Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Kail.
Hi Tony, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a cultural anthropologist with a strong love for African religious traditions. In October of 2025 I was able to open the Beale Street Hoodoo History and Folklife Museum at the historic A.Schwab on Beale. While doing research for my 2017 book ‘A Secret History of Memphis Hoodoo: Rootworkers, Conjurers and Spirituals’ from The History Press I discovered a deep history of survival, oppression and culture of the tradition of Hoodoo. This African tradition of healing and spirituality permeates Memphis history, blues history and Beale Street history. I felt that we had to have something to remember this history and to teach future generations about this valuable culture that helped generations survive slavery, segregation and oppression.
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?
It has been a challenge as the story of Hoodoo in Memphis has remained relatively hidden from outsiders. It has been a challenge impressing the importance of this story as it speaks to some very uncomfortable issues including colonialism, racism and ethnocentrism.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work for a few organizations that provide training in transcultural concepts for public safety agencies. I teach classes to forensic personnel on understanding cultural elements at crime scenes. I also serve as an adjunct professor in Anthropology for Southern New Hampshire University. My recent book focuses on my fieldwork with Afro-Cuban Santeria communities in the southern U.S.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Riding down Summer Avenue with my parents listening to ‘Rock the Boat’ from the Hues Corporation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hoodoomuseum.org
