2025 First Quarterly Pick Awards - Attraction Honoree: Connie Cason

Connie Cason

National Civil Rights Museum

If Connie’s name seems familiar, it is for a good reason! She is a 2024 Annual Pick Award winner for her outstanding hospitality. Her nominations frequently describe her as friendly, outgoing, pleasant, and kind. One such nomination reads: “She went above and beyond to make our experience truly memorable. Connie helped us learn more about the area and also to purchase special gifts. So much warmth, genuine care, attentiveness. Connie is an excellent listener and ambassador.” Another guest raved, “She was spectacular with her information and warm-heartedness!”

How long have you been in the hospitality industry? 

I’ve been a Guest Services Representative at the National Civil Rights Museum for four years, and I’ve been in the hospitality industry for 43 years. 

How did you get started in the hospitality industry? 

When I graduated from high school, I got a job at Walgreens as a cashier. After Walgreens I worked at FedEx and Tango as a customer service representative. 

What is your favorite part about working in the hospitality industry?

I am a people person. I love people. I don't just listen to people, I take to heart what they're saying. You know, sometimes a person just wants to be heard, and I am here to listen to them. I try to answer their questions. 

Can you describe a time you created a memorable experience for a guest? 

One day we were so busy, we had a line completely out the door, and an older woman in line mentioned to me that her husband had been the dean of Alcorn State University. I told her that my pastor graduated from Alcorn. Her husband asked his name, and when I told him he said, “It’s been thirty years since I have seen him. You’ve got to help me talk to him.” So I texted my pastor, and he called right away. I gave my phone to the man in line, he spoke to my pastor, and the couple ended up going to his church that Sunday, all because I was able to connect people who had not seen each other in decades.

What’s one of your favorite memories of working at the National Civil Rights Museum? 

When Dr. King came to Memphis, my grandfather was a sanitation worker. When I first came into the National Civil Rights Museum and they gave me the tour, I saw a sanitation truck that was identical to the one my grandfather drove. If he was here today, he would be very happy to know that I am here. 

What is some advice you would give to someone starting out in the hospitality industry?

Sometimes we have people that come in and they may not have the right attitude. Sometimes they come in with their own agenda. And I try to change that agenda when they enter through the doors. I smile. I have something nice to say. When I hear something negative, I try to turn it around to something positive. And sometimes they will tell me that I changed their mind. They’ll say, “You helped me out today, I'm gonna look at that differently.” You have an opportunity to show kindness and change people’s mindsets. 

Connie’s dedication to customer service made her an obvious choice for the First Quarterly Pick Awards of 2025! Thank you, Connie, for showing kindness and compassion to everyone who walks through the door to the National Civil Rights Museum.