On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the city of Memphis witnessed a powerful display of community pride and resilience at the Cleaborn Homes Reunion. Took place from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at L.E. Brown Park on Georgia Street, the family-friendly event featured food, music, games, drinks, and a vital message woven throughout the day: Stop the Violence.
For many, the Cleaborn Homes Reunion is more than just a neighborhood gathering—it is a chance to reconnect with old friends, celebrate community history, and show the city of Memphis that there is far more to this neighborhood than its challenges.
One of the driving forces behind this reunion is Shamar “Lionheart” James, a community leader who has been making a lasting impact in his neighborhood. Lionheart has dedicated himself to uniting people from diverse backgrounds, bridging divides, and highlighting the rich history and positive legacy that Cleaborn Homes represents. His mission is simple yet profound: to remind people that when communities come together, they shine brighter than ever.
The event was hosted by Team Pressure, with a special guest appearance by South Memphis Hypeman, who brought his signature energy to the celebration. Beyond entertainment, the day was about togetherness, love, and showing the next generation that hope can rise even in places where struggle has often been the headline.
Photo Courtesy: Shamar “Lionheart” James
Cleaborn Homes holds a unique place in Memphis history. For decades, it has been home to families, culture, and stories that shaped the heart of the city. While the neighborhood has faced its share of challenges, it has also produced resilience, creativity, and strength that continue to inspire those who are aware of its legacy. Lionheart and his team have made it their mission to ensure that this history is not lost. Instead, they want to highlight the countless success stories, memories, and bonds that were built in Cleaborn Homes. By doing so, they are sending a message: neighborhoods are not defined solely by their struggles, but by the people who call them home and the community they create together.
At the heart of the Cleaborn Homes Reunion is a powerful call to action—Stop the Violence”. Memphis, like many cities, has faced rising concerns around violence in its communities. This event seeks to turn that narrative around by creating a safe space where joy, music, and fellowship replace division. Through this gathering, Lionheart and his collaborators hoped to spark conversations about peace, responsibility, and the future. By providing a platform where city residents can come together in unity, the reunion was not only a celebration of the past but also an investment in a brighter tomorrow.
Events like the Cleaborn Homes Reunion were vital for strengthening the fabric of Memphis. They reminded the residents of the power of unity and provided opportunities for families to bond, businesses to thrive, and leaders to engage directly with the people they serve. Vendors on site offered food, drinks, and goods, and allowed small businesses to showcase their services. Families enjoyed music, games, and a festive atmosphere that made everyone feel welcome. And perhaps most importantly, the reunion created a space for positive storytelling—an opportunity to shift the narrative about Cleaborn Homes and highlight the strength of its people.
Shamar “Lionheart” James has become a beacon of hope in his community. By organizing and leading events like this reunion, he demonstrates that grassroots leadership is indeed essential. His efforts to unite people with differences, celebrate history, and focus on solutions rather than problems are reshaping how Cleaborn Homes is perceived—not just by Memphis, but by the generations who will carry on its legacy. His work is not only about one event, but about sparking a movement where neighborhoods are seen as sources of strength, pride, and possibility.
The Cleaborn Homes Reunion was far more than a day of fun—it was a statement of pride, resilience, and vision for the future. With leaders like Shamar “Lionheart” James at the helm, the neighborhood is reminding Memphis that its story is one of unity and hope. As families gathered at L.E. Brown Park last September 6, they celebrated not only the past but also laid the foundation for a future where community, history, and peace come together in powerful harmony.
Disclaimer: The Cleaborn Homes Reunion is a community event dedicated to promoting unity and peace. Views expressed by individuals are their own and do not reflect the publication’s stance. The event aims to foster positive dialogue and is not a solution to all neighborhood challenges. No endorsements of specific businesses or individuals are implied.
