A Journey of American Heritage: How a Black Man's Connection to Elvis Presley via Culture and Elvis Character Embodies DEI, Bridging Cultures, and Celebrating Black Memphis History
MEMPHIS, TN, March 11, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Countless stories have been written about Elvis Presley. There is a common denominator in almost every Elvis story you read about. What is missing from most Elvis stories is "Black Inclusion." While many stories include Elvis association to Blacks what is missing however are African/Americans or a Black perspective regarding Elvis and the Memphis culture of White Supremacy, Racism and Black on Black Racism.
Elmore notes regarding Memphis "Black on Black Racism" whereas this subject is not talked about, this story was shown in the 2012 Quentin Tarantino movie "Django Unchained". Black on Black Racism was part of "Southern Culture." Click here to meet Stephen the "House Negro" on plantations. In Memphis in 2025 there are Black leaders like Stephen.
Elmore notes this release is a dissertation. Anthony "Amp" Elmore an African/American Memphis born 5-time world Karate/Kickboxing champion has written more or done more lectures regarding Elvis more than any Black person and most White people. Anthony "Amp" Elmore brings the unknown and untold Black dynamic of Memphis that shaped Elvis Presley. Elmore explains that it was only in a Memphis, Tennessee where an Elvis Presley could have evolved.
Click here to see video titled: Black Memphis Filmmaker Anthony "Amp" Elmore notes Elvis was no Racist
Elmore notes that while the current book "Before Elvis" by Preston Lauterbach gives one of the best explanations as to what shaped Elvis, Elmore notes that the book does not go far enough, whereas Elmore notes that it was the comprehensive culture of White Supremacy and Black on Black racism in Memphis that shaped Elvis and continues to shape Elvis today in 2025.
Elmore explains that in Memphis in regards to Elvis what was created is not an Elvis Museum instead Memphis created an "Elvis monument." A monument is typically a structure created to commemorate a person or event, often holding significant historical or cultural importance. It serves as a reminder of the past and is often a landmark. Graceland is a monument emphasizing his White relationships rather than the broader historical context that included Blacks. Elmore notes removing Elvis association regards Elvis getting his music from Blacks is a practice of "White Supremacy."
In regards to culture and entertainment: Click here Anthony "Amp" Elmore wrote and recorded the song and video in 2020 titled: Elvis Presley Boulevard Movie Song by Anthony Amp Elmore.
Elmore notes just in the book "Before Elvis" shaped Elvis as black guitarist Calvin Newborn shaped Elvis Elmore notes; so did White Supremacist Memphis Mayor E. H. Crump racism shape Elvis. Elmore notes that the absolute greatest factor in shaping Elvis Presley was "White Supremacy" in the past & Black on Black Racism shape Elvis today.
Elmore explains that Elvis Presley moved to Memphis from Tupelo, Mississippi in 1948 whereas Elvis was only 13 years old. What is not stressed or told about Memphis, Tennessee is that it is "Memphis White Supremacy, Racism and todays Black on Black Racism that continues to shape the legacy of Elvis Presley today in 2025."
The Wall Street Journal once described Memphis as a "Backwards City with a Plantation Mentality" whereas Elmore notes; Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee is "The Greatest Display of White Supremacy, Racism in the 20th Century."
Elmore challenge any pundit to challenge the notion whereas Elmore notes that "Graceland is the Whitest House in America." Elmore notes that among some White people in America Graceland home of Elvis is the "True White House." Anthony "Amp" Elmore comments "Graceland is so White that White Blood Cells can take a vacation."
Elmore notes that in order to provide a clear understanding about the history and culture of Elvis Presley one must get a clear understanding of Memphis history and American History. In 1949 when Elvis moved to Lauderdale Courts public housing in Memphis Jerry Wexler a writer for Billboard magazine changed the name of referring to Black Music as "Race Records" to "Rhythm and Blues"
What goes unknown and untold in Memphis is the influence of Jerry Wexler role regarding Stax and the role of Chips Moman in Memphis Music.
Click here to view the Anthony Elmore video titled: Black Memphis History The Story of Stax
Concepts by Anthony Amp Elmore Sr. Elvis is a Memphis monument whereas Stax is a Museum.
Memphis, Tennessee is the most populated city of Blacks in America whereas Memphis does not have specifically a "Black Memphis History Museum." In Memphis there is a culture of White Supremacy, Racism and Black on Black Racism whereas there is a history, culture and practice in Memphis that obscures "Black Memphis History and culture" whereas there is no written chronology of "Black Memphis History." Elmore explains the Black story of Elvis is missing whereas Graceland is a monument to Elvis Presley and an erasure of "Black Memphis History."
