“The magical thing about @memphisroxclimbing is that it’s truly climbing and community [...] It’s all pay what you can, because we all know what it feels like to be turned away [...] This is one of the poorest neighborhoods in America, and it’s one of the best rock climbing gyms in the world” - Chris Dean, co-founder of Memphis Rox When he first looked to purchase a warehouse on the south side of the city, Tom Shadyac, co-founder of @memphisroxclimbing, was warned that there could be some issues with frequent power outages. But, after the gym opened, summer storms quickly made it clear that intermittent power would be an ongoing issue. Having grown up in South Memphis, Dean already knew that Memphis’s power problems extended beyond Rox’s doors. Residents pay some of the highest utility bills in the nation; for many, up to a quarter of their monthly income goes towards their electricity bill. Meanwhile, aging infrastructure has caused increasingly frequent rolling blackouts. Whether it’s a windy day, ice storms, or just “bad luck,” the blackouts shut down the city’s low-income neighborhoods, including Memphis Rox, on a monthly basis. With an average of 218 sunny days per year, Memphis is an obvious choice for solar power. Sustainable, reliable energy could and should replace existing infrastructure, safeguarding the community against blackouts and providing a far cheaper energy alternative. “Keep the Lights On” explores the story of Memphis’s energy burden from the eyes of Rox’s Jarmond Johnson. Tap the link in bio to watch the full film today!