MEMPHIS, TN, November 13, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- This national news release is titled: "University of Memphis: City of Memphis Institutional Racism" In 1988 Anthony "Amp" Elmore wrote, produced, directed, scored, help edit and star in "The 1st Kickboxing Film in World Film History titled "The Contemporary Gladiator." This message is a warning to the reader to note that this story is a manifesto not a quick read.

Even more important this story of the "University of Memphis: City of Memphis Institutional Racism" points to he historic election victory called on November 11, 2026 of "Scott Colom" the 1st Black elected Senator from the State of Mississippi. Mississippi gets its 1st Black United States Senator whereas Memphis gets "Charlie Hatcher" a White Dairy farmer lives in Williamson County near Nashville. Charlie Hatcher is part of the new "White Power" that represents Memphis in Washington D.C.

Most important this story introduce "Memphis Jim Crow 2026." Memphis, Tennessee is the city where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed on April 4, 1968 wherein "Memphis Jim Crown 2026" it is Black Betrayal in Memphis wherein its Black Memphis leaders who discriminate against Blacks in Memphis whereas historical facts in Memphis proves "Black on Black Racism in Memphis."

Please click here to see our 15min video titled: University of Memphis City of Memphis Institutional Racism

Our video presentation provides words, pictures and tell a story that writing simple cannot express. We tell a comprehensive Story via a News story coupled with videos.

Let us first prove via documented facts regarding Memphis Black on Black Racism. The 2010 Griffin/Strong disparity study proves Memphis Black on Black Racism, wherein out of over 2,800 businesses registered to do business with the City of Memphis under the Black Memphis Mayor Dr. W.W. Herenton only six were Black and most were caterers or janitors. Black Memphis Mayor Dr. W.W. Herenton faithfully protected and carried out Memphis White Supremacy and Black on Black Racism.

The numbers revealed the facts wherein the 2010 Griffin & Strong disparity Study: Out of $1.16 billion in commercial construction contracts awarded to prime contractors in the Memphis Metropolitan Area (July 2003 through December 2007), $1.15 billion—or 99.24%—went to white male-owned companies. Under the Black Memphis Mayor Dr. W.W. Herenton Black Businesses did not gain ever a whole percentage of business with the City of Memphis a record that would make President Trump and MAGA blush.

The way that such disparity is explained is simply Blacks were not qualified. Many people do research, whereas Anthony "Amp" Elmore has direct experience regarding Memphis "Black on Black Racism under Black Memphis Mayor Dr. W.W. Herenton. Dr. Herenton was building his new home of Horn Lake Drive his Fiancée came into Elmore's Carpet store then on Park Avenue noting the Carpet for the home.

In 1991 Kevin Kane set up his 1st office on Beale street. The Contractor came into Anthony Elmore's carpet store specifically to do business with a minority Black Business. When it came to Dr. W.W. Herenton he gave not only the work to Kiser Flooring Dr. Herenton Built and entire sub-division called "Banneker Estates" whereas Black contractors were not given a chance to work for Dr. W.W. Herenton. Point blank, Dr. W.W. Herenton did not do business with Blacks.

In 2008 Anthony "Amp" Elmore bided on selling and installing carpet at Memphis public libraries. Elmore's lower bid gained him Gaston, Cherokee, Raleigh libraries in Memphis. What was historic about Anthony Elmore getting the job was a Blacks did not want Elmore to have the job and a Whiteman stood up and said lets be fair whereas Elmore did not have the lowest bid for all of the Libraries but his bid on three was the lowest and he should get the job.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore completed the Gaston Library on Third street. When former Memphis police officer who was Mayor Herenton's body Michael Gray whom Herenton made deputy director of the Memphis City Libraries a position that paid over $100,000 a year Michael Gray along with "Ken Moody" a former Memphis basketball payer whom Mayor Herenton made city serviced director, Michael Gray called a board meeting and said you were not qualified to do work and you should pull the carpet up. The exact carpet that is in the Gaston Library today in 2026 Michael Gray if he had his way wanted the carpet taken up. Please note Michael Gray and Ken Moody was as cruel as any of the Whites in the Crump admistration.

In the worst way Anthony "Amp" Elmore would have been ruined. Elmore had installed the carpet and would not get paid from the City of Memphis until the job was completed. Mayor Herenton refused ton Intervene. Mayor Herenton named Estrice Boone an African/American City services Director whom behind the scenes awarded Anthony "Amp" Elmore the job.

Elmore met with Estrice Boone whom explained to Elmore that his company did not qualify for Liability insurance to get the job whereas he waived the requirement whereas he could get the work. Estrice Boone pointed out to Elmore there were only minor fixes. Estrice Boone got on the telephone and told the City of payroll to issue Anthony Elmore a check and Estrice Boone called Michael Gray and told him that his office hired Anthony Elmore whereas his job was that of a Librarian and had nothing to do with City Services.

This event happen nearly 20 years ago and the carpet Anthony Elmore installed for the City of Memphis is in the libraries today. Note Elmore's work will last another 20 years today Ken Moody works for the University of Memphis who was party to an effort to destroy a Black Business.

Please click here to view video titled: Black Memphis Mayor Herenton practiced Black on Black Racism

The above video was uploaded in 2020. See the image of Michael Gray and how a police officer was given the job as deputy library director and see the nepotism. Ken Moody who works at the University of Memphis is part of the culture of Black on Black Racism.

The 1988 Anthony "Amp" Elmore Memphis made film "The Contemporary Gladiator" marks a new genre in "Film History" whereas the Memphis made film is the birth of the "1st Kickboxing Film in World Film history." The film is a true biopic whereas Anthony "Amp" Elmore a 5-time World Kickboxing champion. Anthony "Amp" Elmore tells not just "A story," Anthony "Amp" Elmore tells his personal story.

Click here to see the entire Memphis produced film "The Contemporary Gladiator" renamed Kickbox Gladiator and dubbed 100% in German.

