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 For the Kingdom is located at 4100 Raleigh Millington Rd. in Memphis.

This Memphis nonprofit just received a financial assist from the NBA Foundation

“Our primary focus is to develop these young people at their core internally so they can achieve success externally," says Summerjoy Scott, Leader of LEAD Academy, a career development initiative from For the Kingdom in Memphis' Raleigh community.

Development News A series of free workshops is underway in South City, where the SCORE CDC has organized five small business workshops featuring successful Mid-South female entrepreneurs in celebration of Women’s History Month.

Series of free workshops for aspiring and established entrepreneurs underway in South City

"By empowering small businesses with information and resources that allow them to be successful, we hope they will invest in the communities and the individuals they serve,” says Rebecca Matlock Hutchinson, founder and executive director of SCORE.

Development News Kids hang out on the stoop of the Cornelia Crenshaw Library.

This $85K grant will help boost literacy efforts throughout Memphis

"International Paper’s generosity over the years has helped us think bigger and has led to a 61 percent increase in youth literacy program attendance from 2021 to 2022," says Christine Weinreich.

Development News “Strong small businesses make strong communities, and we’re proud of the CBBB’s impact in helping them create jobs and opportunities,” says Carolyn Cawley, president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation.

Grant opportunity available to Memphis' Black-owned businesses. See who won in latest round

“Strong small businesses make strong communities,” says Carolyn Cawley, president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation.

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Small cart, big heart: The story behind one of Memphis’ best-kept secrets

Denise Ussery is known for her delicious food, affordable prices, and big heart. Following a series of traumatic events, she found healing by being in service of others.

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Christian Brothers University to break ground on $4.2M expansion of engineering laboratory

“We are adding roughly 4,700 square feet to the current site,” says CBU Operations Director Alex Smythe.

Development News On Thursday, Feb. 9, representatives from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation joined staff from Memphis Housing Authority, along with Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, to celebrate the opening of the BlueCross Healthy Place at Foote Park.

Now open: Ribbon cutting ceremony held for new activity center at South City's Foote Park

“We’re proud to boast strong alliances with our community partners, such as the BlueCross Foundation, who have strengthened our efforts to better serve our residents,” said Dexter Washington, CEO of the Memphis Housing Authority. “The resources that partners contribute, coupled with the affordable housing we provide, empower our people and communities.”

Development News "The resources and tools provided through the Accelerator will assist any restaurant owner from growth and development to maturity to have the confidence to make the vital decisions to have a successful and sustainable restaurant," says Rhonda Brown.

New accelerator program to offer free business classes, coaching to Memphis food-service businesses

“Memphis Medical District Collaborative is excited about the partnership with Proof Incubator,” says Rhonda Brown, Economic Development Program Manager with the MMDC. "The resources and tools provided through the Accelerator will assist any restaurant owner from growth and development to maturity to have the confidence to make the vital decisions to have a successful and sustainable restaurant."

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With plans to expand, eagerly awaiting spring’s arrival at Black Seeds Urban Farms

Derravia and Bobby Rich started Black Seeds Urban Farms in 2021. It has grown into a successful business, providing fresh fruits and vegetables from the earth in a location that was recently a food desert. There's much more to come.

Feature Story See our sidebar to better understand the complex history of Tyre Nichols' Memphis neighborhood, Hickory Hill.

Taking to the streets and taking care of each other, communities turn out for Tyre Nichols

Here are some of the ways that Memphis (and beyond) turned out for Tyre Nichols, a Black man who was a father, son, and one of Memphis’ own.

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How Memphis Fashion Week champions the next generation of Memphis fashion designers

Time is running out for Memphis fashion designers to apply for the Emerging Memphis Designer Project. This year's Memphis Fashion Week is scheduled for May.

Development News Dr. Melissa Collins gives instructions to her class at John P. Freeman Optional School in Whitehaven in 2018.

These 7 Memphis schools were just awarded STEM Grants from the TVA

“This opportunity can make the difference for educators and students as they incorporate 21st-century skills and real-world problem-solving. It is a privilege to work with this partnership year after year and continue to serve the incredible educators of the Tennessee Valley,” says Gretchen Brown, operations director at Battelle.

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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.