Bluff City Cares: An Interview with Ms. Cymphony Davis
Local & National News | December 5, 2025 | 3:20 p.m. CST

Written by: Gilbert Barnes Carter III

I gained more wonderful personal experiences while serving during the inaugural "Peace for the Holidays: Feed the Needy" community event. It was hosted by members of Youth Minds United at the Charles E. Powell Community Center in Westwood on Thanksgiving Eve, November 26. I had delightful and meaningful conversations with members of the core leadership group of Bluff City Cares: Mr. JLen Smith, Ms. Janniece Garner, and Ms. Cymphony Davis. They shared with me how they are intentional and tenacious in the rooms where critical decisions and planning are made. They reject the notion of "going along to get along" for the greater good without having a spirit of divisiveness. I even learned that Ms. Garner has the distinction of becoming the very first Black female firefighter in Shelby County Government in 2010.

Ms. Davis provided more specific details about how the Bluff City Cares team is working to produce more favorable outcomes for children across an already massive charitable sector here in Memphis.


1. Please provide the distinction between your charitable organization, Bluff City Cares, and Bluff City Parties & Events.

"As many may know we operate a for-profit business, Bluff City Parties & Events and a non-profit charitable organization, Bluff City Cares. The difference is Bluff City Parties & Events is an event planning company. We provide high-quality event services for families up to large corporate groups onsite. We provide all elements of an event from entertainment, such as bouncy houses, face painting, and DJs, to logistics such as tents, chairs, and event staff members."

"Bluff City Cares is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization. Our specific focus is youth development. We have three main pillar programs:"


"Purposed Incentives Initiative (P.I.I. Day) is an incentive program for elementary schoolchildren. We incentivize performance for students based on their progress in three core areas: attendance, academics, and mental attitude. We always love to see how children enjoy celebrating their achievements with their peers."

 

"Next Step Mentorship is our mentorship and workforce development program for high school and early college students. Students receive information about various careers as well as exposure by earning employment opportunities with local businesses."

 

"Business Community Engagement is our program in which we have the specific focus of bringing businesses and organizations closer to the communities. Through business development and sponsorship opportunities, these businesses and organizations will be able to not only grow but also make impacts."

The three main pillar programs of Bluff City Cares:

Purposed Incentives Initiative

Next Step Mentorship

Business Community Engagement

2. What are the annual signature events that are held for the benefit of the Bluff City Cares clients and teams?

"Every July, we have a Family Fun Day, when all of the Bluff City employees, their families, and some of our clients come out to enjoy the same attractions and fun that we typically provide for other people. This past July, we held the Family Fun Day at Grind City Brewing Company, and we had inflatables, free play basketball, and waterslides! The employees of Bluff City had a water balloon fight as well! Our very great friends from TopDawgz provided the catering and their amazing hotdogs! Everyone at Bluff City definitely looks forward to this event every summer!"

"Every July, we have a Family Fun Day, when all of the Bluff City employees, their families, and some of our clients come out to enjoy the same attractions and fun that we typically provide for other people." - Ms. Cymphony Davis

3. What is the current expansion plan for Bluff City Cares?

"The next step for Bluff City Cares is strengthening our support base. We’re looking to engage more local parents, businesses, and community organizations to have them show up for the youth in our communities. Financial support, of course, is great, but having the corresponding manpower is just as vital for creating the best opportunities for our leaders of tomorrow. In 2026, we will campaign for groups and individuals to make strategic investments in ways that work for them for the benefit of our youth."

"The following specific functions are very important: partnering, volunteering, and donating."

"In 2026, we will campaign for groups and individuals to make strategic investments in ways that work for them for the benefit of our youth." - Ms. Cymphony Davis

4. What is your current role with Bluff City Cares? How long have you served in your role?

"My current role is Marketing Coordinator. I've served in that role since May, 2025! I'm responsible for establishing our digital presence, sharing the missions of our non-profit charitable organization and our for-profit business, and highlighting the children, families, and businesses we serve. I also highlight how we strive to make an impact in communities across Memphis!"

Photo Credits:

Header Photo by: Ms. Cymphony Davis

Gilbert Barnes Carter III is a Memphis-based author, child welfare advocate, community organizer, emerging farmer, gardener, journalist, and social justice advocate. He began his social justice advocacy and work by serving as a Shelby County Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Board volunteer in 2005. He has worked since then to effectuate change for low-wage, immigrant, and migrant workers as a Temporary Workers Campaign Manager with Workers Interfaith Network; an advocate for Teamsters Local 667 sanitation workers; and a community / field organizer to uphold blight reduction, efficient public mass transit, environmental justice, food access, food justice, food security, narrative change, and public safety.