Community gathering at Tom Lee Park in preparation for the anniversary celebrations.
As May 2025 approaches, Memphis is set to honor the heroic legacy of Tom Lee, who rescued 32 people from the Mississippi River in 1925. The city is planning extensive celebrations, including park renovations and community events to remember Lee’s courage and spark conversations about heroism and unity. This celebration will encapsulate not just Lee’s contributions, but also the spirit of community that thrives in Memphis. Join the festivities as the city reflects on its rich history and the importance of selflessness.
The vibrant city of Memphis is buzzing with excitement as May 2025 approaches, marking the 100th anniversary of a truly heartwarming tale of courage and heroism. Who could forget the inspiring story of Tom Lee? This incredible man made waves when, in 1925, he rescued 32 souls from the treacherous waters of the Mississippi River after their boat, the M.E. Norman, capsized 15 miles south of Memphis. His story of bravery is not just a chapter in history; it’s an eternal reminder of the selflessness and grit of the human spirit!
Tom Lee wasn’t just an everyday name in Memphis; he was an African American roustabout known for making regular runs on a skiff from Memphis to Helena, Arkansas. On that fateful day, he stood alone as the only witness to the disaster. With the current raging around him, Tom Lee—who, by the way, couldn’t even swim—raced into the chaos. He made five heroic trips to rescue people, each time risking his own life. It’s hard to grasp the sheer determination and courage he possessed in those dire moments.
Thanks to Lee’s incredible bravery, he was rightly celebrated as a hero. The city of Memphis showered him with love and gratitude, offering him numerous accolades, one of which was recognition from President Calvin Coolidge! Not just that, but the very survivors he saved gifted him and his wife with a furnished house. Talk about a community coming together! Can you imagine the warmth and joy they felt each Christmas as they received food and gifts from grateful families?
After Tom Lee passed away in 1952, Memphis wanted to ensure that his legacy lived on. They promptly renamed the riverfront park to Tom Lee Park, and even erected a tall obelisk in his honor—not once, but twice, since storms brought it down! In 2006, a magnificent bronze statue of Tom Lee was unveiled in the park, serving as a powerful reminder of his heroic deeds. Since then, the park has undergone a remarkable $60 million renovation to bring it back to life, and it’s buzzing with updates!
The city isn’t stopping there! The park is in the midst of improvements, bringing in a fresh public artwork titled “A Monument to Listening” by renowned artist Theaster Gates. This installation is specially designed to spark conversations about heroism, community, and racial equity. The essence of what Tom Lee stood for is palpable in these creative expressions! The new park developments also include spaces for health and wellness and facilities for community events, making it a lively hub for everyone!
Every year, Tom Lee Day brings people together to honor his contributions while encouraging everyone to engage in acts of kindness and selflessness. As part of this celebration, high school students are invited to participate in the exciting poetry and spoken word contest named after him. It’s a thrilling opportunity for young creative minds to express their thoughts and ideals inspired by Lee’s values, with prizes and performances adding to the festive atmosphere.
Tom Lee’s extraordinary story is echoed in the city through various statues and monuments dedicated to other remarkable African American figures, including the fearless Ida B. Wells and music legends like B.B. King and W.C. Handy. It’s clear that Memphis holds a treasure trove of history, each monument telling its own unique story.
As Memphis approaches this milestone anniversary, the community beckons to all, inviting them to reflect on heroism and the extraordinary courage embodied in Tom Lee’s legacy. So, mark your calendars and join in the festivities! Let’s celebrate not just a hero, but the spirit of community that thrives in the heart of Memphis!
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