Lighting up history: Memphis River Parks Partnership honors Tom Lee in 100th anniversary celebration
Lauren Turman | ABC24
The annual 'This Is Memphis' celebration featured a special tribute to local hero Tom Lee, highlighting his life-saving legacy.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The annual celebration 'This Is Memphis' kicked off at Beale Street Landing on Saturday, Feb. 1. This year, the Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) and TVA highlighted Tom Lee Park in a new way.
A special tribute was held for Memphian Tom Lee and Tom Lee Park. In 1925, Lee saved 32 people during a sternwheeler accident in the Mississippi River, marking the incident's 100th anniversary.
"It means so much to us," said Charmeal Neely-Alexander, a descendant of Lee. "We truly appreciate the honor and hope this shows the compassion we need today."
During a special announcement, the nonprofit organization detailed plans to recognize Lee at 901 Day with a lantern parade featuring at least 100 lanterns crafted by Memphians.
"We want Memphians to know that this is their park, and their history" said Art Davis, the acting CEO of Memphis River Parks Partnership.
"We hope they appreciate the riverfront and see this as a place where they can come together to enjoy the beauty of it all" he added.
Mayor Paul Young also joined the celebration with the MRPP, calling it an exciting time for the city to embrace new developments.
The MRPP has raised over $80 million for public parks in Memphis, and will host workshops leading up to this year's 901 Day.