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Sidewalk-level journalism for Memphis.

We cover Memphis neighborhoods with nuance and center the experience of residents. We expose Memphians to stories of their neighbors across the city. We seek to rebalance the news by exploring challenges while focusing on the people and solutions moving Memphis forward.

Features

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How Memphis' Asian and Pacific Islander communities are celebrating heritage on their own terms

“For me, having this month-long celebration…is part of saying, ‘we’re here, we’ve been here.’ But, also, we get to be seen on our own terms,” says Dr. SunAh Laybourn, organizer of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Memphis.

Feature Story Students at Grizzlies Preparatory Charter School in 2017.

Teach901 hits the recruiting trail to combat Memphis teacher shortage

“Right now, every school in our city is struggling to find teachers,” says April Pruett, Teach901 Coordinator. “We, at Teach901, are hoping to come alongside our schools — and our city — to help them alleviate this burden, because no one would be where they are today without the help of a teacher.”

Development News A ceremonial groundbreaking was held on Tuesday, May 16, at the National Civil Rights Museum.

Take a peek at what's planned as major renovation project begins at National Civil Rights Museum

“The renovation of the Legacy Building and Founders Park is a transformative milestone for the National Civil Rights Museum as we continue to educate, inspire, and influence the nation and the world,” said Museum President Dr. Russ Wigginton. 

Development News The Joseph N. Oliver Building (center) and the Stewart Building (to its left) were rehabilitated as the 99 Front mixed-use development on Cotton Row.

Historic preservation win on Cotton Row receives award from Tennessee Historical Commission

“Our state benefits greatly from individuals, businesses, and organizations who work to protect and enhance our treasured heritage,” says Executive Director and State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick McIntyre.

Development News Civil Rights-era artifacts at the House of Mtenzi in Memphis.

Traveling Civil Rights education and arts outreach program No Tears Project makes its way to Memphis

“It’s an honor to do this work with these people and organizations in Memphis in the footsteps of so many giants of the Civil Rights Movement,” says Ryan Harris, No Tears Project Director and consultant to Oxford American.

Development News Events on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, mark the apex of Memphis Fashion Week.

Memphis' next generation of fashion designers gear up for Memphis Fashion Week

“We are so proud of our Emerging designer’s success and have enjoyed watching them over the past five months bring their garments to life,” says Abby Phillips, Executive Director of Arrow Creative, the parent organization of Memphis Fashion Week and creator of the Emerging Memphis Designer Project.

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PHOTO ESSAY: Scenes from the Young Writers Expo at EES Success Academy

"I hope the pictures will help tell the story of an amazing night with some amazing students living right here in our city," says photographer Reginald Johnson.

Feature Story File photo / Brandon Dill (2022)

Q&A: On the importance of addressing childhood trauma early and often

There’s a term for the trauma that our children experience: Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs for short. It can impact young people for the rest of their lives.

Development News Olmsted Award winner Ward Archer (left) with Lissa Thompson, Lauren Taylor, Sarah Houston, Adrian Smith, and Cameron Yates at this year's TNASLA Conference in Memphis.

This Memphian just won the prestigious Olmsted Award at statewide conference of landscape architects

The Frederick Law Olmsted Award is awarded each year to a Tennessean who promotes Olmsted’s ideals for ensuring "the health and enjoyment of the environment by all mankind.”

Development News A wooden medicine wagon advertises "Dr. Champion's Museum of Old Tyme, Hard to Find Tonics" in 2017.

Pop-ups, public art, and more: Street festival planned in Alcy Ball for first MEMFix event of 2023

“Live music, food trucks, a jumpy house for the kids, a beer garden – we’ll have a little something for everyone to enjoy, and we hope that people will come out and see what a hidden gem our neighborhood is,” says William Ogilvie, manager of Coney Island in the Alcy Ball community.

Development News Brianna Harrington, MMI Executive Director Amber Hamilton, and Dr. Rychetta Watkins (L to R).

This Memphis nonprofit just took home an award from the largest national conference of its kind

“The Memphis Music Initiative continues to illustrate how grantmakers can meet the unique needs of Black communities, when you have thoughtfulness and innovation at the forefront," says ABFE President and CEO Susan Taylor Batten.

Development News "MHC’s top priority is making mental health resources both accessible and affordable for all," says MHC CEO Pam Womack.

Nonprofit celebrates opening affordable and accessible mental health clinic in Memphis

“I’m so proud to help bring additional mental health resources to my hometown and invest in the community I love so much,” says MHC CEO Pam Womack, who was born and raised in Shelby County. “Our holistic approach gives every individual a personalized treatment plan that works best for them. MHC’s top priority is making mental health resources both accessible and affordable for all.”

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Have a connection to any of our 14 On the Ground neighborhoods? 
You can help shape our coverage.
Email [email protected] with story ideas, feedback, or questions. 

What are our focus neighborhoods? 
Binghampton, The Edge, Frayser, The Heights, Hickory Hill, Klondike & Smokey City, Madison Heights, North Memphis, Orange Mound, South City, Soulsville, Uptown & The Pinch, The University District, and Whitehaven.
What is Solutions Journalism?

Many of High Ground's in-depth stories take an approach known as solutions journalism.

Solutions journalism:
  • explores challenges but focuses on responses—the solutions
  • asks for evidence—proof of need, success, & progress
  • asks complex questions—whys & hows
  • includes the voices of those most affected by challenges and solutions
We asks how challenges and responses affect Memphis' diverse communities and focus on neighborhoods and voices often excluded from these critical conversations.