Memphis, TN – October 2, 2023 – The Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority (MMLBA) and
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Phi Lambda Omega Chapter (AKA) proudly announce a
pioneering partnership aimed at rejuvenating Memphis neighborhoods through the establishment of a
community garden. This groundbreaking program, known as the “Adopt-A-Lot Program,” will breathe
new life into vacant lots, creating flourishing green spaces that not only benefit residents but also
champion sustainable urban development.
“We are excited to embark on this community-focused pilot initiative alongside Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority, Incorporated® Phi Lambda Omega Chapter, known for their trailblazing spirit,” said Michael
O. Harris, President and CEO of MMLBA. “This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to
strengthen communities by holding, engaging, acquiring, revitalizing, and disposing of blighted
properties (H.E.A.R.D.). Collectively, we will create a beautiful green space that contributes to the
overall health and well-being of the residents in the Alcy Ball community.”
Dansherryl Ford-Knapp, President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Phi Lambda Omega
Chapter, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This partnership is a phenomenal
opportunity to optimize our collective ability to improve and enhance the environment in alignment
with our international and local programming. Together, with MMLBA we will continue to prioritize
activities that promote the adoption of more sustainable and responsible practices in the Alcy Ball
community.”
The inaugural event for the Adopt-A-Lot Partnership is scheduled to take place with a ribbon-cutting
ceremony on Sunday, October 8, 2023, starting at 2 p.m. The event will be held at the community
garden’s location, 2433 Corry Street, Memphis, TN 38114.
Moreover, AKA’s dedication to this initiative has been significantly reinforced with the award of a
$2,500 grant from MMLBA. This pivotal funding was made possible through a grant that MMLBA had
previously secured from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) last year.Additional grant
funding is available now for community groups with projects on MMLBA owned properties. For
additional information about the Adopt-A-Lot Program and Grant, please visit
https://www.memphistn.gov/adopt-a-lot/ or contact [email protected] .
About Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority
Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority (MMLBA) is a quasi-governmental agency, chartered as
an instrumentality of the City of Memphis – as Blight Authority of Memphis (BAM) in 2015 – to
address urban blight, by strategically acquiring, managing, and transferring blighted, vacant, and
abandoned properties for productive uses – within the City of Memphis, by virtue of T.C.A. 13-30-101.
MMLBA’s vision is “Every Community Blight Free.”
About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is an international service organization that was founded at
Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek letter organization established
by African American college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is comprised of nearly 300,000
members in 1,024 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, Liberia, the Bahamas, the
U.S. Virgin Islands, Germany, South Korea, Bermuda, Japan, Canada, South Africa and the Middle East.
Phi Lambda Omega Chapter has served the Memphis community for more than twenty-two years
supporting the YWCA of Greater Memphis, National Kidney Foundation, American Heart Association,
Hattiloo Theater, Refugee Empowerment Program, Boys and Girls Club of Memphis and many other
servant leaders and community organizations. Annually, Phi Lambda Omega awards more than
$20,000 in academic and community service scholarships to high school students in the Memphis
community.
Media Contact:
Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority
President, Michael O. Harris
901-303-0170
[email protected]
Phi Lambda Omega Chapter
Communications Chair, Jerica Phillips
901-834-4470
[email protected]