What the above video proves that the Memphis Film "The Contemporary Gladiator" was acquired by Germany and translated in German. Whereas if you do a search of Films made in Memphis "The Contemporary Gladiator" has been scrubbed from Memphis history. Via Memphis stories Anthony "Amp" Elmore is not listed as a Film producer whereas this history has been scrubbed surgically from Memphis Film History whereas this proves emphatically University of Memphis: City of Memphis Institutional Racism whereas in Memphis the 1988 Black Film "The Contemporary Gladiator" noted as "The 1st Kickboxing Film in World film history has been extricated from Memphis history but noted in World Film History.

The question begs the University of Memphis President Dr. Bill Hardgrave and Mayor of Memphis Paul Young why is the 1988 Black Memphis produced Film "The Contemporary Gladiator" A film produced in Memphis that is acclaimed as the 1st Kickboxing in World Film history is not listed via Memphis Film history?

In regards to the title of this story: "University of Memphis: City of Memphis Institutional Racism:" please note that in 2026 White Supremacy, Racism and Black on Black racism is baked in via institutional structures. In 2026 there are no longer the "Jim Crow Laws" whereas today in Memphis there "The New Memphis Jim Crow Law 2026.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore describes in Memphis there exists "Jim Crow 2026." In the 1960's there was the White Sherriff Bull Conner in Alabama who used dogs and water hoses to discriminate against Blacks, whereas in Memphis "Jim Crow 2026" is implemented via using "Black leaders and White controlled narratives" whereas Memphis Jim Crown 2026 is Institutional Racism.

The University of Memphis and the City of Memphis validates what stories get told and what stories get ignored. Clearly and specifically Kevin Kane head of Memphis tourism via tax dollars is an institutional body short of a better word is an "Institution Pimping Organization" whereas the City of Memphis not only pimp the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "Memphis Tourism pimps Black Culture and Blacks do not benefit." Kevin Kane in Memphis via Black tax dollars makes more money that the President of the United States.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore challenge anyone to answer this question how many Blacks benefit from Beale Street, whereas Kevin Kane of Memphis Tourism turned the National Civil Museum and the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. into a major Memphis tourist attraction where Blacks do not benefit.

While the 2023 census note the city of Memphis is the largest populated City of Blacks in America Memphis has a "Cotton Museum and no Black Memphis history Museum." The history, Culture and character of Memphis Tourism run by Kevin Kane is to sanitize Black history and culture and create a practice to control Black History whereas there does not exists in Memphis a written "Chronicle of Black Memphis History." Black History in Memphis is White Controlled and narrated via institutional racism. The practice in Memphis is to make Blacks docile.

Click here to visit the website Black Memphis History .Com. Anthony "Amp" Elmore via a fight against Memphis White Supremacy, Racism and Black on Black Racism created the 1st and only chronicle of Black Memphis history, unknown and untold in Memphis.

The City of Memphis and Black Memphis leaders refuse to acknowledge Black Memphis history or demand Black Memphis history Museum and cultural center. Please not that Black Memphis history is not taught in Memphis whereas such history will make Whites uncomfortable whereas the University of Memphis and the City of Memphis support erasure of Black Memphis history, whereas Black Memphis history must be sanitized. It not known in Memphis that Memphis was once "The Slave Capital of the World." Memphis was the largest inland Slave port in the world. Unknown and untold in Memphis the 14 Amendment to the constitution of United State happen because of the Memphis massacre of 1866. While the story is called the "Memphis Massacre of 1866" it happened the Black town now Memphis called "Fort Pickering."

In December of 2025 Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young used his function and authority as Mayor of Memphis to support White Supremacy via erecting a historical Marker that purposefully erase Black Memphis history stating that Orange Mound was established in 1890 in stead of 1879 via two Black Churches. View and share the video below how Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young put up a sign to solitary White Supremacy.

Click here to view our video titled: New Orange Mound Sign Truth Revealed

The Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young Orange Mound sign is a deliberate suppression of Black Memphis history by City of Memphis and academic Memphis institutions. White and Black Memphis leaders operates as a modern mechanism of social control, effectively mirroring historical structures of white supremacy.

When local bodies—such as the University of Memphis and city cultural agencies—choose to ignore or deflate pioneering contributions by Black creators, they are not merely omitting trivia; they are actively dictating a controlled narrative that keeps marginalized communities subaltern.

Click here to see Video Titled : Ms. Ann White Woman Shaped Memphis Culture History and Art

Linn Sitler the White Memphis Shelby County film Commission used her function and authority to erase Anthony "Amp" Elmore's television and Film history she use White Supremacy and Racism. In 1981 Anthony "Amp" Elmore was the 1st to bring E.S.P.N. to Memphis. In 1984 Anthony "Amp" Elmore was the 1st person to brand Memphis "Memphis America's Distribution Center" via National Television via E.S.P.N.

Please click here to see the 1984 Video titled: Anthony Amp Elmore 1984 1st Sport Branding of Memphis

The City of Memphis and the Shelby County Film Commission used White Supremacy and Racism to erase the fact that a Black man via Kickboxing was the 1st to Brand Memphis via National Television. The civic contribution of Anthony "Amp" Elmore is erased in Memphis whereas only whites control narrative s about Black achievement.

Click here to see the Video titled: Anthony "Amp" Elmore vs Jeff Hollins 1986 Historic 1st BET Sports Broadcast from Memphis

The University of Memphis and the City of Memphis both use "Institutional Racism" to erase the history of Anthony "Amp" Elmore and his contribution to, not just to Memphis but Memphis White Supremacy and Racism is used to erase Anthony "Amp" Elmore's World film history contribution.

By erasing monumental milestones, such as Anthony "Amp" Elmore producing the world's first kickboxing and Black Buddhist biographical film *The Contemporary Gladiator* in 1988, institutions protect a Eurocentric status quo. Controlling the informational landscape ensures that a predominantly Black city remains economically and culturally fragmented, because a populace disconnected from its history of self-determination, international film prestige, and global diplomacy is far easier to govern and deflate.

Under the administration of Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young, this structural erasure continues into 2026, functioning as a contemporary iteration of "Jim Crow 2026" designed to keep independent Black trailblazers "in their place". Despite Elmore's decades-long legacy as a five-time world kickboxing champion, visionary filmmaker, and bridge-builder to African trade and cultural exchange, the city institutions and the Memphis Shelby County film commission consistently marginalize Black accomplishments—sidestepping the precedence in favor of narratives that exclude Black independent cinema.

