On The GroundSidewalk-level journalism from Memphis neighborhoods

Chooch Pickard, the Coliseum Coalition's vice president, walks the lower-level corridor near a shuttered concession stand. (Shelda Edwards)

Chooch Pickard, the Coliseum Coalition's vice president, walks the lower-level corridor near a shuttered concession stand. (Shelda Edwards)

(L to R) Ladarius Shields, Cedric Hicks, and Hayden Williams attend a football game at Treadwell Middle. Treadwell is the area's oldest public school, opened in 1915. (Ziggy Mack)

(L to R) Ladarius Shields, Cedric Hicks, and Hayden Williams attend a football game at Treadwell Middle. Treadwell is the area's oldest public school, opened in 1915. (Ziggy Mack)

The CMPLX opened on January 11, 2019 to a packed house. On December 22, it will host Visuals and Vibes, an exhibition of local women artists of color. (Cole Bradley)

The CMPLX opened on January 11, 2019 to a packed house. On December 22, it will host Visuals and Vibes, an exhibition of local women artists of color. (Cole Bradley)

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Heights CDC Special Projects Director Dane Forlines said the new bioswale will improve water quality in the neighborhood and beyond. (Reginald Johnson)

Environmental Justice: Safer streets, cleaner water in the Heights

Leigh TatumFriday, May 13, 2022

The Golden Wildcats held both boys' and girls' 2021/2022 county titles for the first time in 37 years. (submitted)

Melrose High School basketball teams make history

Tamara CunninghamThursday, March 24, 2022

Recycled tires serve as art and safety features along Broad Ave. bike lanes. (submitted)

Recycled tire art makes Broad Ave. bike lanes safer and creates jobs

Jeff HulettThursday, February 24, 2022

Improvements to Morris Park were underway in January 2022. (Shelia Williams)

Morris Park renovations underway, opening expected summer 2022

Tafui OwusuFriday, February 18, 2022

Mural by Jamond Bullocks in Frayser, part of Urban Art Commission's "Stand Up for Our Streets" project in 2019. (submitted)

Visual artists: Apply by Feb 18 to work with High Ground!

Friday, January 21, 2022

Sugar Ghost ice cream shop and Falling Into Place gift shop on Broad Avenue. (Sarah Rushakoff)

A walk down Broad Avenue: new spots, treasured favorites

Jeff HulettFriday, January 14, 2022

Black Lens Productions Film Studios leadership team. Partner/General Counsel Cecilia S. Barnes, Founder/CEO Jason A. Farmer, Partner/CFO Carolyn N. Henry. (submitted)

Whitehaven film studio plans to put Memphis on the map

Brandi HunterFriday, January 7, 2022

Artist James Harton poses next to his sculpture of an ostrich. (Leigh Tatum)

Unique sculptures encourage library patrons to learn and create

Leigh TatumThursday, October 7, 2021

The Porter-Leath and University of Memphis Early Childhood Academy at Orange Mound is expected to open in January 2022. (Rendering submitted by Porter-Leath)

"World-class" early childhood education center will open soon in Orange Mound

Alexandria MooreWednesday, September 15, 2021

Members of the new Comeback Stronger Youth Council, a partnership program of Memphis Public Libraries and BRIDGES USA, meet at the South Branch library. (Submitted)

Pilot program centers Memphis teens in library decision-making

Jeff HulettWednesday, August 25, 2021

Construction takes place at the former Wonder Bread factory at 400 Monroe Avenue. (Brandon Dill)

Destination Eats: Take it to The Edge for excellent eats

Cole BradleyThursday, August 12, 2021

Monterrion Webber makes a cup of coffee for a patron of Cxffeeblack at the Anti-Gentrification Coffee Club #1, located at 751 National Street in The Heights. (Ziggy Mack)

Cxffeeblack serves its brew with a side of history and anti-gentrification

Meghan AslinThursday, July 29, 2021

The vacant barber shop at 769 National Street was topped with a sign made from repurposed Christmas lights and the boards that once shuttered the windows. (Markus Mueller)

What have these Heights organizations been up to since 2018?

Chris Jones & Cole BradleyWednesday, July 28, 2021

Christina Crutchfield with Heights CDC cuts the ribbon on the new Gaisman Park Arboretum. Chris Collier stands far left and Sheryl Sullivan stands far left. (Cole Bradley)

Ribbon cutting on Gaisman Park Arboretum marks another milestone in a community-led revival

Cole BradleyFriday, July 23, 2021

This Porter-Leath Early Childhood Academy is a state-of-the-art preschool and teacher training institute located at 628 Alice Avenue. (Ziggy Mack)

Porter-Leath is enrolling preschool students for 2021-22 and temporarily waving application fees

Cole BradleyThursday, July 22, 2021

Drew Joyner and partners Octavius Nickson and Chris Hendrix of Nickson General Contractors purchased the 11-bay retail center at the southeast corner of Summer and National Street in May. They're now updating the exterior. (Cole Bradley)

What's happening on Summer Avenue?

Leigh TatumThursday, July 22, 2021

A sign on the windows of Inspire Community Cafe thanks passing customers driving on Sam Cooper Boulevard for their support. (Forever Ready Productions)

Destination Eats: From cafes to fine dining, Binghampton has it all

Cole BradleyThursday, July 15, 2021

A view of Northside High School in Klondike, which closed their doors in 2016. (Andrea Morales)

Public invited to help reimagine Northside High School, virtual meeting on July 14

Cole BradleyWednesday, July 14, 2021

My Cup of Tea is hosting a design contest for a new flavor of custom teas. The organization is seeking design proposals from Black artists who have a connection to Orange Mound. (Submitted)

My Cup of Tea issues call for Black artists with ties to Orange Mound for package design contest

Sarah RushakoffThursday, July 8, 2021

A mural adorns a retaining wall behind Treadwell elementary and middle schools in The Heights. (Ziggy Mack)

UrbanArt Commission sponsors first public art project focused on written storytelling

Cole BradleyThursday, July 8, 2021

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The On The Ground series embeds a team of journalists in Memphis neighborhoods.

We include residents in planning articles, photo essays, videos, and events that reflect their lived experience.

We strive for genuine relationships and nuanced coverage.

PlacesOn The Ground

A young boy rides his bike on the path at Uptown Park as his parents and neighbors enjoy the show. (Cole Bradley)

Uptown & The Pinch

L to R: Upscale Kutz Barber Shop barbers Karlos Burt cuts the hair of Riko while Dennis Ross cuts the hair of Bernard in the Madison Heights District. (Ziggy Mack)

Madison Heights

Folks hang out outside of Salem’s Market on Mississippi Avenue. The store has been open for decades in the neighborhood and has seen a significant slowing of business since Foote Homes closed and demolition started.

South City

Derek Stubbs gets his hair cut by Eric Steward, the owner of the Handy Spot on Vollintine Avenue in Klondike.

Klondike Smokey City

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Soulsville

Binghampton

Binghampton

bball

North Memphis

Frayser

Frayser

Across Our Network

Local shops spin National Record Store Day
Source: Soapbox
Pickleball serves up fun and fitness for people of all ages and abilities
Source: Route Bay City
Michigan's stretch of the Marquette Greenway moves forward
Source: Rural Innovation Exchange
Less plastic, less worry: Two Fort Wayne refilleries are paving a path for easier sustainable living
Source: Input Fort Wayne

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