GRIGGS LEGACY PROJECT

What’s historic about the former site of the Griggs Business and Practical Arts College? Perhaps a better question would be: what isn’t? This iconic building dates back to the 1850s, but its story as an educational institution began in 1916 in the modest living room of Emma and Rev. Sutton Griggs. Starting as a small school with classes in practical skills like cooking and sewing, it rapidly evolved into a full-fledged college offering courses in fields such as radio and television broadcasting, accounting, and business administration. For decades, Griggs served as one of Memphis' three Black-owned colleges, educating generations until its closure in 1976.

 

Griggs College cultivated a remarkable roster of alumni who left lasting impacts across numerous sectors. Many of its graduates went on to hold influential roles, such as Kathryn Bowers ('62), who served in state office, and J.P. Murrell, recognized nationally as the National Urban League’s "Man of the Year." Another trailblazer, Mary Ann Johnson ('67), shattered glass ceilings as the first Black woman executive at 20th Century Fox. Griggs students also contributed profoundly to the civil rights movement, with their 1960 sit-ins drawing the attention of President John F. Kennedy and underscoring the school’s influence in the fight for social justice. Today, Griggs College stands as a testament to the resilience, ambition, and achievements of Black history in Memphis.