By the City of Memphis withholding institutional validation, funding, and platform support while maintaining structural barriers, The University of Memphis and Black Memphis Mayor Young's administration perpetuates a quiet policy of obscurity. This systemic sidelining ensures that visionary Black leadership like Elmore's is buried beneath institutional indifference, proving that the tools of white supremacy have evolved from overt legislation into administrative erasure to police the boundaries of who gets to shape world history and local memory.

The strategy of Anthony "Amp" Elmore has changed. This international news story is a public outcry to Tom Mboya University in Kenya to Vice Chancellor Professor Charles Omondi Ochola.

Unknown and untold in America there exists a culture of ignorance in America whereas most people in America believe that Africa is a jungle and people live naked barefooted in huts. Most Black Americans are afraid to travel to Africa for fear of be eaten by wild animals.

What is also unknown and untold is the fact that many African/Americans were taught to hate Africa and Africans and many Black American leaders fear and want no association with Africa or Africans. Africans/Americans who have a strong Association to Africa are considered radical or un America.

Click here to see video titled: Black Memphis Mayor Herenton would not support Memphis & Africa

Please note that Black Memphis Mayor Dr. W.W. Herenton was former superintendent of Memphis City Schools. This Black Memphis Mayor hated Africa. In the book by the Father of African/African history Dr. Carter G. Woodson the book is titled "This Miseducation of the Negro." While we have in Memphis "The University of Memphis" we also have an institution that does not teach "Black Memphis History" Wherein we have "Mis educated Negroes."

Let us site a 100% University of Memphis example of Miseducation. Dr. Charles Williams was a professor of anthropology of the University of Memphis, wherein Dr. Williams came to the Orange Mound Library Saturday August 30, 2025 and lectured on Orange Mound showing images of the E.E. Meacham plans registered in the City of Memphis in 1890.

The plans are there for everyone to see whereas the plans calls for 984 plots of land 25 x 100 feet via 64 acres of land such was mathematically impossible. Dr. Charles Williams, The University of Memphis, and the The City of Memphis all are either ignorant of math or complicit to White Supremacy and Racism. How is it that an entire city could look at an 1890 Blue print and not realize the math does not add up. How can an entire city looks at plans that were made 136 years ago was mathematically impossible and credit a White man for starting Orange Mound with plans that never happen and are impossible on paper.

Click here to see the video titled: Dr. Charles Williams & Mary Mitchell Teach White Supremacist False Narrative Orange Mound began 1890

What the video shows is how entire cultural mechanism of Memphis has come together to push a false narrative that erase Black Memphis history that purposefully erase Black agency. whereas this White Supremacy is "Memphis Jim Crow 2026" whereas facts are disregarded that you cannot put 984 single story homes in 1890 on 64 acres of land. What about roads, garbage pickup, out door toilets, wells. There must be room to bring wagons and firewood.

One note regarding Memphis White Supremacy and Racism Anthony "Amp" Elmore met with Skyler Gambert and explained that the lecture was misleading and asked to counter the misrepresentation. Skyler Gambert replied Black and explained the Library could not support a lecture via Anthony "Amp" Elmore. Skyler Gambert can be reached at [email protected] .

Dr. Williams book did not come out until 2013 whereas Anthony "Amp" Elmore wrote , produced, Directed and starred in Memphis 1st Independent 35mm film that premiered in 1988 25 years before Dr. Williams book came out regarding Orange Mound. Dr. Williams wrote about about Orange Mound whereas Anthony "Amp" Elmore made Orange Mound history.

In Memphis, Tennessee Anthony "Amp" Elmore invited Kisumu Governor Professor Anyang Nyong'o and African dignitaries to come to Memphis and celebrate Memphis 200th Bicentennial whereas former Black Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris ducked out and wanted not association with the African leaders. There exists a history and culture in America where Black leaders are taught to hate Africa and Africans whereas any African/American inclusion of African history and culture was considered radical if not approved by White leaders. In America Kwanzaa is acceptable time to celebrate Africa.

In 2019 when African leaders headed by Kenyan Kisumu Governor Dr. Professor Anyang Nyong'o came to Memphis former Black Memphis Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris ducked out and did not want to be seen in his office with Africans or invite the African dignitaries to his Shelby County office.

Click here to see the video titled: Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris "Dis" African Leader

Look at the video and learn how former Black Memphis Shelby County mayor did not want to be seen supporting Africa or Africans.

In regards to American history and today in 2026 all American know of Africa is via "The Tarzan Movies."

On August 15, 1956 on his 26th birthday Kenya's Tom Mboya arrived from then British East African now called Kenya. Kenya's Tom Mboya changed America's perception of Africa. America had never seen and African who was handsome and articulate, whereas Tom Mboya was embraced by Black America and White America wherein President John F. Kennedy lent his support via sponsoring 100's Kenyans and Africans to come to America for education.

Tom Mboya made the greatest influence on American history and culture than any African in the 20th Century. Anthony "Amp" Elmore is the most dedicated person in America who is dedicated to upholding the Tom Mboya legacy in America. is committed to upholding the legacy of Tom Mboya.

Please click here to view this 5-minute video titled: Anthony "Amp" Elmore meets Luo King Atondi in Kenya in 2013

Anthony "Amp" Elmore explains that in 1990 when he came to Kenya to Premier his 1988 film release "The Contemporary Gladiator" he experienced a "Spiritual awaking" and a cultural revolution whereas the spirit revealed itself as "Tom Mboya." Anthony "Amp" Elmore explains; I never saw a spirit or some type of ghost. What Elmore experienced was something in his heart a connection. Elmore wrote songs, did lectures and became engulfed with Tom Mboya. Anthony "Amp" Elmore shared his story about Tom Mboya over the Internet.

A Kenyan pastor communicated with Anthony "Amp" Elmore in 2013 and noted that "Luo People" believe in ancestral spirits and he should rush to Kenya at his own expense to meet Mama Sarah Obama whom explained to Elmore that he reminded her of her grandson President Obama and that she was also his grandmother.

