We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Mosby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risks has played a major role in our impact that’s being made in our community. Being a nonprofit, it’s more of giving blood, sweat, and tears into the work. The selfless acts are nonstop and sometimes you’re risking your own personal desires for the benefit of a bigger cause. We also take risks by going into certain areas that one would ask, why are you over there. Well, my thought is that “somebody got to do it”. You find some of the best gems in people in places that the average person wouldn’t normally be.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the Founder and Executive Director of Raising the BAR Community Development, a Greater Memphis Area Nonprofit (501c3). RTB is different from others for many reasons, to name a few we focus on a specific demographic here in Memphis, TN. Young black boys! We provide different services to them and their families. We are a small organization in practice but HUGE in impact. We find ways to “get it done” for our communities. Starting out as mentoring program only in 2005 now a full 501c3 organization with Football, Music Production, Drum Classes, Fishing, and Mentoring Programs. It’s definitely been challenges throughout. One of the main ones is keeping the organization sustain financially. We’ve spent way more than received so far, but grateful for those that do support. When the call is greater than current circumstance, you find a way to make it happen. I’m most proud of the Impact we’ve made in our communities, serving thousands of boys and families over the last years. We’ve given hope to hopeless situations, light to dark areas, and vision to a blank stare! I want the world to know that WE ARE OUT HERE, as I would say “in the trenches” daily and that we could use more resources, funding, volunteers, and well wishes! We literally Make Moves That Count, for our community. We serve about 400 boys and families annually!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You have to check out Robusto By Havana Mix, Downtown Memphis !

Too many good food places to name! Just go to Midtown and Downtown you will be alright !

Stop by any Live Music Venue, but BB Kings Blues Club is where you want to get your Authentic Memphis Sound.

We have Civil Rights Museum that’s worth giving yourself that historical Insight.

Check out a Grizz Game at FedEx Forum or the Redbirds at Autozone Park.

Need a good conversation and insight on our community? Stop by Oakhaven High School and connect with RTB There !

Check out our local Festivals: Soulful Food Truck, Juneteenth Shop Black, Vegan Festivals by Cynthia Daniels & Co.

L.O.L. Listen Outloud Festival by Jamal Whitlow & Privileged

Beale Street Cigar Festival by Cigar One Family

I just happen to be the Musical Director for all these events as well!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ll like to shoutout my mom! The reason being is because it’s simple, she never gave up on me. She’s one of the main reasons, outside of it being a life calling, that I’ve chosen this path and this work.

Website: www.Rtbmemphis.com

Instagram: @mikemosby

Twitter: @CoachMikeMosby

Facebook: Raising The Bar Community Development

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.