Memphis is shining a light on Tom Lee, a local and national hero, as it prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lee’s legendary river rescue. Memphis River Parks Partnership invites the community to gather at Cossitt Library on May 8 at 2 p.m. for a Tom Lee Day celebration in honor of Lee, whose story continues to inspire generations.
This year’s event marks a special milestone in the ongoing “Tom Lee 100” celebration, a yearlong tribute to the Black man who, despite not being able to swim, rescued 32 people from a capsized steamboat in the mighty Mississippi River on May 8, 1925. One hundred years later, his selfless bravery still ripples through the heart of Memphis.
The afternoon will be filled with stories, creativity and community pride. One of the highlights is the announcement of winners of the fourth annual Tom Lee Poetry Contest, which drew a record 300 submissions from high school students across the city. University of Memphis professor, award-winning author and contest judge Marcus F. Wicker says poetry has a future in the hands of these students.
“This contest is about more than poetry — it’s about keeping Tom Lee’s spirit alive,” said Jasmine Coleman, the Memphis River Parks Partnership’s director of programming and engagement. She sees honoring Tom Lee as an opportunity for others to be inspired by his actions and motivated to become a new generation of heroes in the Memphis community.
Celebration guests will also be treated to the debut of “Shine On: The Story of Tom Lee,” a short film by Last Bite Films that beautifully captures the heroism of that fateful day and the enduring impact of one man’s actions. Last Bite Films also released a film, “Tom Lee Park: A Riverfront for Everyone,” about the remake of Tom Lee Park that can be viewed on WKNO.
Charmeal Neely-Alexander, one of Tom Lee’s descendants, will attend this year’s celebration with family members, along with members of the survivors’ families.
“Every year we are so excited to celebrate our ancestor, Tom Lee, and the legacy of love, courage and care for others he left us with. But this year is so special because it’s the 100 year anniversary,” said Neely-Alexander. “The fact that people are still hearing about what our great uncle did, 100 years later, means his rich legacy will live on, not only in our hearts, but the hearts of our community members. We are so excited to see this day and celebrate the extraordinary things this seemingly ordinary man did.”
Art Davis, acting CEO of the Memphis River Parks Partnership, says Tom Lee Day is “the pinnacle” of a year filled with tributes. “We hope our efforts will move our community to draw inspiration from Tom Lee’s courage, generosity and humanity. He inspires us every day at Tom Lee Park.”
The event is free and open to all, but RSVPs via Eventbrite are encouraged. Paid parking is available at Metro 67 (60 Madison Ave.) or Brinkley Plaza (20 Front Street) garages.
The reimagined Tom Lee Park, which bears Lee’s name, is more than the cornerstone of Memphis’ riverfront, the front door to the city. It is a living tribute to a man who changed lives, and a gathering place where courage and kindness take center stage.
For more information, visit: memphisriverparks.org or @memriverparks on Facebook and Instagram.
