"If Lions were historians, hunters would no longer be heroes." This powerful African proverb encapsulates the mission of the Orange Mound News Network (OMNN). Founded by Anthony Amp Elmore, OMNN aims to reclaim and reshape the narrative of Orange Mound through the power of filmmaking, education, and content creation. Our goal is to challenge the negative stereotypes and biased portrayals that have long plagued our community, creating a positive space for family, Black culture, history, and education.

Our Journey and Mission

Orange Mound, established as the first community in America built for Blacks by Blacks, has a rich history often overshadowed by negative stereotypes. Mainstream media and societal biases have painted Orange Mound as a "ghetto," contributing to a 30% decline in property values while surrounding communities have prospered. The Orange Mound News Network was created to counter this narrative and highlight the true spirit and resilience of our community.

Anthony Amp Elmore, a five-time world karate kickboxing champion, filmmaker, and community activist, has been a beacon of change in Orange Mound. With over five decades of community service, Elmore has dedicated his life to uplifting Orange Mound. From becoming a homeowner at 19, establishing businesses, to founding the Proud Black Buddhist World Association, Elmore's contributions have been immense.

Connecting Communities Through Culture and History

Elmore's journey in cultural diplomacy began when he was invited to Kisumu, Kenya, by Governor Anyang' Nyong'o to attend FESTAC, the largest African and Black Art festival in the world. It was here that Elmore's vision for a deeper connection between Africans and African Americans took root. During his visit, he engaged with students at ARYA Primary School, performed a song about Kenya's founding father Tom Mboya, and proposed a pen pal program that evolved into a robust educational and cultural exchange.

Our journey in African Cultural Diplomacy began in 1990 when the Orange Mound Memphis-produced movie "The Contemporary Gladiator" premiered in Kenya. This marked a significant milestone in Elmore's mission to foster cultural exchange and understanding. The film's premiere in Kenya not only showcased Elmore's work but also solidified his role as a cultural diplomat.

Back in Memphis, Elmore established a partnership between Cherokee School in Orange Mound, Tennessee, and ARYA Primary School in Africa. This collaboration marked the beginning of the African Cultural Diplomat Exchange Network (ACDEN), which aims to bridge cultural gaps and foster mutual understanding. By leveraging digital technology, Elmore transformed the traditional pen pal program into a 21st-century paradigm of education and communication.

Innovative Programs and Digital Integration

The Orange Mound News Network integrates platforms like Disqus for interactive discussions and WhatsApp for real-time communication, ensuring seamless exchange of comments, documents, pictures, videos, and other information. This digital approach not only facilitates communication but also connects our community with global audiences.

Elmore's home, known as the "Orange Mound Black Memphis Hollywood" movie production center, serves as a cultural hub hosting events, educational programs, and film productions. This space symbolizes Elmore's commitment to preserving and promoting Black culture and history. His work includes creating the first independent 35mm film in Memphis, "The Contemporary Gladiator," which is also the first kickboxing film in world film history. This groundbreaking achievement highlights the cultural and historical significance of Elmore's contributions, which deserve recognition from the United States Film Registry.

Fighting for Legacy and Positive Change

Anthony Amp Elmore's journey is not just about personal accolades but about creating a lasting legacy for Orange Mound. His efforts to educate youth about Black history, challenge white supremacy, and fight black-on-black racism are commendable. Through the Orange Mound News Network, Elmore aims to provide a platform for positive news, inspiring stories, and educational content that empowers the community.

Despite facing challenges and a lack of recognition, Elmore continues to advocate for change. His call to Black elected officials to support and acknowledge the rich history of Orange Mound is a testament to his dedication. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Silence is betrayal." Elmore's fight against black-on-black racism and his push for a fair narrative of Orange Mound are crucial steps towards justice and equality.

A Vision for the Future

The Orange Mound News Network represents a new dawn for our community. By using filmmaking, education, and content creation, we are building a positive network that celebrates our rich heritage and promotes family values, cultural understanding, and educational excellence. Anthony Amp Elmore's life and work are a testament to the resilience and strength of Orange Mound, and through OMNN, we aim to inspire pride and unity within our community and beyond.