An affiliate of Black Lives Matter is looking to hit Memphis, Tennessee, where it hurts: They plan to “shut down” the annual Elvis Week.
Protesters with the Memphis Coalition of Concerned Citizens say they’re planning a “mass demonstration” at Elvis’s Memphis home, Graceland mansion. They’ve pledged specifically to disrupt Monday’s candlelight vigil in memory of the King.
They’re targeted Graceland, they say, because the home demonstrates “financial inequality.” The 7,500-square-foot house, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, operates as a museum, and has been unoccupied since 1993.
They also claim that the new “Guest House at Graceland,” a resort-style hotel slated to open in the fall, is harming their community. Black Lives Matter says they’re concerned that they have seen no “trickle down” wealth from the 450-room facility. The facility has not made money yet, however; its “opening ceremonies” are tentatively scheduled for Halloween weekend.
The Memphis Black Lives Matter protesters have been active since the death a year ago of Darrius Stewart, a African-American teen who was being held following a traffic stop when he attacked several officers. Officer Conner Schilling shot and killed the unarmed Stewart in the ensuing melee.
Memphis Police and DOJ investigations into Stewart’s death are ongoing. A grand jury recently declined the opportunity to charge Schilling, but Stewart’s family has filed a $17 million wrongful death suit against the city.
This will be Memphis Black Lives Matter’s third major protest since last month, where they revealed their list of demands to Memphis city officials. Demands include a new police director, an investigation into why there isn’t more public funding for African-American business in Memphis, more funding for community centers and crime-prevention programs, and cultural sensitivity training for officers.
Memphis officials say the demands will take time, but Memphis Black Lives Matter isn’t patient. They say they will continue to protest until all requests are addressed, even if that includes disrespecting “the King.”
Organizers for the Elvis-centric event say that they’ve beefed up security and do not believe party-goers will be in any danger.
