KQ began operations in 1998, as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, serving as a community social change agent in South Memphis.

KQ is the product of a grassroots effort formed to meet community needs. Out of the myriad of opportunities and an even greater number of challenges, all agreed that our children were the priority. The 38126 and 38106 zip code areas make up some of the City of Memphis’ highest rates in poverty, school drop-out, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy, coupled with the gang activity and youth violence. These realities all served to support the community’s decision to embrace the further development of Knowledge Quest.

We began with the premise of youth development and have evolved into an organization that builds stronger community by “building” the people within the community. The matters of healthy young people, healthy communities, healthy families, and a healthy society are all bound together. Knowledge Quest is designed to be the “tie” that binds.