“...Memphis Mayor A C Wharton tried to reassure visitors that Memphis was mostly dry and open for business.”
I noticed he left out the word “safe” while describing Memphis.
I was there in ‘97 and thought downtown Memphis, with the exception of Beale Street and Mud Island, looked kinda run-down. The area by the National Civil Rights Museum (f/k/a the Lorraine Motel) was kinda cruddy-looking. My then-GF and I saw several cops as we walked two blocks from the trolley to the museum. I think they were a little worried about tourists (like us) getting hassled or robbed in this neighborhood.
But then again, that was back in ‘97. Maybe thney’ve cleaned up the downtown area. OTOH, I hear the rest of Memphis is a crime-ridden pit.
I used to drive through a lot and was nervous just driving through on the interstate.
I’d love to go to Memphis in May but am afraid to.