In regards to "Racism, White Supremacy mistreatment and demoralization of Black People Memphis lead the nation." While unknown and untold Memphis was the "Slave Capital of the World." There is no city in America where Blacks suffered oppression more racism equal to Memphis, whereas in 2025 Memphis has a cotton museum and not a "Black Memphis History Museum." Elmore explains that Black Memphis history is denied in Memphis.
Elmore explains that while the book "Before Elvis" is recommended reading Elmore notes that leaving out the influence of E.H. Crump Memphis White Supremacy Mayor's legacy regarding his assault on shaping Black Memphis presents a shallow picture regarding the deep-seated racism culture and practices in Memphis. Whereas in Memphis where there was once "White on Black Racism" today in 2025 there is "Black on Black Racism" whereas in 2023 the world watched the story of 29 year old Tyree Nichols who was brutally beaten to death by 5-Memphis Black police officers.
Elmore notes that there is no correctly discussing Elvis history without including the racist Memphis Mayor E.H. Crump and his effect regarding the culture and history of Elvis.
Click here Crump nominated head of the Memphis censure board Lloyd T. Binford, long regarded by the movie industry as the nation's toughest censor.
Any story positive regarding Blacks was censured in Memphis. The Joe Louis Fight film, Little Rascals, Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne or any film showing Blacks in a positive light in Memphis was banned. Even a film like "Gone with Wind" that did not show the south in a positive light was banned in Memphis.
In line with the plantation culture, history and practices of the "Old South" that continues in 2025 is the Memphis Shelby County Film Commission culture & practices that are tantamount to Lloyd T. Binford censure of positive Black stories and the Old Plantation South whereas the Memphis Shelby County Film commission practice is a culture of White Supremacy that is supported by Memphis Black on Black Racism. The Memphis Shelby County Film commission only supports White Films and White Filmmakers whereas the Film Commission's practices and authority is a throwback to the plantation days. The Memphis Shelby County Film Commission erased Elmore's Film History an erasure of Black Memphis History supported by Black Memphis Elected officials the way things were done on a plantation years ago.
Click here to see the video titled: White Memphis Film Commissioner Linn Sitler vs. Black America USA. Memphis erased Elmore's Black Memphis Film History.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore explains that in order to explain the past Memphis we must explain present Memphis and an absolute fact in American history. What is unknown and untold in Memphis and throughout the world is the fact that "Graceland in Memphis is the Whitest House in America" and Memphis is run like a plantation whereas there is an aversion to "Black Memphis History.
Elmore notes that Graceland is the greatest display of White Supremacy, Racism and Black on Black Racism in the 20th century whereas America was bamboozled. Elvis manager Colonel Tom Parker, whose real name was Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, was an illegal immigrant with a dubious history. Adopting the guise of a Southern gentleman with the name 'Colonel Tom Parker,' he concealed his origins and exploited Elvis Presley, a genuine good-hearted talented young man from Tupelo Mississippi.
In 1957 when Elvis moved into Graceland, a damaging rumor spread that Elvis Presley said, 'All coloreds can do for me is buy my records and shine my shoes.' Allegedly fueled by Colonel Parker, this rumor deeply hurt Elvis, a man who had always respected and admired the Black community. Despite his denials, the accusation created a lasting wound, impacting his relationship with Black Americans, a rift still remembered in 2025.
Colonel Tom Parker's reputation as a "con man" is deeply rooted in his unconventional and often manipulative management of Elvis Presley. His background, shrouded in fabricated narratives, began with his birth as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk in the Netherlands, a fact he concealed behind a constructed persona. He had everyone believing he was a southern gentleman whereas Colonel Tom Parker's influence on Elvis Presley extended beyond mere career management; it was a form of stringent control that dictated not only his professional choices, but also his public stance on social issues.
During the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement, when many of Elvis's fellow white Hollywood stars like Charlton Heston, Paul Newman, and Marlon Brando actively participated in the March on Washington, Presley's absence was conspicuous.
Click here to view the Elmore video titled: The Beatles Joined the Civil Rights movement. The Beatles joined the Civil Rights movement Elvis maintain the plantation culture whereas the greatest thing you can do for Black America is give Blacks a Cadillac.
