Black History Month: A time to celebrate everything that’s beautiful and black.
The top of our list? Black businesses and the entrepreneurs who birthed them and nurtured them to success. These business owners represent a small but mighty number of courageous visionaries, pioneers and risk-takers.
According to a recent study by Lending Tree, despite what the political climate says, the number of black business owners is trending up. The study states that black businesses in the United States grew from 2.7% in 2021 to 3.3% 2022, and Atlanta holds steady as the city with the most black entrepreneurs.
Where does Memphis rank? The Bluff City appears in the top five, as has been the case for the last several years, coming in at No. 4 (moving up one spot from the previous year). While it’s true that black business owners disproportionately comprise only 9.3% of the Memphis’ business owner population, the numbers continue to climb. It’s with the spirit of hope, progress and aspiration that we have chosen to spotlight black-owned businesses who call Memphis home for Black History Month. Who knows? You might even see #BlackBusinessesinMemphis highlighted next month, too. Because … #blackexcellence.
Black History Lives in “A Tour of Possibilities”
Carolyn Michael-Banks started her business, A Tour of Possibilities, an in-person and virtual black historical sightseeing tour business, based on a belief that anything is possible. She first realized this was true when she was a teenager living in the projects in Bronx, New York, and had an opportunity to visit Ghana, West Africa, with her mother for a month.
“That was an experience that changed the trajectory of my life,” Michael-Banks said.
That trip planted the seed, and her work as a tour guide for a sightseeing tour company in Washington, DC, in the late 1980s watered it.
“I was the general manager of the national company’s D.C. operation, and I added African American history to the script. My CEO was not pleased,” said Michael-Banks.
Shortly after, she found herself relocated to Savannah, Georgia, and a bit later, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There she researched and developed tour routes, wrote scripts and trained tour guides, who also covered African American history because she felt it needed to be part of the stories they shared.
“My company started because the contributions of African Americans in history was not being included on traditional tours, but it’s a part of the story that needed to be told.”
Carolyn Michael-Banks
The last straw, or the seminal turning point: Michael-Banks was downsized (translation: fired) and devastated. But through her pain, she birthed A Tour of Possibilities in Philadelphia.
“My company started because the contributions of African Americans in history was not being included on traditional tours, but it’s a part of the story that needed to be told,” said Michael-Banks.
“Giving tours with this historical focus gives us a platform that can be used to tell stories often not taught in our schools, at a time when laws are being passed and policies put in place to make sure this information is not taught,” she said.
Fast forward to 2025, A Tour of Possibilities (ATOP) has served thousands of tourists and Memphians, and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in Memphis, which Michael-Banks considers her greatest accomplishment.
“Being a first-generation entrepreneur without anyone’s footsteps to follow presents its challenges,” said Michael-Banks. “One of my biggest is still being one of Memphis’ best kept secrets. Marketing can be extremely costly, and there is no guarantee on your (return on investment).
“But the rewards outweigh them all. We have a great reputation and have been well-received by the community and have consistent five-star ratings on Trip Advisor to prove that our guests are pleased with what they have intentionally chosen to experience.”
A Tour of Possibilities Today
Michael-Banks operates her African American historical sightseeing business with two independent contractors, Jackie Murray and Devin Emory. Their tours include more than a dozen historical sites throughout downtown and South Memphis.
“I believe the service we provide is needed now more than ever. For me, the awareness of our past, our resistance and resilience, is what motivates me,” said Michael-Banks.
The trio not only serves tourists but has elevated the brand by working with local business staples like MLGW, Memphis Grizzlies, the City of Memphis, Pinnacle Bank, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the University of Memphis. ATOP has become part of these companies’ onboarding and orientation programs.
“We are excited to share the richness of Memphis’ history with not only visitors but with those who call this city home, especially employers seeking to invest in their employees’ professional development,” said Michael-Banks.
When asked what advice she would give to potential entrepreneurs, Michael-Banks said, “Learn as much about your industry, work in it (if possible) and get an understanding of what is required to make your vision come to fruition.
“Use the free resources available to you to help you put your vision on paper and develop a plan to execute,” she said. “Knowing the business side is what will keep you in business.”
Fun Fact: Travel and African American history gave us A Tour of Possibilities. But Daniel Banks helped deliver ATOP to Memphis. Michael-Banks met her husband in his hometown of Philadelphia when he was visiting from his current home in Memphis. And the rest is herstory … of the African American persuasion.
Learn more about A Tour of Possibilities on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Website: www.atopmemphis.com
