How do you find peer-reviewed journal articles specifically talking about Memphis? Sometimes, the peer-reviewed article you're looking for doesn't exist. Don't give up searching!
Your topic is most likely a problem/event that is also happening in other parts of Tennessee, the South, and the United States. Search peer-reviewed journal articles using terms like "united states" or "american south" or "tennessee" in place of "memphis." Often, these peer-reviewed articles will give you information you can use in your background, exhibit, and/or argument. If it's happening in Memphis, it's happening in other cities, too.
Use popular materials (websites, organizations, newspaper articles, magazine articles) that specifically discuss Memphis, and tie in your peer-reviewed articles to points made in those materials.
Newspaper articles and online media like blogs and can be the best connection between your topic and how it relates directly to Memphis. Dig through these using microfilm on McWherter's 2nd floor (old-school!), using Google's site tool, or using the links below.