Elmore notes how heartbreaking Elvis was treated by Colonel Parker and Elvis fans. Elvis who recorded "That's All right Mama" in 1954" finds Elvis Presley "Culturally Retarded." Elvis Presley was "Culturally Confined to the Plantation." Graceland was an "Antebellum Home" reminiscent of a Plantation and old South whereas Elvis was prisoner type casted to "The Plantation Culture" and only White America.
Colonel Parker being an illegal immigrant who did not have an American passport restricted Elvis performances whereas Elvis never performed in a foreign Country whereas Elvis was "Culturally Retarded" regarding experiencing other parts of the World as an entertainer. While in the in the Army in Germany Elvis was introduced to his wife Priscilla and Karate which became one of Elvis's outlets and love.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore produced many video about Elvis Presley. Click here to see the video titled: Orange Mound only hood connected to father of the Blues, King of the Blues & King of Rock & Roll
Elmore shares the unknown and untold Elvis connection to the Black connection of Orange Mound in Memphis. Elmore notes this quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: "Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' Vanity asks the question, 'Is it popular?' But, conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?'
Elmore note's while he never met Elvis Elmore met many of Elvis most trusted friends. At 16 years old Elmore was a lead singer in an all White band in 1969 whereas Elmore and the band appeared on then Elvis best friend George Cline's Talent Party. Two white parents objected to their sons being in a band with a then "Colored Singer." George Cline told us you guys should stick together. Elmore had the occasion to work with George Cline.
Elmore has a "Front Seat" to Rock and Roll in Memphis. The All White band Elmore was a part of attended Humes High School where Elvis attended. Our manager was a former member of the band "Shad and the King Lears" whereas Memphis had "Garage Bands" in those days in both White and Black Communities whereas Elmore was part of Memphis music.
Elmore notes I went from being a "Hippie to a Black Revolutionary" whereas Elmore engaged in "Buddhist Eastern Philosophy and Karate." In 1974 when Elvis opened his Karate School "TKI" (Tennessee Karate Institute) Elmore was this 22 year old "Hot Shot Karateka" who went to the Elvis Karate School.
Elmore mentions a respectful Elvis friend Red West who was pulverized by World Middle champion Bill Wallace during a sparring match. Elmore challenged Wallace to a match whereas Elmore smiles remembering their memorable sparring match.
Elmore notes you would have to be a "Karate-Ka" to understand Karate in those days. Elmore developed the "Japanese Bushido Code" way of the warrior. Karate allowed a "Cultural Integration whereas Blacks and White Karate-kas in America unlike American society had Karate Integration." Elvis Presley began Karate training in Germany in 1959. Elmore notes because of what we accomplished in Memphis Elvis would have reached out to meet him. Elmore notes that it is a "Karate Thing."
Elmore moved via a parallel course in regards to Elvis and Karate in Memphis. While Elvis died in 1977 Elmore started promoting Karate/Kickboxing in Memphis whereas Elmore 1st introduced Karate/Kickboxing in Memphis in 1979. It was in 1981 whereas the PKA "Professional Karate Association" featured Memphis via its E.S.P.N. Telecast. Elmore as the promoter brought not only the Karate community together the event put Memphis in the national spotlight whereas it was the late Cliff Dates an African/American security firm owner who joined with Elmore to integrate White Kickboxing into Black Culture whereas a "Coors Beer" distributor President Bob Heavers looking to spread Coors into the "Black Community" allowed the promotion of "Hospitality Nights" at the distributor, whereas we would show Kickboxing fights ring girls, promote Coors, Ring Girls and Karate. We got the attention of that Coors National Brewery whereas Anthony "Amp" Elmore became the 1st Kickboxer in American History to be sponsored by a major American Corporation.
Please click here to view video titled: Sugar Ray Leonard at Anthony Amp Elmore fight in Memphis 1986
Sugar Ray Leonard explains that Elmore introduced "The Entertainment aspect of Kickboxing" that crossed cultural boundaries. Elmore brought Grammy & Oscar winner Isaac Hayes to sing the national Anthem at his Championship E.S.P. N. fight in 1982. In 1983 Elmore had 11 time Grammy award winner Al Green to sing the national Anthem whereas Joe Corley President of the PKA now "Professional Kickboxing Association" edited Al Green out of the E.S.P.N. Telecast noting that his rendition of the national Anthem was "Too Black." In the same year in 1983 Soul singer Marvin Gaye performed a Black Rendition of the National anthem at the NBA Finals. Three years later in 1986 Al Green performed on Saturday night live. In 1991 Soul Singer Whitney Houston at the Super Bowl gave the greatest rendition of the national anthem in American history. In 2000 Al Green song the National Anthem at the NBA finals. While Al Green was edited out of the PKA telecast Al Green was honored via the 2014 Kennedy Center awards which is the highest award in the arts in America.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore in 1987 created not only the 1st Independent 35mm Theatrical Film in Memphis Film History Elmore created the 1st Kickboxing film in World film history. Elvis created the 1974 film "New Gladiators" Elmore's film was titled "The Contemporary Gladiator."
