From Mexico and Argentina to Ecuador, Panama, and many more, our local Latinx community is diversely comprised of folks who bring their own flair to the Bluff City.
There’s an entire network of organizations who are making moves for these Memphians to propel their collective community forward.
Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group
“We are never not educating someone,” Sanchez said. “Our plays are bilingual—Español y Inglés,” says Sanchez. “So people who speak Spanish learn their lines in English, and those who speak English get a chance to learn their lines in Spanish. We are a multicultural group made up of Colombians, Argentines, Mexicans, etc., and we’re a family-friendly theatre with everybody from mothers to sons to grandparents represented—so there are many opportunities for everyone to learn from one another and broaden their horizons.”
With a decade of operation under their belt, Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group exists as Memphis and Mississippi’s first bilingual theatre group founded by five women who wanted to share their love of theatre with the Latinx community in Memphis. With a mission to bridge cultures and connections through the arts, the nonprofit organization aims to be both a resource for learning and an outlet for self expression.
CasaLuz
CasaLuz provides crucial services to the Latinx community in Memphis and Shelby County, focusing on assisting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes. They offer legal, educational, and emotional support, ensuring a brighter, safer future for individuals and families. Their commitment to culturally sensitive assistance bridges language barriers and fosters empowerment. Learn more about CasaLuz Memphis.
LATINO Memphis
“As the primary provider of services to this community, we have dedicated ourselves to the idea that every Latino Memphian should have the opportunity and resources to become an engaged and active participant in making our city great.” – Mauricio Calvo
Since its beginning in 1995, Latino Memphis has grown to be largest Latino-serving nonprofit in West Tennessee—offering services through several key programs like, El Centro, Derechos, and Tu Voz, to assist with matters concerning health, education, community engagement, immigration services, and more. Not only has their staff dedicated themselves to being service providers for this community, but they have opportunities for others to lend a hand, whether Spanish-speaking or not.
In partnership with We Are Memphis, Latino Memphis has launched Somos Memphis, an online platform made to boost local Latinx voices and to provide vital insights and assistance in understanding and supporting the Latinx community.
Multinational Memphis
“I know the struggle some of these kids are going through with learning a new language and navigating a school system; but at the same time, they are experiencing more than what I did with social media pressuring them with what’s normal and how they aren’t.” – Erick Ramos, former Youth Director at Multinational Memphis.
As the oldest and largest refugee/immigrant ministry in Memphis, it’s no surprise that immigrants from all over the world come to Multinational Memphis in hopes of finding community and support for their transition in life. By providing safe spaces for folks to freely be themselves, and utilizing programming like English For Moms and their elementary after-school homework help, families are able to feel that their cultures are valued and accepted—and will only add to what Memphis has to offer.
Interested in volunteering with Multinational Memphis? Because of the large number of people that MM serves, they need all the help they can get. Submit an application today to hear about their opportunities.
Refugee Empowerment Program
Dedicated to nurturing the growth and success of the refugee community, the Refugee Empowerment Program offers educational programs, social services, and community engagement initiatives. They empower refugees to thrive in Memphis by providing the tools and support necessary to overcome challenges and build self-sufficient, flourishing lives. Explore more about the Refugee Empowerment Program.
Su Casa Family Ministries
Su Casa Memphis has been bridging the gap between first generation Hispanic immigrants and resident Memphians since its birth in 2005 when it was developed in response to the problem of language barriers. With their two main programs, Adult English Classes and a faith-based, bilingual pre-school program for 1-4 year olds, they aid the Latinx immigrant community in Memphis by offering hands-on instruction to help them better connect with the greater Memphis community.
Learn more about their Adult Classes:
Learn more about their Pre-school Program here.
If you’re interested in being a part of the good work they are doing, learn more about volunteer opportunities with Su Casa here or make a donation here.
Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) stands as a beacon of support and advocacy for the immigrant and refugee community within Tennessee, playing a vital role in the lives of many, including the growing Latinx population. Based in Nashville and operating all over the state, TIRRC operates with a commitment to empowering immigrants and refugees to develop a unified voice, defend their rights, and create an atmosphere in which their diverse cultures are respected and celebrated.
By offering a robust array of services, such as educational programs, legal assistance, and community engagement initiatives, TIRRC effectively addresses the needs of immigrants and refugees at multiple levels. One of their key programs, “Welcoming Tennessee,” aims to bridge the cultural divides and foster a spirit of understanding and cooperation among all residents, irrespective of their origins.
World Relief Memphis
What started as simple English classes in a two-bedroom apartment in Bartlett has transformed into one of Memphis’ welcome centers to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. World Relief Memphis has been serving people from all over the world since 2012, offering refugee resettlement, employment, legal, and language learning services. With 100+ students from over 28 countries, ranging from Venezuela to Kenya, WRM seeks to understand, respect, and empower those individuals to build upon their new-found freedoms.
Volunteers and partners are crucial to the fulfillment of World Relief’s vision for transformation in the lives of the people it serves. Learn more about how you can support their efforts here.
Latinx MEDIA in Memphis
Butron Media is a cornerstone of Hispanic media in Memphis, operating popular stations like Radio Ambiente and La Jefa Radio. Known for broadcasting a high frequency of Hispanic music and radio shows, Butron Media has established itself as the go-to source for entertainment and information in the Latinx community. Their stations provide a mix of music, talk shows, and community updates, creating an engaging listening experience for a diverse audience that values cultural relevance in their daily media consumption.
El Informante, run by two dedicated moms, focuses on empowering women in the Mid-South. This outlet’s mission goes beyond typical news reporting by fostering an empowering platform for women, with content that includes success stories, resources, and guidance tailored to uplift and inspire.
El Informante is working with the School Seed Foundation to publish the third edition of the directory for newcomers, ¡Hola Memphis!. The goal is to place a free directory in the hands of immigrants and newcomers who are seeking resources. Take a peep at the second edition here.
El Gallo Radio 104.1FM, though a newcomer to the Memphis radio scene, quickly established itself with a diverse playlist that spans various genres, reflecting the rich musical heritage of Latin America. This station not only entertains but also serves as a cultural bridge, bringing the rhythms of Latin America to Memphis and enriching the city’s auditory landscape.
La Prensa Latina Hispanic News
La Prensa Latina is not a nonprofit, per se, but as the Mid-South’s largest bilingual news source, its an essential part of the community. While most of us rarely have to think about how and where to access the news, others rely on multilingual media to stay in the know. Local journalism does the important work of connecting and engaging people with their neighborhoods and cities, and La Prensa Latina is an important part of that effort here in Memphis. You can check out their news updates here, and see each E-Edition of their paper here.
Radio Nueva Vida 105.5FM has been a beacon for the Christian Hispanic community in Memphis for over seven years. Featuring a mix of talk shows and music, all broadcast in Spanish, this station provides spiritual and cultural nourishment to its listeners. It stands out for its commitment to uplifting content and community service, making it a vital part of daily life for many of its faithful listeners.
Telemundo Memphis is making waves as a fresh and dynamic presence in the local media landscape, catering specifically to the Latinx community. This new outlet provides culturally relevant programming including news, entertainment, and educational content, all broadcast in Spanish. It serves as a crucial platform for engagement, offering local news coverage and special features that resonate with the unique challenges and successes of Memphis’ Latinx residents. Telemundo Memphis not only informs but also connects and uplifts the community by highlighting Latinx culture and achievements.
