1. West Memphis was officially incorporated in 1923 and continued to grow to become the largest city in Crittenden County. The availability of river and rail transportation transformed West Memphis into the manufacturing and distribution hub of the county. Although in the 1930s West Memphis, along with the rest of the Mississippi Delta had fallen on hard times due to the national economic depression and the devastating 1927 flood in the Mississippi River Valley, the city grew and developed at a record pace. However, the most notable export of West Memphis from that era became its original Blues music. At one time Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin’ Wolf, Mr. Lockwood, and B.B. King all called West Memphis home.
   
   
2. Economy:  Primarily because of its central location and transportation infrastructure, West Memphis has become a hub for distribution and assembly operations. Healthcare has become a large component of the city's business with Crittenden Regional Hospital, numerous clinics and nursing homes located in town.
   
   
3. Broadway is the downtown district for the city of West Memphis. This downtown area has more than 84 stores and restaurants lining the street and is still growing. Broadway is the host of the city's "Blues on Broadway," hosting famous blues singers. City officials are still finding ways to renovate this area.
   
   
4. The median income for a household in the city was $27,399, and the median income for a family was $32,465.
   
   

By Race

White

Black

Native American

Asian

Hispanic

Total Population

42.16%

55.93%

0.21%

0.53%

1.01%

Because Hispanics could be counted in other races, the totals above could possibly be more than 100%. If you would like a detailed listing of all ethnic groups in the U.S., please Click Here.

A small percentage of the businesses listed on BlackCityInfo.com may not necessarily be black owned and operated but have received favorable reviews from users who have visited the establishment, or from the owners themselves who warmly seek out African American patronage.

BEAUTY CARE - BLACK HAIR SALONS - MULTICULTURAL

1. Ephesians Styling Salon -  Category: Hair Salons -   1800 North Missouri Street West Memphis, AR 72301 (870) 702-7775
   
   

BLACK BUSINESSES - SERVICES - VENDORS ETC.

1. Africa Enterprises -  Category: Black Book Stores -   707 E. Broadway W. Memphis, AR 72301 (501) 735-1212
   
   

DINING - CATERING

1. Bourbon Street Steakhouse-Grill -  Category: Steakhouse, Southern/Soul -   1550 Ingram Blvd. West Memphis, AR 72301 (870) 735-3670  - (reviews)
   
   
2. Chicken Coop -  Category: Southern/Soul -   420 W Broadway St West Memphis, AR 72301 (870) 733-9898
   
   
3. D'Bo's Wings n' More -  Category: Barbecue, Southern/Soul -   1397 Missouri St. West Memphis, AR 72301 (870) 394-9242  - (visit website)
   
   
4. Granny's Soul Food -  Category: Southern/Soul -   1613 E Broadway St West Memphis, AR 72301 (870) 702-7398
   
   
5. Madea's Kitchen -  Category: Southern/Soul, American, Breakfast/Brunch -   510 N. Missouri St West Memphis, AR 72301 (870) 394-4938
   
   
6. Roadside BBQ -  Category: Barbecue, Southern/Soul -   196 State Highway 147 Proctor, AR 72376 (870) 733-9208
   
   

Mizz'L singing one of her originals Cornbread Hips

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• Black Beauty Salons
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• Crime in West Memphis, Arkansas
• Demographics of West Memphis, Arkansas
• Employment in West Memphis, Arkansas
• Hotels in West Memphis, Arkansas
• Public Schools in West Memphis, Arkansas
• Real Estate in West Memphis, Arkansas
• Soul Food Restaurant Listing
• Useful BlackCityInfo.com Referrals

BLACK CHURCHES

1. Bethel AME Church -  2403 East Barton Avenue, West Memphis, AR 72301 (870) 732-3446   - (visit website)