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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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

A young party goer and the mascot of the Paint It Clean bath kit dance to the music of the Jazz Brothers at the first Green Leaf Learning Farm Earth Day tour and tasting event, held on April 22, 2021. (Cole Bradley)

In Photos: Take a tour and have a taste of Green Leaf, the only certified organic farm in Memphis

Cole BradleyMonday, May 3, 2021

Belinda Kerusch dances with the Hollywood Showliners in the parking lot of the Hollywood Community Center during the novel coronavirus pandemic. (Sarah Rushakoff)

Just keep dancing. My advice after 60 years of moving to the groove.

Belinda KeruschThursday, April 29, 2021

Andres Arevalo (center) and other children explore the new Treadwell Park Nature Playground in the Nutbush area of The Heights. (Ziggy Mack)

Treadwell schools cut ribbon on new one-of-a-kind nature park after years of community effort

Leigh TatumThursday, April 29, 2021

A group of Memphis Shelby PAL youth pose for a photo during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Founder Craig Little stands at the back center. (Submitted)

Memphis Shelby PAL works to keep serving youth in the pandemic

Arieale MunsonThursday, April 22, 2021

pandemickid

Is the pandemic an 'Adverse Childhood Experience'?

Tiffany Thomas-TurnerWednesday, April 21, 2021

UTHSC to host virtual addiction symposium for health care professionals and the public, May 4

Sarah RushakoffWednesday, April 14, 2021

Destination Eats: University District is a smart choice for good food

Cole BradleyWednesday, April 14, 2021

Architect Mario Walker won first prize in the competition to imagine new uses for the historic Highland Heights United Methodist Church. The contest is part of an effort to save the church from demolition. (Emily Holmes, Heights CDC)

Design contest casts vision for renovation and reuse of historic church at risk for demolition

Leigh TatumTuesday, March 30, 2021

Memphis mother Jouy Thomas poses with her 7-year-old son, Jace. (Submitted)

Learning loss is a serious pandemic problem and the kids are not OK

Tiffany Thomas-TurnerTuesday, March 2, 2021

Chicken dish from Chef Tam's Underground Cafe. Chef Tam's is one of 21 businesses participating in the 2021 Memphis Black Restaurant Week running March 7-14. (Submitted)

Are you ready to dig in to Memphis Black Restaurant Week?

Sarah RushakoffTuesday, March 2, 2021

In Boxtown, two men sit on a horse-drawn carriage after collecting wood to warm their houses; 1960. After decades of industrial pollution, Byhalia Pipeline LLC wants to move crude oil under Boxtown. (University of Memphis Libraries, Ken Ross)

Environmental racism runs deeper than Memphis’ water source

Ashli BlowTuesday, March 2, 2021

Black Memphis, Black History: The enduring sounds of Memphis Minnie

Chris JonesThursday, February 25, 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

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