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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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

Silhouettes line the National Street median. Each one represents a pedestrian who was killed by a vehicle strike in Shelby County in 2020. The installation will be displayed through the month of July. (Submitted)

Memphis pedestrian deaths sit at record high; art installation urges drivers to slow down

Leigh TatumWednesday, July 7, 2021

To the right, finished apartments built in the first two phases of the Foote Park at South City development are already being occupied while construction continues on phase three in the foreground. The project has six phases. (Ziggy Mack)

What is South City?

Cole BradleyThursday, June 24, 2021

Donald Jenkins, an Advance Memphis client and former staffer poses on a forklift. The nonprofit offers a forklift safety certification that helps its clients get higher-paying jobs. (Advance Memphis)

Labor shortage means higher wages for some South Memphis workers

Cole BradleyThursday, June 24, 2021

Denise Oher sits on a neighbor's porch and looks out over the new Foote Park at South City development. Oher is a former Foote Homes resident who has chosen to return after being displaced for the demolition of Foote Homes. (Ziggy Mack)

Could Memphis' South City be the new gold standard for U.S. public housing?

Chris Jones & Cole BradleyWednesday, June 23, 2021

A Mustard Seed volunteer hands a Thanksgiving care package to a South Memphis resident. (Mustard Seed)

Faith in Action: Mustard Seed believes a small start can bring big change in South Memphis

Mary K. LevieWednesday, June 16, 2021

On the greensward at Overton Park, members of the Central High School band take a few extra minutes to practice their parts as the rest of the band wraps up practice behind them. May 2021. (Cole Bradley)

The parks are packed as Memphians look to work and play safely

Chris Jones & Cole BradleyThursday, May 13, 2021

Rachel Jones (left) and Debra Lockard at the Orange Mound Orchard and urban garden, May 2021. (Ziggy Mack)

Orange Mound has an orchard?

Alexandria MooreThursday, May 13, 2021

Mahogany Memphis is "upscale Southern with a dash of Creole," according to co-owner Veve Yates. Mahogany Memphis is the fifth local restaurant featured in the "Still Serving" series. (Forever Ready Productions)

Video: Fine dining and bold new ideas with Mahogany Memphis

Cole BradleyWednesday, May 12, 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

It’s not too hot in the kitchen for Bay and Arenac high school students running Blooming Chefs
Source: Route Bay City
On the horizon: The first electric Mackinac Island ferry
Source: Rural Innovation Exchange
Born again: Former home of downtown Sandusky church now a spacious Airbnb getting rave reviews
Source: The Helm Sandusky
Detroit initiatives combat high Black infant mortality rate with dignity and compassion
Source: Second Wave Michigan

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