Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Michael-Banks.
Hi Carolyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
A Tour of Possibilities (ATOP) is an African American historical and cultural sightseeing tour of Memphis, TN.
I was the General Manager of a large national sightseeing company in 1989 and made a choice to include African American history in the scripts of tours in Washington, D.C., Savannah, GA, and Philadelphia, PA. The CEO felt the inclusion of African American history was too uncomfortable for guests. Once downsized I made another choice to start my own tour company in Philadelphia, PA.
In 2000, I relocated to Memphis, TN and ATOP was reborn in 2014.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of my first challenges was learning about the city. I had lived in Memphis for almost 14 years but kept within my bubble and often would have difficulties finding my way out of downtown when detours were present. Fortunately, I had developed tours in other cities so the learning curve was high but not unattainable.
2019 proved the be the year I had turned the corner in my business. My systems and team members were starting to fall in place. I was extremely excited about the plans I had for 2020. Then COVID! The road was definitely not smooth at that point. I had to completely rethink how to offer my tours – safely. Initially, I sat and cried. At points I was numb. Then I heard my mother’s voice asking me to say the name of my company out loud. Even though she is no longer with us, I did as she asked and stated “A Tour of Possibilities.” I then heard her say, “enough said.” “Go figure it out.”
Products were developed that helped ATOP get through a very difficult period. It stretched me but did not break me.
One of the products that we still offer is The Virtual Excursion – specifically designed for groups who want to experience the tour either via their own smart device or with me giving a presentation on site. This allows me to share the richness of Memphis’ history around the world.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
A Tour of Possibilities (ATOP) is the only sightseeing tour company in Memphis offering regularly scheduled tours through an African American historical lens. We are committed to not only telling the stories of the past but highlighting other African American-owned businesses along the way. We are an African American and woman-owned business.
ATOP offers visitors and Memphians alike a perspective traditional tours don’t provide. Condé Nast has recognized ATOP as one of six (6) Standout Black History Tours in the U.S. I am passionate about creating an experience that educates people about the richness of Memphis’ history often not taught in schools. Education is power. Knowing the past allows for a better understanding of our present and a sense that the possibilities for a better future are endless.
I am most proud that we offer African American historical tours unapologetically. This tour is not for everyone. Our acronym, ATOP, also stands for A Tour on Purpose. We pride ourselves on delivering informative and enlightening tours in an entertaining yet powerful way. We believe in consistently offering an excellent product by exceeding expectations. We have been blessed by our guests by way of their reviews.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the amount of history here hidden in plain sight. It begins with the naming of our city. It was named after of the capitol of Egypt in ancient Africa. The “founders” were aware back in 1819 of the greatness of that city that sat on the Nile River. They foresaw the greatness that was to come in the city that sits on the Mighty Mississippi River.
We are definitely known for our Bar B Q but I enjoy the fact we have so much more to offer Memphians as well as visitors when it comes to food. Cuisines from around the world!
I am inspired by groups such as The Big We. It is a Memphis-based social enterprise and organization dedicated to building infrastructure for the city’s cultural economy. I appreciate their emphasis on collaboration more than competition.
There are historical sites that could never be duplicated or found anywhere else in the world i.e. Mason Temple where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous and last and prophetic speech, “ I’ve Been to the Mountain Top” on April 3, 1968. Less than 24 hours before he was assassinated.
What I like least about Memphis is how we tend to shoot ourselves in the foot. I am clear that “if it bleeds it leads.” I think we need to be aware of how best to balance some of the stories we hear about every morning, afternoon and evening about what is happening in our city. Yes, we have crime. Most of the cities I’ve lived in ( New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, PA) have crime. Perhaps the focus should not be on the crime itself, but what we are doing to combat it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.atopmemphis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atopmemphis
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atopmemphis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbsPyf2w32XGg5e1UZmIxRA
