How The Big We is Reimagining Memphis’ National Treasure to Fuel Creativity, Culture, and Community Power
An exterior shot of Historic Clayborn Temple pre-fire with the iconic "I AM A MAN" art installation.
Memphis leaders are reimagining one of the city’s most significant cultural landmarks as a center for art, connection, and community. Historic Clayborn Temple, a certified National Treasure and a cornerstone of Memphis history, stands at the heart of a visionary campaign to preserve legacy while building toward the future.
The church became a focal point of the Civil Rights Movement in 1968, serving as headquarters for the Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike, which drew the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the city and helped shape the iconic “I AM A MAN” signs that have resonated across the nation. Today, Clayborn remains an enduring symbol of dignity, resilience, and collective purpose, inspiring local artists, community builders, and creative thinkers in Memphis and beyond.
Under the leadership of Anasa Troutman, CEO of The Big We and Executive Director of Historic Clayborn Temple, community partners have unified behind a bold vision to restore the temple as a place where culture, history, and connection flourish. Troutman’s cultural strategy leadership centers Clayborn as both a living museum of the past and a thriving engine for future opportunities in arts, culture, education, and shared economic power.
A Year of Promise Interrupted
The year 2025 began with momentum. Historic Clayborn Temple was welcoming visitors, hosting cultural programming, and coming alive through events like the In This Place season, a series of arts and community experiences that highlighted local creativity and cultural heritage. The community also embraced Union: The Musical, a performance grounded in Memphis’ historical narratives and moments of collective action. The temple drew national visitors interested in learning more about its history and legacy, reinforcing its place as a site of inspiration and cultural exchange.
That hopeful trajectory changed abruptly on April 28, 2025, when a fire tore through the interior of Clayborn Temple in the early morning hours. Investigators later confirmed the blaze was intentionally set. The devastating fire severely damaged the structure while it was undergoing an extensive renovation aimed at preserving architectural integrity and expanding Clayborn’s role as a museum and community hub.
The incident shook Memphis and the nation, drawing deep concern from cultural heritage advocates, preservationists, and community members who had watched the temple’s restoration with admiration. Even as experts confirmed the arson, the community’s resolve strengthened around the need to protect, rebuild, and elevate Clayborn’s legacy.
CEO and Founder of The Big We, Anasa Troutman, discusses the three targeted arsons from April 2025.
cOMMUNITY AND foUNDATION suPPORT iGNITE reVIVAL
Within a month of the fire, national organizations stepped forward with meaningful investment. The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, in partnership with the Mellon Foundation and the Ford Foundation, committed $1.5 million to support the initial phase of rebuilding and reimagining the temple. This catalytic support reaffirmed Clayborn’s significance and enabled planning efforts to accelerate.
“We are honored that partners who understand the power of cultural heritage have chosen to walk with us,” said Anasa Troutman. “Clayborn Temple represents stories of struggle, unity, and creativity. We are committed to preserving that legacy while expanding the possibilities for this sacred ground.”
Today, The Big We and its partners are finishing the first stage of planning and design — a future-forward vision that positions Clayborn Temple as a hub for arts, history, performance, reflection, and community connection. This transformational design expands beyond restoration, integrating spaces for cultural programming, exhibitions, learning, and shared creative expression that honor the site’s legacy while supporting present-day community needs.
Keeping the Spirit of Clayborn Alive Today Through Programming
Even as the physical temple undergoes renewal, the spirit of Clayborn continues in community-centered programming. In 2025, The Big We gathered nearly 200 Memphis residents at community mixers to share information and spark interest in COIN, a free cooperative business accelerator that supports creatives and community members in launching collective, community-owned ventures. COIN reflects Clayborn’s historic ethos of shared power and mutual growth.
The community has also sustained momentum through the Voices of Clayborn campaign, an initiative that invites individuals to share personal stories and memories tied to Clayborn’s legacy. These narratives help anchor the temple’s broader cultural significance while connecting generations through personal experience, memory, and belonging.
A Call to Memphis and the Nation
While planning and reimagining efforts advance, The Big We and Historic Clayborn Temple are calling on supporters to join the journey. Community involvement and philanthropic support will shape not only the physical restoration of Clayborn but its future as a vibrant home for culture, creativity, history, and collective empowerment.
Your contribution can help preserve this national treasure and ensure it continues to inspire generations to come. Donate today to support rebuilding and reimagining Historic Clayborn Temple. Be part of keeping a national symbol of culture, resilience, and possibility alive.