MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s no secret how fans feel about Elvis Presley.
Thousands from around the world flock to Memphis every year to visit his home and, on one night each year, to remember his death.
The event may look different this year.
“I love Elvis. I even respect Elvis, but I’m still going to push because my life matters.”
Frank Gottie is one of the organizers.
He’s one of the people hoping to be heard.
“People feel like it’s the time for them to speak and people got emotions.”
They’re protesting a lack of accountability in deadly police shootings involving black people, a system of what they call continuing police oppression and low-paying, dead-end jobs.
” We need jobs. We need more jobs.”
Elvis Presley Enterprises said, “…Graceland is actively working with local law enforcement agencies, as it does every year, to ensure the public`s safety and security…”
MPD also said they have adequate amount of officers and will continue to monitor and make the necessary adjustments.
Graceland also released the following statement on Friday:
“Graceland has not received any money from the city or county. Statements to the effect that Graceland has received upwards of 78 million dollars in public funding are false. All financial risks associated with the construction, completion and continuing operations of expansion projects in Whitehaven will be borne by Graceland and related entities, not the taxpayers of Memphis and Shelby County. The tax incentives for the project are based solely on Graceland’s performance and are site-specific, limited to the Graceland campus.
According to an independent report prepared by Younger and Associates, the Graceland project will lead to $1 billion in additional economic activity to Shelby County over the next 15 years and create 500 new jobs — 280 at Graceland and 220 additional jobs in Shelby County as a result of additional spending by Graceland visitors outside the Graceland campus, according to the Younger report.”