TA + BBQ + 15 = This Week
Fifteen Years Ago, We Asked a Big Question.
What would it look like to catalyze good across Memphis?
Not just do good work—but inspire it, multiply it, and make it contagious.
Not just support one effort—but build a movement that supports many.
Not just talk about loving this city—but give people real ways to invest in it.
That’s how City Leadership was born. From the start, our mission has been simple: help leaders invest in and enjoy their lives in Memphis. And over the last 15 years, it's been incredible to see how that mission grows each week. And this week, we had something special: Choose901 got to sit down with the Grindfather himself—Tony Allen.
A Pep Talk From a Pro.
Tony Allen met with some players from Crosstown High’s basketball team and shared some serious wisdom. He talked about discipline—about how showing up early to train sets the tone, and how teammates need to match that energy. If they’re not putting in the extra work, they won't be able to keep up with what the rest of the team is putting in. Every player’s got to be on that level to really excel.
And honestly? That goes for Memphis too.
If we want to build something great, we’ve all got to show up early.
Give our best. Expect the same from one another.
Mentor young people. Support our teachers. Volunteer. Invest.
Memphis doesn’t move forward because of one player. It takes a team.
Let’s be the team that gives our all.
The City Leadership 15 Year Anniversary.
Our 15 Year Anniversary on May 1st is less than ONE WEEK away! We have so much to celebrate in the coming weeks! We'll be sharing stories and historical pictures on our Instagram, so make sure you're following us.
Below, we've got a sneak peak about a few things we have in store.
City Leadership at Smokeslam.
This year, City Leadership will be celebrating 100s of people who INVEST & ENJOY the 901 by partnering with Mempho’s Smokeslam! The leaders there are very generous about giving back and have worked hard to design events throughout the year for Memphians to enjoy and people from all over to enjoy Memphis.
Everyone should come out to SmokeSlam and when you do, come by our tent to see us. Two nights will have special themes…
Thursday night the 15th is Teach901 Night – A special teacher appreciation bash just for our city’s educators.
Friday night the 16th is Choose901 Alumni Night – We’re throwing a party to celebrate 15 years of City Leadership with all the BBQ, community, and Memphis pride you can handle.
Teacher Appreciation- May 8th at Chick-Fil-A on Union.
Mark your calendars! We’re teaming up with our friends at Chick-fil-A on Union Avenue for a full-day Teacher Appreciation Event.
A portion of every sale will go directly to Teach901, fueling work that supports teacher recruitment and retention. And we’ll be out there with giveaways and prizes for teachers all day long.
Come grab a chicken sandwich, thank a teacher, and support the heroes shaping our city’s future.
This is only Chick-fil-a in Midtown this year, but it is all purchases all day long.
May 8th - Midtown - Funding Teacher Appreciation!!
Looking Back to Look Forward.
As we look back on everything that's happened in the last 15 years, it's important to use those stories to catalyze us to move forward.
This is the question we’re asking now.
What happens when your story becomes part of the next 15-year journey?
When you show up early and give it everything you’ve got?
When every player is all in?
