Hi from High Ground News
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

Development News A ribbon-cutting for Memphis' latest Storybook Trail is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Kids and Education

Ribbon-cutting planned for new Storybook Trail at Memphis Botanic Garden

High Ground TeamFriday, August 30, 2024
“The Storybook Trail program creates an enriching learning experience by combining literacy with physical activity, allowing children to connect with books while exploring the outdoors," says James Pond, GELF president and CEO.
Development News “Memphis is not just a music city, it’s a generous city, full of great organizations and businesses who not only bring their unique offerings to the area, but also give back to their communities,” says Pat Mitchell Worley, CEO, Soulsville Foundation. Arts and Culture

Unique partnership brings together two Memphis businesses in support of Stax Music Academy

High Ground TeamFriday, August 30, 2024
“Memphis is not just a music city, it’s a generous city, full of great organizations and businesses who not only bring their unique offerings to the area, but also give back to their communities,” says Pat Mitchell Worley, CEO of Soulsville Foundation.
Development News “The funding Ducks Unlimited receives from the Conservation Through Art program benefits wetlands conservation efforts in our own backyard," says Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited. Arts and Culture

Biennial event returns this November with opportunity to support local arts and conservation efforts

High Ground TeamFriday, August 30, 2024
“The arts and conservation serve key roles in making Memphis a more inspiring place to live, work and thrive,” says David May, head of Mid-America Commercial Banking and Memphis market executive for Regions Bank.
Development News "We are like a goalie before the landfill, trying to capture and divert compostable materials so that instead of becoming waste forever it can become what it wants to be: regenerative compost," says Patrick Gridley of The Compost Fairy. Sustainability

This unique partnership is making it easier for Memphians to compost food waste at home

High Ground TeamFriday, August 16, 2024
"We are like a goalie before the landfill, trying to capture and divert compostable materials so that instead of becoming waste forever it can become what it wants to be: regenerative compost," says Patrick Gridley of The Compost Fairy.
Development News Stax Music Academy is expanding its workforce development program. Kids and Education

Stax Music Academy offers new-look workforce development program for careers in music, entertainment

High Ground TeamFriday, August 16, 2024
If it’s broke, don’t fix it – or in the case of Stax Music Academy, learn from your success and make it even better.
Feature Story Good Governance Transition Team members with Mayor Young: (From left to right) Dorcas Young Griffin, Beth Flanagan, Meggan Khiel, Jessica Lotz, Mayor Young, Cheyenne Johnson, Tiffany Day, Maria Oceja, and Ariell Gipson Martin. Sustainability

Education advocates strive to keep bilingual high school graduates in Memphis

Dianna BarretoThursday, August 15, 2024
Education advocates are dedicated to ensuring that bilingual high school graduates remain in Memphis where they can contribute to the local community's cultural and economic vitality.
Development News Hoop Street Screenwriter and Executive Producer Teresa Dickerson and Director Princeton James on set. Arts and Culture

‘Memphis is the perfect place to film a movie’: Independent film crew abounds with Memphis talent

High Ground TeamWednesday, July 31, 2024
“Memphis is the perfect place to film a movie,” says Princeton James. “We have a wealth of talent that needs to be showcased.“
Development News Dwayne Chaffen and Rick Askew co-founded Grindhouse Coffee in 2019. Community Development

How U of M student-athletes are getting a jolt of support from this Memphis coffee roaster

High Ground TeamMonday, July 29, 2024
"At Memphis Grindhouse Coffee, we believe in the power of community and supporting local initiatives,” says Rick Askew, co-founder of Memphis Grindhouse Coffee.
Development News Shannon Briggs founded Campfire Collective in 2022. Entrepreneurship

This woman-owned Memphis marketing firm more than doubled in size since launching just two years ago

High Ground TeamFriday, July 26, 2024
An award-winning, woman-owned marketing firm is gaining steam in its hometown of Memphis.
Development News "Too many families in South Memphis are forced to go without basic needs like food, housing, and medicine because a large portion of their income is being used to pay their utility bills,” says Memphis Community Against Pollution's KeShaun Pearson. Eonomic Development

New study presents solutions for combatting Memphis' disproportionately high energy burdens

High Ground TeamFriday, July 26, 2024
"Too many families in South Memphis are forced to go without basic needs like food, housing, and medicine because a large portion of their income is being used to pay their utility bills,” says KeShaun Pearson, president of Memphis Community Against Pollution. 
Development News "This is my heart right here, Orange Mound, Tennessee. There will never be a place like Orange Mound,” reads a quote from Larry Finch, which will run alongside the sculpture. “Everything in this city starts and ends in Orange Mound." Community Development

Sculpture honoring Orange Mound community selected for library and genealogy center

High Ground TeamFriday, July 26, 2024
"This is my heart right here, Orange Mound, Tennessee. There will never be a place like Orange Mound,” reads a quote from Larry Finch, which will run alongside the sculpture. “Everything in this city starts and ends in Orange Mound."
Development News “We are committed to keeping the arts alive and flourishing in Shelby County,” says Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. Arts and Culture

Metal Museum expansion earns $250K in support from Shelby County

High Ground TeamThursday, July 25, 2024
“Museums are vital institutions that preserve the cultural heritage of humanity," says Shelby County Chairwoman Miska Clay Bibbs. "I’m happy to support the Metal Museum, where people from all walks of life can find common ground and shared experiences.”
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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.

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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. 
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