For the record Anthony "Amp" Elmore dismissed the entire thing as "Hallucinations" whereas Elmore took it as a longshot, What if this thing about Ancestral Spirits are real. The key selling point to get Anthony "Amp" Elmore to drop everything was the opportunity to meet "Mama Sarah Obama" the Grandmother to President Barack Obama Jr.

Click here to see the 2013 video titled: Obama Kenya Ancestry Home Tour

Whereas: the University of Memphis: City of Memphis Institutional Racism me Anthony "Amp" Elmore via Institutional racism almost 600,000 people watched my video whereas I have on record my meeting Mama Sarah Obama. Anthony "Amp" Elmore explains the same spirit that he felt from his mother's mother Eldora Johnson born in 1902 mama Sarah is my Grand Mother and Barack Obama is my cousin. The above video is a part of World history of President Barack Obama.

Most important Anthony "Amp" Elmore experience "Full Citizenship in Kenya." Elmore explains in Kenya I was not a "Black American" I was an American a status that came with the highest respect whereas I could walk into a major hotel or businesses in Kenya and be welcomed. I promoted a Soul Music Concert in a major Kenyan hotel. whereas I made a trade deal. I got a major hotel to trade rooms with an airline whereas the airline provided air transportation to and from Kenya. We promoted a concert via bartering. Rarely do Blacks in Americans make such deals unless you are like boxing promoter Don King..

Anthony "Amp" Elmore for decades has been fighting to honor the legacy of Tom Mboya whereas what is unexplainable to Elmore and with no scientific proof Anthony "Amp" Elmore holds a "Spiritual Connection" to Tom Mboya. Elmore explains people would think he is crazy shared a revelation. The spirit communicated to Anthony "Amp" Elmore: "If you tell my people that you communicated with me they would believe you." We are Tom Mboya's people.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore wrote a long and detailed letter to the University of Memphis President Dr. Bill Hardgrave whereas Elmore faced the reality of Memphis White Supremacy, racism and Black on Black racism whereas I could not risk thinking the President would have a heart and treat me as a human.

On October 15, 2007 President George W. Bush came to Memphis to Chickasaw Gardens to the home of Brad Martin to attend a private fundraiser. The event was a 1000 per-head fundraiser for U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander raising $600,000. Brad Martin was at the time the owner of SAKs Inc. Brad Martin would serve as President of the University of Memphis from July 1, 2013 to May16 2014.

Brad Martin Anthony "Amp" Elmore and his wife as his special guest meeting President Bush whereas Elmore's wife Bogalech actually had words with President Bush who said she was cute. In regards to Brad Martin Anthony "Amp" Elmore who operated an African Import store ask Brad Martin to consider placing the African Tuxedo in Saks. Mr. Martin put Elmore in touch with his Vice President whereas they did not approve the idea however Brad Martin offered Elmore to host a "Trunk Show"

Unknown and untold to Anthony "Amp" Elmore Brad Martin offered to put my work in Africa in front and center as a featured designer. Elmore turned the offer down because he had no idea what was being offered to him and how fair Brad Martin was to him.

Anthony "Amp" believes he can establishing a partnership with Tom Mboya University in Kenya whereas Kenya would offer an authentic, reciprocal contrast to the systemic historical erasure practiced by the University of Memphis. While the University of Memphis maintains an institutional posture of silence—ignoring that Anthony "Amp" Elmore created a brand-new genre of world film history as the architect of the first independent 35mm theatrical kickboxing and Buddhist biographical film, *The Contemporary Gladiator*—Tom Mboya University represents an academic environment rooted in mutual heritage and Pan-African liberation.

In Kenya, where cinematic production historically relied on studio-backed, white-owned structures, Elmore's creation stands as an unprecedented milestone: a completely independent biographical feature of an African American martial artist that directly exposed Kenyan audiences to the real socio-cultural struggles of Black life in America, including references to daily sustenance like *sukuma wiki* (Fried Collars Greens.)

When Elmore brought *The Contemporary Gladiator* to Kenya for its theatrical premiere in 1990 at the Nairobi & Lotus Theatre, he was met not with bureaucratic exclusion, but with a profound hero's welcome and official recognition from President Daniel Arap Moi, who named him an African ambassador in 1992.

This relationship expanded through Elmore introducing kickboxing to Kenya in 1994, marrying Kenya woman and visiting regions like Homa Bay, embedding his life's work into the living memory of the nation. By honoring Tom Mboya's monumental legacy through songs, lectures, and designating his Orange Mound residence at 1035 Semmes Street as the "Tom Mboya Legacy District" and African Cultural Embassy, Elmore has consistently built the educational bridges that local Memphis institutions actively refuse to touch.

The stark divergence between a partnership with Tom Mboya University and the ongoing institutional rejection in Memphis highlights how local gatekeepers utilize erasure to maintain social control. In Memphis, academic and municipal powers suppress Elmore's monumental achievements because a self-actualized Black filmmaker, five-time world heavyweight kickboxing champion, and international cultural diplomat shatters the paternalistic narrative that defines Black communities through deficit and despair.

By Memphis Film Commissioner Linn Sitler via burying the fact that Elmore's films achieved global reach—including German-dubbed and Chinese-subtitled distributions. The fact is the University of Memphis and the of Memphis are protecting a Eurocentric status quo that fears independent Black ownership of intellectual property and history.

Conversely we believe Kenya would embraces this history because it bridges the foundational connection between American civil rights struggles and African statehood, honoring the historical ties cemented by leaders like Tom Mboya and President John F. Kennedy.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore believes that the Tom Mboya University would warmly support and champion milestones like the German-dubbed versions and global distribution of *The Contemporary Gladiator* because Kenya values the international triumph of Black sovereignty and cultural exchange, whereas Memphis institutions enforce obscurity to keep an independent trailblazer contained.

While Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young and the municipal leadership and the University Memphis choose to dishonor and erase these pioneering breakthroughs whereas a Memphis produced film is dubbed in German and subtitled in Chinese is a major achievement whereas the Memphis and Shelby County Film Commission use tax dollars and their function and authority to erase a historical milestone in filmmaking in Memphis.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore believes we must preserve the legacy of containment, a partnership with Tom Mboya University would validates the global truth of Elmore's work. Anthony "Amp" Elmore believes that Kenya would have willingness to celebrate Elmore's cinematic history and proves that true cultural appreciation transcends local municipal racism, offering a homecoming and academic sanctuary where the monumental contributions of a Black independent visionary are rightfully enshrined as world history.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore explains Tom Mboya was born August 15, 1930 whereas it is coming upon Tom Mboya's 100th birthday whereas Anthony "Amp" Elmore wants to produce the Tom Mboya Movie and work to help create the Tom Mboya Education entertainment center built in Kenya. A center that honors the fact that "The Birth of Kenya is part of the American Civil Rights movement."

Click here to view a February 20, 2020 International News Release that reads: SPIRIT OF ONE OF KENYA'S FOUNDING FATHERS "TOM MBOYA" TOUCH THE HEART OF BLACK FILMMAKER WHO HONORS DR. KING'S LEGACY

Anthony "Amp" Elmore notes that his journey to Kenya was spiritual and his story may not be solid to many. What is solid is the October 19, 2026 Speech on the floor of the United States Congress via Memphis 9th District U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen Vol.172 No.162. Click here to read and view the U.S. Federal Records title: Congratulating Anthony "Amp" Elmore.

Congressman Cohen congratulates Anthony "Amp" Elmore via his work in Kenya and the honoring of Kenya leader Tom Mboya. Anthony "Amp" Elmore believes that while in Memphis, Tennessee via the University of Memphis and the City of Memphis instead of facing "White Supremacy, Racism and Black on Black Racism" regarding his 1988 film "The Contemporary Gladiator," whereas Anthony "Amp" Elmore created a new genre in filmmaking Anthony "Amp" Elmore believes the Tom Mboya University would welcome the Film.

In 1989 the Country of Germany retitled the film "Kickbox Gladiator" and dubbed the film in German whereas students can learn German via the film. In the City of Memphis the University of Memphis and the City of Memphis used their function and authority to bury the film simply because its a historic film created by an African American before any White person.

The film is also subtitled in Chinese whereas the Memphis Shelby County Film Commissioner Linn Sitler used tax dollars and her function and authority to give herself credit for starting the wave of Films made in Memphis. In order to rob Black America and a Black American out of his rightful place as the "Father of Independent Filmmaking in Memphis" the University of Memphis, The City of Memphis erased the Anthony "Amp" Elmore 1988 film out of Memphis film history.

This National news release is also an open invitation from Memphis born NARA honored historian Anthony "Amp" Elmore to Tennessee State representative Justin Pearson who on November 3, 2026 is the 1st democrat to lose the Congressional seat in the 9th Congressional district that has been held by a democrat of 52 years.

Click here to see our 15 Minute video titled: University of Memphis City of Memphis Institutional Racism. See our story via words and pictures

Some of the background of this video description reads: This powerful exposé uncovers how the City of Memphis and the University of Memphis—operating under the institutional leadership of University President Dr. Bill Hardgrave and Memphis Mayor Paul Young—actively uphold entrenched white supremacy, plantation culture, and black-on-black racism by executing a deliberate municipal blackout of a monumental piece of global history born right in the historic Orange Mound neighborhood of Memphis.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore is inviting representative Justin Pearson and others to make a formal appearance with him in the Republic of Kenya in the summer of 2027. As stated earlier on October 19, 2026 White Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen who has represented the 9th Congressional District Memphis for 20 years sent a lifeline to Anthony "Amp" Elmore via the floor of Congress.

On October 19, 2026, Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen took to the floor of the United States House of Representatives to enter an official Congressional Record statement honoring Anthony "Amp" Elmore's decades-long mission bridging Memphis, Orange Mound, and Kenya. By giving federal recognition to Elmore's work founding the African Cultural Embassy in Orange Mound, establishing cultural diplomacy ties with Kisumu, and honoring the monumental legacy of Kenyan founding father Tom Mboya, Congressman Cohen did far more than deliver polite praise.

In a political climate where independent grassroots chroniclers are routinely ignored by municipal gatekeepers ,Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen's floor statement delivered a vital institutional lifeline. It codified into the permanent, unalterable federal archives of the United States government what local establishments sought to minimize: that a five-time World Kickboxing Champion and self-taught filmmaker from Orange Mound built a genuine, international diplomatic corridor connecting the civil rights struggles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Marcus Garvey directly to the independence movements of East Africa.

This federal validation carries immediate, profound significance for State Representative Justin Pearson as he faces the bitter aftermath of the 2026 election. Having witnessed how quickly domestic electoral maps can be gerrymandered, how institutional local machines can withhold their bully pulpits, and how fragile localized political power can be when confined strictly to legislative corridors, Anthony "Amp" Elmore notes that Justin Pearson stands at a critical juncture. Anthony "Amp" Elmore explains; If Justin Pearson, accepts our invitation to travel to Kenya such represents an indispensable evolution from a localized state protest leader into a global Pan-African statesman.

Unknown and untold to Justin Pearson Africa would give him something that Memphis never gave him; "The highest Respect." If State Representative Justin Pearson takes the journey to Africa with Anthony "Amp" Elmore, such would enable Justin Pearson to physically reconnect with the internationalist tradition that Dr. King embraced right before his assassination—the recognition that the Black freedom movement in America is not an isolated domestic battle, but part of a worldwide struggle for self-determination.

Traveling to Kenya as a young Tennessee State Representative will provide Justin Pearson with an unmatched masterclass in national liberation and structural power that cannot be learned in the Tennessee General Assembly. In visiting Kenya, Justin Pearson would walk the ground shaped by Tom Mboya, who coordinated with Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) during the 1959 African Freedom Dinner and mobilized the historic student airlifts that educated a generation of African leaders, including Barack Obama Sr.

