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Memphis lives and breathes Black history. This February, We Are Memphis presents Black Legacy Lives Here<\/strong>\u2014a month-long celebration of Black excellence, past, present, and future. We\u2019re spotlighting four educators and leaders shaping the next generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, we spoke with Terris Sheronda King who is moving Memphis\u2019 history forward with her voice both live on air and in the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WAM: Can you describe the unique work that you do and what inspired you to pursue it? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m a radio personality and a journalism professor at the University of Memphis. I take great pride in training the next generation of broadcasters. What inspired me to teach was a conversation with Stan Bell, a longtime Memphis radio legend. He told me many years ago that teaching broadcasting is different from teaching other subjects like English or Math. He told me that students in broadcasting are genuinely excited about learning the ins and outs of radio and the broadcast industry. He was right for the most part. It\u2019s that energy and enthusiasm from the students that makes it so fulfilling for me to teach. I love watching them grow, not just as students, but as future professionals. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n WAM: What are some key lessons or values you hope to impart to those who engage with your work? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As a radio personality and journalism professor, I aim to instill a deep passion for broadcasting and a commitment to integrity in my students. It is important that your audience trusts you. That is why it is equally important to really think critically about what comes out of your mouth. I encourage my students to be adaptable and innovative because the media landscape is always changing, and everyone is a media maker now. I also stress the value of collaboration, networking, and social responsibility, ensuring that students understand the power of their voices and the impact their words can have on the community. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n WAM: What aspects of Memphis\u2019 community or legacy have influenced your journey or mission? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Memphis has played a significant role in shaping both my personal and professional journey. The city\u2019s rich musical roots and its deep connection to social justice movements, has taught me the power of using your voice to influence change. As a radio personality, I draw inspiration from my city. I feel that Memphis thrives on community connection and resilience. In my work as a journalism professor, I emphasize the importance of understanding the local culture and what challenges we face. Journalism can also be used as a tool for social impact. I teach podcasting at the University of Memphis and last semester I required my students to podcast with a purpose. What changes can be made because of the research presented in your podcast? Memphis reminds me daily of the responsibility we have as journalists to reflect our communities truthfully including the changes that need to be made. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n WAM: Why do you think Memphis is an important place for the work you do? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Memphis is an important place for the work I do because it\u2019s where I was born and raised, and it\u2019s a city that truly embodies both its challenges and its incredible sense of community. Despite the struggles the city faces, there\u2019s a strong undercurrent of resilience and solidarity that surfaces during times of difficulty. As a radio personality, I\u2019ve seen firsthand how the community comes together through music, conversation, and shared experiences, and I love that for us. As a journalism professor, Memphis offers a unique backdrop for teaching my students the power of local stories\u2014stories that speak to the heart of the city\u2019s history, diversity, and collective strength. There\u2019s a responsibility to not only inform but also to amplify the voices of those whose stories are often overlooked, and Memphis provides a fertile ground for that kind of journalism. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n WAM: Why do you believe your work is especially important for the Black community in Memphis? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I believe my work is especially important for the Black community in Memphis because representation matters. As a Black woman who grew up in South Memphis and the Westwood area, I want Black students to see someone who looks like them thriving in spaces like radio and journalism. Too often, our communities are underrepresented or misrepresented in the media, and I strive to challenge that narrative. By being on the radio and teaching journalism, I\u2019m able to show that Black voices can lead, inform, and shape the conversation. I want my students to know that their stories matter, that their perspectives are powerful, and that they have a place in this industry. It\u2019s about empowering the next generation to not only see themselves in the media but to create it themselves\u2014making sure our narratives are told with authenticity, pride, and integrity. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n WAM: How do you see your work contributing to preserving or advancing Black legacy and culture? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I have been doing radio in Memphis since 1995, and over the years, I’ve made it my mission to represent the rich heritage as well as the culture. This is my city, and I have a deep love for the Black community in Memphis because I am a part of it. Whether through music, interviews, or community-focused topics, my work in radio serves as a platform to celebrate Black culture and bring attention to the issues that impact us. It\u2019s not just about entertainment\u2014it\u2019s about preserving and advancing our legacy and helping shape the future of Black Memphis. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n WAM: What are your hopes for the future of your work and its impact on Memphis? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It is my hope that someone is inspired by hearing me either on air or in the classroom to the point where they want to pursue their own voice in broadcasting or journalism. Whether it’s a student who feels encouraged to step into this industry or a listener who feels seen and heard, I want others to feel empowered to share their truth. I hope to contribute to a future where Memphis\u2019 diverse voices\u2014especially those from underrepresented communities\u2014are consistently highlighted and celebrated. My ultimate goal is for my students and my audience to realize the power they have to shape narratives, influence change, and connect with their communities in meaningful ways. If I can inspire even one person to believe in their own potential and see the importance of their story, I will feel that my work has made a lasting impact on Memphis. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n WAM: How would you encourage others in the Black community to follow in your footsteps or pursue work that enriches others? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As a Black woman in broadcasting and journalism, I would encourage others in the Black community to pursue work that enriches others while embracing the unique power of their voices and experiences. My mom always told me growing up that everyone has value, and our stories also have value, and they need to be heard from our perspective. Whether it\u2019s through radio, journalism, or any other field, I\u2019d tell them to lean into their passion and remain authentic. Don\u2019t try to emulate anyone else. You can have an impact just by being yourself. Use your platform to uplift your community, challenge stereotypes, and create opportunities for future generations. In our stories, there\u2019s healing, there\u2019s wisdom, and there\u2019s power\u2014don\u2019t ever underestimate what we bring to the table. My hope is that others don\u2019t just follow in my footsteps, but that they make an even bigger imprint by carving out their own paths and pushing boundaries even further. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n I am HER. I am the little black girl born in South Memphis, schooled in Westwood who dared to pursue my own path and use my talents to do what I love while making a difference in the lives of those who hear me. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Terris Sheronda King Radio Personality; Journalism Professor at The University of Memphis. Memphis lives and breathes Black history. This February, We Are Memphis presents Black Legacy Lives Here\u2014a month-long celebration of Black excellence, past, present, and future. We\u2019re spotlighting four educators and leaders shaping the next generation. Here, we spoke with Terris Sheronda King who is…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":28932,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[52,72],"tags":[5727,5729],"class_list":["post-28939","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-meet","category-memphian-stories","tag-black-legacy","tag-profile"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
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