renovated court in the series was at the Bernal Smith Boys & Girls Club, where the project included a renovated court, new paint, new lighting, wall padding, new locker rooms and creative graphics, per the Grizzlies.
Northeast Preparatory Academy operates under the district's Alternative Schools program, whose mission, according to the school's own site, is to establish a nontraditional academic program designed to meet the educational, behavioral and social needs of students, as noted by Northeast Preparatory Academy. The school serves grades 9 through 12 and enrolls roughly 250 students, according to a profile on DonorsChoose, which also lists an estimated 95% of students as eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
Applications Open for Future Dream Courts
Communities hoping for their own Dream Court have a window to apply. Requests must be submitted between Friday and October 31, 2026, the Grizzlies said. Review of applications will begin November 16, 2026, with recipients notified no later than January 11, 2027.