Experiencing the sovereign nation-building of Kenya firsthand breaks through the psychological ceiling of minority-bloc politics in the American South, showing a young leader what it looks like when Black people govern ministries, build national infrastructure, manage commerce, and negotiate on the world stage.

By Justin Pearson taking this step alongside an elder who has spent nearly four decades cultivating diplomatic relationships from Nairobi to Kisumu, Pearson would not only honor the ancestral lineage linking Marcus Garvey, Queen Mother Moore, and Dr. King, but he would also gain the global vision and enduring stature required to return home and truly lead Memphis beyond the limits of limited vision in Memphis whereas Memphis can become "Africa's Distribution Center."

For an authentic look at the cultural diplomacy bridging Memphis and Kenya, Tom Mboya, and the international journey to Africa. Click here to see our video

For State Representative Justin Pearson, embarking on the Obama Heritage Tour to personally visit the ancestral homestead of President Barack Obama in Nyang'oma Kogelo is essential because it fundamentally shatters the psychological boundaries of minority politics in the American South. Standing on the very grounds from which the father of America's first Black president emerged allows a young, embattled legislator to physically touch the living bridge between Black America and sovereign Africa. Walking that land shifts a leader's self-conception from being an isolated protest figure fighting for scraps in a hostile, gerrymandered state legislature to recognizing oneself as part of an enduring, global lineage capable of reaching the highest corridors of world power.

Honoring Tom Mboya at his final resting place on Rusinga Island is equally indispensable, as it directly connects State Representative Justin Pearson to the foundational blueprint of 20th-century Pan-African political strategy. It was Tom Mboya who met with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1959, forging the alliance that mobilized the historic African student airlifts that brought An and an entire generation of African scholars to American universities.

For Pearson, who has drawn national attention for invoking the cadence and moral urgency of the Civil Rights Movement, paying homage to Mboya means moving past rhetorical tribute and actively completing the unfinished business of Dr. King—reuniting the domestic struggle against disenfranchisement in places like Memphis with the international movement for African self-determination and nation-building.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore explains in Kenya we will meet the Ker—the supreme traditional spiritual and cultural leader of the Luo Council of Elders—and the President of Kenya Dr. William Ruto. Such meetings would elevate Justin Pearson from a local municipal activist into an international statesman engaging in authentic cultural diplomacy. Sitting before the Ker grounds a leader in thousands of years of ancestral governance, communal consensus, and moral authority, while formal engagement with the Head of State provides a firsthand education in sovereignty, statecraft, bilateral economics, and the mechanics of governing an entire nation.

By traveling under the diplomatic bridge cultivated over four decades by Anthony "Amp" Elmore—linking Orange Mound directly to Kenya Justin Pearson has the rare opportunity to bypass political gatekeepers, return home with global stature, and deliver an expanded vision of economic and cultural liberation to a disenfranchised Black Memphis.

By visiting the ancestral Obama homestead in Nyang'oma Kogelo, State Representative Justin Pearson has the extraordinary opportunity to step into the exact generational continuum shared by the Obama children—Malia and Sasha Obama—and connect directly with East African youth not as a distant, rigid politician, but as a living peer and brother in the global Black diaspora. Standing on the very soil where Barack Obama Sr. was born and raised.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore explains that in Kenya Justin Pearson can engage local Kenyan students, young farmers, tech entrepreneurs, and grassroots organizers on equal terms, sharing the lived struggles of modern young people navigating post-colonial realities, climate change, industrial pollution, and political disenfranchisement.

This generational alignment breaks down bureaucratic barriers, allowing Pearson to establish authentic student exchange pipelines, cultural partnerships, and digital learning bridges between youth in Memphis and community programs in Kenya.

Walking the homestead as a young 31-year-old leader also allows Justin Pearson to publicly reimagine what next-generation Pan-African diplomacy looks like when freed from the grip of older, establishment gatekeepers. Instead of hollow ceremonial handshakes, Pearson can sit in community circles with local youth leaders to discuss economic self-reliance, youth civic engagement, and direct trade—bridging the environmental justice fights of South Memphis and Orange Mound with rural ecological and agricultural preservation in western Kenya.

By Anthony "Amp" Elmore a filmmaker via physically documenting this pilgrimage across digital media and international broadcasts, Pearson would project an electric, relatable image to millions of young people across the African continent and the United States, showing the youth of Memphis that their generational voice can cross oceans, claim ancestral heritage, and build enduring international alliances that no gerrymandered legislative district can ever silence.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore explains via taking Justin Pearson to Kenya first to witness Elmore's cultural footprint, and then to Ghana to plug into the continental trade engine, together we casn unite visionary independent history with modern political power—turning the concept of Memphis as Africa's distribution hub into a tangible commercial reality.

In regards to the Justin Pearson loss in his race for Congress no one has looked at the facts and has done an honest assessment as to why the the Blue Wave passed Memphis. There exists in Memphis a culture of White Supremacy, Racism and Black on Black Racism that runs far deeper than the Blue Wave passing Memphis. While on November 3, 2026 while many in America Celebrated the historic Blue wave.

The 2026 Blue Wave is arguably the most stunning midterm performance by Democrats in modern memory—not simply because of House numbers, but because it flipped Senate seats and governorships in places once deemed entirely out of reach (such as Kansas, Texas, South Carolina and Mississippi) while nationalizing a double-digit popular vote lead in an otherwise hyper-polarized environment.

While the Blue Wave encompassed America, the greatest loser in regards to the Blue wave is Memphis, Tennessee. The argument that Memphis, Tennessee stood out as one of the sharpest anomalies of the midterm wave stems from the stark contrast between the national Democratic surge and the specific outcomes in the Memphis area.

Nationwide, Democrats flipped dozens of congressional districts, captured the U.S. House, and broke into historically red territory. However, in Memphis and Tennessee as a whole, the local political dynamic told a very different story. The Loss of Tennessee's 9th Congressional District.

The primary reason primary the Blue wave missed the City of Memphis is Tennessee's 9th Congressional District (anchored in Memphis) for nearly six decades, the 9th District served as a reliable Democratic and majority-minority stronghold in West Tennessee and the outright strategy of the Republican stronghold was to break the will of Black Memphians.