Click here to see video titled: Anthony Amp Elmore from Kickboxer to Film Director/ Producer This video shows a 27 year old Elmore in 1980 via his 1st Kickboxing interview in Memphis.
Elmore via a rare experience got what he called "two bites off of the apple" whereas Elmore as an African/American experienced an opportunity of the world of "White Privilege." Being a lead singer in an all White band and a Kickboxing world champion fighter promoter allowed Elmore a rare opportunity that would have allowed Elmore to connect with Elvis Presley had Elvis been around via Elmore's Memphis Rise to the pinnacle of the Karate/Kickboxing world.
Via his 1st day in office President Trump removed DEI: Click here to see the Black History Month 2025 video titled: From Orange Mound to the World A DEI Celebration. Elmore explains we have documented history whereas we created "The 1st Kickboxing Film in World Film History titled (The Contemporary Gladiator)."
Elmore notes we are connected to both Elvis Presley and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elmore explains while I never met Dr. King I quit college in 1972 to join with King aide and chief strategist Rev. James Bevel. Click here to see video titled: First Kickboxing Film "The Contemporary Gladiator" is connected to James Bevel & Civil Rights Movement.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore's unique connection intertwines the legacies of Elvis Presley and the Black Community, bridging family ties, friendships, and cultural Heritage from Memphis to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
While Memphis, Tennessee is the most populated city of African/Americans in America whereas Memphis does not have a "Black Memphis History Museum" nor a written chronicle of Black Memphis History. Elmore via Cinema created Memphis 1st and only Memphis 1st digital Black Memphis History Museum via Cinema. This museum website is "BlackMemphisHistory.Com." This Black Memphis History website includes an entire section regarding Elvis Presley. Elmore explains to get a complete view of Elvis one must include Elvis connection to Black Memphis and for Black Memphis to get a completed understanding of Black Memphis History there must be an Elvis Presley inclusion.
Any writer who writes about Memphis must understand that there exist in Memphis a culture of White Supremacy, Racism and Black on Black Racism whereas Black History and Culture is obscured. Whereas as with E.H. Crump and Lloyd T. Binford who extricated positive stories about Black Memphis leaders are party to White Supremacy and erasure of Black Memphis history. Elmore created the 1st Kickboxing film in World Film history whereas in Memphis this historic achievement is obscured.
Dr. Martin Luther King said "Silence is Betrayal" whereas the Memphis Shelby County Film Commission via a racist act erased Elmore's Black Memphis Film history. Elvis Presley financed the production of the documentary Film "The New Gladiators" in 1973-1974. The film was not released until 2002. Coincidentally Anthony "Amp" Elmore started production of his film titled "The Contemporary Gladiator" a film with nearly the same title 10 years after Elvis death in 1977. Elmore would later be honored as one of the first recipients of the "Elvis Presley Memorial Karate Tournament Hall of Fame.
Click here to see our video titled Graceland the Whitest house in America.
Clearly in regards to fame White America won and is winning whereas Graceland is "The Whitest House in America. Elmore ask readers to Click here to view video titled: Bobby Rush, Elvis Presley two Kings karma; A Black Buddhist lecture This video was uploaded December 3, 2016. Bobby Rush back in the day was an opening act for Elvis Presley. Whites took a rope and put it in a circle and told Bobby Rush that if his hips go out of the circle he would not get paid. Elvis intervened and told the Whites do not treat Bobby this way. Bobby Rush is forever grateful to Elvis Presley.
Bobby Rush was born two years before Elvis November 10, 1933. Bobby Rush knew Elvis and open up for Elvis. In those day all Black music was Rock and Roll. Elvis fans should learn the Bobby Rush story.
Elmore explains that the historic Peabody Hotel "The Grand Hotel of the South" reached out to him whereas the hotel offered Elmore an opportunity to promote "Karate/Kickboxing" at the hotel. Elmore notes that both he an Blues Great Albert King had a space at the hotel. Gary Belz the son of the owner of the hotel offered us the honor of being regular event promoters at the hotel.
