"You can complain about what you don't have or you can build what you want. If we want a prosperous Memphis, we can't expect anyone to give it to us. It is something that we have to work, spend our own blood, sweat, and tears to build. Whether it's a business, your career, or anything -- you can complain about it or you can build it." -- Alan Gumbel, COO of The Black Chamber of Memphis

Each Spring, Memphis spotlights some of the most celebrated restaurants in the city during Memphis Black Restaurant Week. This signature, week-long event shines a light on some of the most significant contributors to Memphis culture and to the local economy. This showcase was spearheaded by Cynthia Daniels, a local leader in the entertainment scene. Today, we’re revisiting a conversation about the impact of the work with Cynthia Daniels, and Chief Operating Officer of the Black Chamber of Memphis Alan Gumbel.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• Black Chamber of Memphis (formerly known as the Black Business Association)
• Cynthia Daniels and Co.
• Delta Regional Authority
• Memphis Black Restaurant Week (celebrating 10 years in 2025)
• Cynthia Daniels and Co. signature events
• Soulful Food Truck Festival
• Memphis Vegan Festival
• Epicenter Memphis
• India Festival
• Greek Festival
• Italian Fest
• The Office of Business Diversity and Compliance 
• TN Small Business Development Center
• Black Chamber of Memphis programming
• Black Business Association Switches to Chamber of Commerce Model via The Memphis Flyer
• Black Chamber of Memphis Instagram
• Cynthia Daniels and Co. Instagram
• Mahogany River Terrace on Mud Island
• Oteka Technologies
• The Frosted Oven
• Alcenia's
• Brother Juniper's
• Interstate Barbecue
• Neely's Interstate Bar-B-Que

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.