There exist a practice and culture in Memphis that is far deeper that explains the loss of the 9th Congressional District that is untold and unspoken about in Memphis. Despite the national wave, Republican state senator Brent Taylor defeated Democrat Justin J. Pearson in the race for the seat. The flip sent a Republican to Washington from Memphis for the first time in generations, leaving the city Memphis without a member of the majority party caucus in the newly flipped Democratic U.S. House.

At the statehouse level, Democrats managed several legislative pickups in Middle Tennessee and flipped a Memphis-area seat (House District 97). However, the Republican supermajority in the Tennessee General Assembly remained firmly intact. As a result, Memphis continues to face substantial tension with the state legislature in Nashville on municipal home rule, judicial discretion, and crime policy (exemplified by the statewide passage of Amendment 1, which limits bail for certain offenses).

Despite the national tide, Memphis saw its longtime Democratic congressional seat flip to Republican control, leaving the heavily Democratic city without Democratic federal representation in the House even as the chamber changed party hands. The Tennessee state supermajority moved to permanently neutralize the majority Black City of Memphis's ability to govern itself or send its own representatives to Washington.

American President Donald Jr. Trump and the MAGA movement made its greatest and historic achievement that can be noted in American history. Memphis is the largest and most populated city of Blacks in America. Memphis has a "Cotton Museum or no Black Memphis history Museum." Most attractive to MAGA is the fact that Memphis is the City where "King was Killed and Elvis is King."

Most importantly President Donald J. Trump and MAGA made their greatest achievement whereas Memphis is the city where President Trump exerted "White Supremacy and White Power" whereas Tennessee Governor Bill Lee via the instructions of President Trump could publicly subdue "Black Memphis via putting Blacks in their place" under the guise of "Law and Order."

President Donald J. Trump made Memphis the "Darling of MAGA." When Donald Trump stood in an Air National Guard hangar in Memphis, called Mayor Young "terrific," and touted having "fixed" Memphis, Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young handed the MAGA movement its ultimate talking point: proof that an urban, majority-Black Democratic city could be brought into line without municipal resistance.

Unknown and untold is the Memphis story of the Betrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King and "Black on Black Racism." Dr. Martin Luther King said "Silence is Betrayal" whereas Dr. King said: "There comes a time when silence is betrayal." "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

Unknown and untold in Memphis, Tennessee is the deep seated reason why both Justin Pearson loss his race and did not have a fair chance in Memphis. The question boils down to the subject of this story: "University of Memphis: City of Memphis Institutional Racism."

Institutional racism refers to policies, practices, procedures, and cultural norms embedded within institutions—such as governments, legal systems, banks, universities, and healthcare organizations—that systematically produce unequal outcomes for people of color, regardless of whether individual actors intend to discriminate.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore explains while Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen is my friend and I thank him for sending me a lifeline, however my friend the Congressman who has held the office for 20 years is more responsible for splitting the institutional party. He knew the mechanics of winning District 9 better than anyone, however Justin Pearson was starved of traditional party consolidation he needed to get over the top.

Very most importantly Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young is more responsible for the turnout gap on the ground. A Black Memphis mayor does not need state approval to inspire his own citizens and and be seen with Justin Pearson. Black Memphis Mayor Paul young chose diplomacy with the White conservative republican state leaders rather solidarity with Justin Pearson the 9th district candidate. It is plain and simple Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young failed to provide the local executive enthusiasm that could have overcome the gerrymander and took Justin Pearson over the top.

In regards to Justin Pearson a colorful and dynamic speaker he was left by himself. Justin Pearson and Black residents got for from Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young "The capitulation or "silence." Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young and municipal leadership adopted a pragmatic, non-confrontational approach with Governor Lee and state leaders, focusing on retaining state funds and federal law-enforcement partnerships. There Blacks were not going to be caught dead associating with Justin Pearson who stood up to President Trump's extreme policies.

Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young conspicuously avoided joining the protest lines or taking an aggressive public stance alongside Justin Pearson and challenging the re-districting and Memphis become being turned into a police state. Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young's position was to lead Memphis to safety. More important for Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young and Black leadership it was better to have comfort over conflict.

Following Tennessee's mid-decade congressional redistricting map enacted earlier this year, Downtown Memphis was drawn into Tennessee's 5th Congressional District, which was won in the November 2026 election by Charlie Hatcher, a livestock veterinarian and dairy farmer living in College Grove, over 200 miles away in Williamson County. Memphis was carved into thirds.

District 5: Now reaches all the way from Middle Tennessee (Williamson and Maury county areas) across into West Tennessee to take in Downtown Memphis, the Medical District, South Memphis, Frayser, and parts of Midtown. Charlie Hatcher a White Farmer represents downtown Memphis whereas this farmer will put an office in Memphis whereas Memphis is represented back to the days of Jim Crown.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore provides a clear cut example of "Institutional Racism regarding the University of Memphis and the City of Memphis." The Anthony "Amp" Elmore 1988 Memphis produced film; "The Contemporary Gladiator" is "World Film History." whereas the film is the "1st Kickboxing film in World Film History" whereas the film production breaks the Memphis and American White Supremacist protocol. There exists an accepted culture in America of African/American dominance or superiority for example Basketball is dominated by Africans/Americans. In America one looks at a Jewish Doctor or Lawyer as superior to a White Lawyer or Doctor.

When it comes to Films or Filmmaking in America African/Americans are accepted via the genre of Black Films and Black Filmmaking. The Contemporary Gladiator is the 1st Kickboxing film in world film history whereas; Anthony "Amp" Elmore created the legitimate kickboxing film genre by grounding it in the actual, regulated sport of professional full-contact kickboxing, featuring real-life ring rules and true athletic representation via telling his own story via a 35mm Theatrical Film.

The Contemporary Gladiator is not only "The 1st Kickboxing film in World Film History" The Contemporary Gladiator is Memphis 1st Independent 35mm Theatrical Film whereas "The University of Memphis" the largest, most Historic and cultural influential institution in Memphis history used its authority and function to racially ignore "The Contemporary Gladiator" a "Global Milestone."