Via Elmore kickboxing promotions at the hotel Elmore had VIP guests who would purchase a table of tickets non other than Memphis music legend and Elvis music producer "Chips Moman." Elmore got to meet many of Elvis close friends.
Elmore notes a sad commentary about Memphis Black on Black Racism whereas this question can be directed to both of Memphis Black Mayors, the majority Black Memphis City Council and Shelby County Commission. Anthony "Amp" Elmore created not only Memphis First 35mm Theatrical Film "The Contemporary Gladiator" Elmore's film is the 1st Kickboxing film in World Film history whereas via Black on Black Racism this history is not acknowledged because Elmore's Black Film history runs counter to the Memphis culture of White Supremacy.
The Memphis Arts council, The Shelby County historical Commission, Indie Memphis, The Orange Mound Arts Council would have to include "Black Memphis History" that has been extricated in Memphis.
While Memphis does not have a "Black Memphis History" museum Anthony "Amp" Elmore created a digital Black Memphis History Museum via Cinema via "Black Memphis History. Com." In regards to "Black on Black Racism" there exists a culture, practice and history to disparage the history of "Black Orange Mound" via marginalizing positive stories and accentuating negative stories about Orange Mound whereas they removed the middle School from Orange Mound a planned racist act.
Via DNA testing Elmore learns that he is not only culturally connected to Elvis he is connected to Elvis as cousin via DNA. Elmore notes that his 9 year of son Siddhattha Elmore was born January 8, 2016 the same birthday of Elvis.
Click here to view a 2019 video titled "Buddhism: Elvis Presley Five Signs of Decay by Anthony Amp Elmore.
"Anthony 'Amp' Elmore reflects on the impact of a 2019 video that, in his words, makes him 'shriek'—a reaction that sparks reflection on how such portrayals might resonate within White communities. Citing the Bible's teaching in Luke 12:48, 'To whom much is given, much will be required,' Elmore underscores the importance of accountability and stewardship. Elvis Presley undeniably stands as a cultural icon celebrated by White America, particularly in the context of segregation. However, embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion invites a broader and more unified narrative. By acknowledging the full scope of Elvis's story, we create an opportunity to unite America through the lens of his legacy."
Elmore concludes this story with grief—not a grief for himself, but a grief for Elvis Presley and his grave misfortune. Elmore reflects on the history of Graceland as a tale of millions of "sycophants" draining the lifeblood of Elvis Presley. While Elvis may be regarded as the King, even a king needs true friends, something Elvis tragically lacked.
Elmore points out the paradox of celebrating Elvis and turning Graceland into a monument. He argues that Elvis stands as a complex symbol—a testament to a legacy shaped by exploitation. He draws parallels to how, just as President Trump sought to diminish Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Colonel Parker and others in charge of Elvis's legacy overlooked the rich diversity of influences that shaped his artistry. Elvis is buried in the heart of Black America, where his fans pride themselves on his whiteness, worshipping a King who, in many ways, owed his crown to Black culture.
In his critique, Elmore outlines the "Five Signs of Decay," exposing the reality of Elvis Presley as a man who was "sick, dying, and a drug addict"—someone who did not need more drugs but desperately needed help. Elvis grew up surrounded by Black people; they were his community, his friends, and the source of the musical legacy he carried. Elmore reminds us that the music that made Elvis great was born from Black history and culture.
Ultimately, Elmore seeks to inspire a new vision: "Uniting America Through Elvis—A Black Man's Story of Heritage, Orange Mound, Black History, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion." He challenges readers to reflect on how we can transform Elvis's legacy into one that honors the Black heritage from which it drew so deeply.
Elmore calls on Elvis fans, the Memphis community, and all Americans to join this mission of unity and understanding. Let us come together to celebrate the cultural mosaic that shaped Elvis, fostering conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. By organizing community events, supporting educational initiatives, and promoting discussions around Black history and its impact, we can build a new legacy—one that honors the full story and promotes healing and progress.
"Orange Mound News Network (OMNN) is dedicated to reshaping the narrative of the historic Orange Mound community through the power of filmmaking, education, and content creation. Founded by Anthony "Amp" Elmore, OMNN aims to challenge stereotypes, highlight resilience, and celebrate the rich history of America's first community built for Blacks by Blacks. With innovative programs and digital integration, OMNN connects communities, fosters cultural diplomacy, and promotes mutual understanding. For more information, visit our website at "www.orangemoundnewsnetwork.com."
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