Meet Carolyn Michael-Banks | Founder and owner

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

Hi Carolyn, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from the “Boogie Down Bronx, NY!” Born and raised in the Sedgwick Projects. I am clear that I am who I am today because of where I come from.

My parents were strict and I attended Catholic school for 12 years. The bar to achieve was set high in my home and doing my best was required, almost to a fault.

Growing up in the Bronx in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s was definitely challenging.You had to keep your wits about you and be careful.

The other side of this was being able to meet people from so many different nationalities. Experience food from around the world. Having places like Harlem, Times Square, Central Park, Broadway and the Bronx Zoo in my backyard was priceless. I went to and lived near places people only dream of.

There is a level of confidence I have that seems to have been baked into my DNA. I have traveled to and lived in a number of places and “there is no place like home!”

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
A Tour of Possibilities (ATOP) is the only sightseeing tour company in Memphis, TN offering regularly scheduled tours through an African American historical lens. We are committed to not only telling the stories of the past but highlighting other African American-owned businesses along the way. We are an African American and woman-owned business.

ATOP offers visitors and residents alike a perspective traditional tours don’t provide. TripAdvisor has ranked us #1 of 50 tours in Memphis. I am passionate about creating an experience that educates people about the richness of Memphis’ history often not taught in schools. Education is power. Knowing the past allows for a better understanding of our present and a sense that the possibilities for a better future are endless.

One of my first challenges was learning about the city. I had lived in Memphis for almost 14 years but kept within my bubble and often would have difficulties finding my way out of downtown when detours were present. Fortunately, I had developed tours in other cities so the learning curve was high but not unattainable.

COVID-19 was one of the most challenging periods for me. I had to completely rethink how to offer my tours – safely. Initially, I sat and cried. At points I was numb. Once I was able to gather myself, I realized I needed to “be” the possibilities. During that period four (4) new products were created and launched.

I am most proud that we offer African American historical tours unapologetically. This tour is not for everyone. Our acronym, ATOP, also stands for A Tour on Purpose. We pride ourselves on delivering informative and enlightening tours in an entertaining yet powerful way. We believe in consistently offering an excellent product by exceeding expectations. We have been blessed by our guests by way of their reviews.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1
Bass Pro Pyramid/cocktails-see the city from 321 ft above ground and watch the sun set and watch bridges light up
Beale Street/ Itta Bena Restaurant for dinner

Day 2
9:30 am tour with A Tour of Possibilities (of course!)
LUNCH (4 Way Grill)
Visit STAX Museum of American Soul Music
Visit GreenLeaf learning organic farm and meet founder Marlon Foster
Visit Royal Studios and tour where Al Green recorded some of his greatest hits and where Bruni Mars recorded Uptown Funk, and meet record produce and owner Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell
Eat dinner at South of Beal (SOB)
Enjoy sunset on rooftop of Hyatt Centric

Day 3
Visit NCRM
LUNCH @ Cozy Corners
Shop @ Mbabazi House of Style and other shops on Broad Ave
Riverboat cruise
Dinner at Crosstown and listen to live music in the Green Room

Day 4
Breakfast at Sunrise Memphis
Drive to Holly Springs, MS visit Ida B Wells-Barnett Museum
Lunch @ Alcenia’s
Walk around Overton Square area
Performance @ Playhouse on the Square
Dinner and music at Lafayette’s

Day 5
Brunch at Feast @ Graze
Performance @ Hattiloo Theater
Hang out at Central Station then enjoy a stroll along South Main Street (Trolley night would be ideal)

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?
The person I dedicate this shoutout to is my Mother, Ida Clarabell Tucker Michael. She passed in April of 2014 just a few months before I started my company.

She was one of the most incredible people on the planet. It was because of her I named my business A Tour of Possibilities. She taught me from a very young age, all things were possible.

The best example of this is when I was turning 14 she asked me if I wanted to visit Ghana, West Africa. I said “sure Mom, and then we can schedule a visit to the moon.” It wasn’t that I didn’t want to go but sitting on the 6th floor in the projects, it just didn’t seem possible.

She worked at Harlem Hospital and a number of her colleagues were Ghanaian. They were chartering a flight to Ghana that was cheaper than going to California. I celebrated my 14th birthday in Ghana with my Mom. We spent a month there and traveled to several countries. None of this seemed possible on paper.

One of the many places we visited that changed my world was visiting a slave castle. This was a place where those who were captured were kept until they were taken to places they never could have imagined and treated in ways that are difficult to discuss.

I remember clearly standing in a place called “the Door of No Return.” It was the last place those who were captured stood before they were packed on ships and left the place they called home. Something happened to me as I stood there. I knew there were stories I had to tell. Not just about the horrors of the slave trade but of the resilience of those who survived this horrific experience.

What I felt and still feel is the basis for why I do what I do today.

I owe so much to my mother and her decision to give me an experience that changed the trajectory of my life.

Website: https://www.atopmemphis.com

Instagram: https:// www.instagram.com/atopmemphis

Linkedin: https:// www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-michael-banks-53ba4b43

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/atopmemphis

Youtube: UCbsPyf2w32XGg5e1UZmIxRA

Image Credits
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