Click here to view a June 18, 2024 International News Release titled: Anthony "Amp" Elmore: Pioneering Black Memphis History and Building Bridges with Africa

Anthony "Amp" Elmore is using International news stories to document Black on Black Racism in Memphis whereas Elmore asks Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young to stop the White Supremacy in Memphis. The exact words on the release reads:

Elmore was looking to film the Movie "Rock and Roll A Black Legacy" whereas Memphis City officials would not allow Elmore to film in his own African/American "Orange Mound Community" in Memphis.

In regards to Black Memphis Mayor Paul Young what is unknown and untold is the role President Donald Trump and MAGA had via Justin Pearson losing the 9th Congressional District seat. During the November 3, 2026 election Republicans via redistricting gained only two seats; one seat in Texas and the 9th Congressional seat in Memphis. What makes Memphis losing the seat so unique is Black Memphis leaders acquiesced to Donald J. Trump whereas all of America resisted.

Click here to see the video dated Sep 13, 2025 whereas Black Memphis Mayor Paul Concedes Black Memphis to President Trump a year before the November 3, 2026 election.

One may ask what does the University of Memphis have to do with the November 3, 2026 9th Congressional District race? The University of Memphis holds the largest historical institutional power in Memphis. Institutions like the University of Memphis and holds the power as to what stories get told and what stories get left out whereas the University of Memphis has about a 40% African American students body whereas there does not exist in the city Memphis a single book that chronicles "Black Memphis History."

The case of there not being a book in the history of Memphis that chronicles Black Memphis history goes back to the story and history of Anthony "Amp" Elmore whereas on May 22, 2019 the city of Memphis celebrated its 200th Bicentennial Celebration whereas the city of Memphis advertised to citizens a program called "Bring Your Soul." This was a branding campaign whereas the campaign was designed to re-define the narrative of Memphis 200 year milestone. The Theme was "A New Century of Soul."

The issue in Memphis is Sanitized vs. Independent Archives whereas Anthony "Amp" Elmore in celebration of Memphis Bicentennial created the film: "200 years of Black Memphis History" whereas the film was not allowed to be an official Part of the Bicentennial Celebration. While shut out of the official Celebration Anthony "Amp" Elmore rented the Malco Theatre on Wednesday May 22, 2019 to premier the film. In addition Anthony "Amp" Concurrently released the film on You Tube Free to the public whereas You Tube Description box documents the release time and date.

Click here to see the May 22, 2019 Anthony "Amp" Elmore film "200 Years of Black Memphis History."
Born 5-time world Kickboxing Champion speaks from his platform as one who made Anthony "Amp" Elmore a Memphis "World History." Anthony "Amp" Elmore explains that we did not just make "World History, we made cultural Diplomacy."

While traditional history records static dates and municipal archives catalog local events, cultural diplomacy is an active, living bridge built directly between nations, bypassing the gatekeepers who seek to contain history within borders. When Elmore created *The Contemporary Gladiator*—the world's first independent 35mm theatrical kickboxing and Black Buddhist biographical film—and subsequently traveled to Kenya in 1990 for its historic premiere at the Nairobi and Lotus Theatre, he was not just releasing a movie; he was initiating a direct state-level and people-to-people exchange.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore meeting Kenya President Daniel Arap Moi in 1992 and being named an African ambassador, introducing kickboxing to Kenya in 1994, and establishing deep, enduring alliances with the Luo Council of Elders, Governors like Anyang' Nyong'o, and institutions abroad transformed Orange Mound into an international nexus.

This is the exact dimension that local institutions in Memphis—from the University of Memphis to municipal offices—fail to grasp or intentionally obscure. By reducing Elmore's monumental contributions to local obscurity, they miss the profound truth that independent Black filmmaking and grassroots entrepreneurship have always functioned as tools of global sovereignty. True cultural diplomacy connects the civil rights legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the historic 1959 Tom Mboya African Student Airlift directly to modern economic partnerships.

By designating 1035 Semmes Street as the "Tom Mboya Legacy District" and the African Cultural Embassy, Elmore proves that history is not something passively studied in a sanitized classroom—it is forged, performed, and lived through international solidarity, mutual respect, and unyielding self-determination.

About Us
"If Lions were historians, hunters would no longer be heroes." This powerful African proverb encapsulates the mission of the Orange Mound News Network (OMNN). Founded by Anthony Amp Elmore, OMNN aims to reclaim and reshape the narrative of Orange Mound through the power of filmmaking, education, and content creation. Our goal is to challenge the negative stereotypes and biased portrayals that have long plagued our community, creating a positive space for family, Black culture, history, and education.

Our Journey and Mission
Orange Mound, established as the first community in America built for Blacks by Blacks, has a rich history often overshadowed by negative stereotypes. Mainstream media and societal biases have painted Orange Mound as a "ghetto," contributing to a 30% decline in property values while surrounding communities have prospered. The Orange Mound News Network was created to counter this narrative and highlight the true spirit and resilience of our community.

Anthony Amp Elmore, a five-time world karate kickboxing champion, filmmaker, and community activist, has been a beacon of change in Orange Mound. With over five decades of community service, Elmore has dedicated his life to uplifting Orange Mound. From becoming a homeowner at 19, establishing businesses, to founding the Proud Black Buddhist World Association, Elmore's contributions have been immense.

Connecting Communities Through Culture and History
Elmore's journey in cultural diplomacy began when he was invited to Kisumu, Kenya, by Governor Anyang' Nyong'o to attend FESTAC, the largest African and Black Art festival in the world. It was here that Elmore's vision for a deeper connection between Africans and African Americans took root. During his visit,he engaged with students at ARYA Primary School, performed a song about Kenya's founding father Tom Mboya, and proposed a pen pal program that evolved into a robust educational and cultural exchange.

Our journey in African Cultural Diplomacy began in 1990
when the Orange Mound Memphis-produced movie "The Contemporary Gladiator" premiered in Kenya. This marked a significant milestone in Elmore's mission to foster cultural exchange and understanding. The film's premiere in Kenya not only showcased Elmore's work but also solidified his role as a cultural diplomat.

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