A Legacy of Service and Leadership
Melvin Bledsoe, the founder of Memphis’s first black-owned sightseeing business, has passed away after a battle with pneumonia. Family members shared that he died at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and community service.
Bledsoe began his journey in 1988 by starting Blues City Tours with a single church van. Over the years, he transformed it into a thriving business with eight buses, offering visitors a unique way to explore the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage. His passion for showcasing Memphis was evident in every tour he led.
Before establishing his own business, Bledsoe worked transporting visitors to Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis Presley. His daughter, Monica Holley, described her father as someone who truly loved sharing the city with others. “Every day he would come to work, I mean, he worked until he couldn’t work,” she said. “He ended up in the hospital about three or four weeks ago, but even then, he was still trying to get his way back to the office. He’s just that type of person, you know. Always dedicated to his business, serving the community, and making sure that he got to put Memphis out there.”
Holley highlighted her father’s commitment to the city beyond his business. He collaborated with the University of Memphis and St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Additionally, he played a significant role in supporting events at the National Civil Rights Museum, including transporting civil rights icons such as Rosa Parks, Jesse Jackson, and Andrew Young.
A Tragic Turn and a New Mission
In 2009, Bledsoe found himself in the national spotlight due to a tragic event involving his son. Carlos Bledsoe, who went by Abdul-Hakim Mohammad, opened fire at an Army recruiting center in Little Rock, killing one person and wounding another. It was later discovered that Carlos had been radicalized by Islamic extremists in the United States and Yemen.
Bledsoe expressed his shock and disbelief at the situation, stating that he had no idea his son had been brainwashed and trained to commit such acts. In 2015, he co-founded Parents for Peace, a Boston-based helpline aimed at helping families recognize the warning signs of extremism. Holley explained that the organization was created to prevent other families from experiencing the pain they endured. “My father didn’t want another family to go through what we were going through. We never thought it would be as big as it is.”
Today, Parents for Peace works closely with the White House and federal government to help identify and counter extremist activities. The organization continues to grow, reflecting the impact of Bledsoe’s efforts.
Continuing the Legacy
Despite the challenges, the family remains committed to carrying forward Bledsoe’s vision. Holley now runs Blues City Tours and emphasized that the business will continue to operate. “My dad worked very hard, and we are here to stay and welcome all Memphis tourists to the city, and take them from Graceland to the Civil Rights Museum and in between,” she said.
Bledsoe’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church. The visitation will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m., and it is open to the public. His life and contributions to the community will not be forgotten. Through his work with Blues City Tours and his advocacy against extremism, Melvin Bledsoe left a lasting impact on Memphis and beyond.
