JR Robinson

Memphis came alive on September 1st as the city celebrated its annual 901 Day with a spectacular event on iconic Beale Street. Organized by Mayor Paul Young and spearheaded by the talented Ladia Yates of LYE Academy, the festivities brought together thousands of Memphians for a day of music, dance, and community spirit.

A Day of Memphis Pride

Despite challenging weather conditions, the event was a resounding success, showcasing the resilience and enthusiasm of Memphis residents. The celebration featured a diverse lineup of local talent, highlighting the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene.

Star-Studded Performances

The event reached its peak with performances by some of Memphis' biggest names in music:

• Al Kapone, known for his hit "Whoop That Trick"
• Rising star Big Boogie, who headlined the event
• Memphis' own GloRilla, who received a special honor during the festivities

Honoring Memphis Talent

In a surprise moment that electrified the crowd, Memphis rapper GloRilla was presented with the key to the city. This gesture recognized her contributions to the local music scene and her role in putting Memphis on the national stage. GloRilla expressed her love for the city, telling the packed crowd on Beale Street, "I love y'all!"

Community Engagement

Mayor Paul Young's presence at the event underscored the city's commitment to supporting local culture and youth initiatives. The celebration included:

• A fashion show featuring local designers
• A youth talent showcase
• Poetry performances celebrating the city's literary talents
• A massive flash mob led by Ladia Yates, bringing together an estimated 7,000 Memphians in a display of unity and Memphis pride

Spotlight on Ladia Yates: The Driving Force Behind 901 Day

At the heart of this year's 901 Day celebration was Ladia Yates, a dynamic force in Memphis' dance and youth culture. As the founder and coach of L.Y.E Academy, Yates has been instrumental in nurturing young talent and preserving Memphis' unique dance traditions, particularly the city's signature style, Memphis jookin'.

Yates' involvement in 901 Day went far beyond her role as a dance instructor. She was the primary organizer of the event, working closely with Mayor Paul Young to create a celebration that truly captured the essence of Memphis. Her vision for the day included:

• Organizing the city's first-ever flash mob, showcasing the vibrant dance culture of Memphis
• Curating a diverse lineup of performances that represented various aspects of Memphis culture
• Ensuring that young talents had a platform to showcase their skills

Yates' commitment to the community extends beyond 901 Day. Recently, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award, signed by President Biden, recognizing her ongoing efforts to provide training in competitive hip-hop, Memphis jooking, tumbling, boxing, and competitive majorette to the Memphis community.

Her ability to bridge generations and cultures made her the perfect choice to lead this year's 901 Day celebrations. As Yates herself stated, "The number one thing about this event that's important to me is that it's unifying the community. So all I see is smiles and good vibes."

Looking to the Future

The success of 901 Day 2024 sets a new standard for community celebrations in Memphis. It demonstrated the city's ability to come together, celebrate its unique culture, and showcase emerging talent. As one attendee put it, "Great start to the fall season with #901Day downtown. Felt good to walk on Beale Street with all my Memphians!"

The event's triumph, despite the rain and competing activities across the city, is a testament to the hard work of Ladia Yates and her team, as well as the enduring spirit of Memphis. It's clear that 901 Day has cemented its place as a beloved tradition that will continue to unite and inspire Memphians for years to come.