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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

Development News A scene from Orange Mound in 2022. Community Development

These 4 community centers to receive upgrades, improved access to new technology for Memphis youth

High Ground TeamFriday, October 18, 2024
“Donations like this help us to expand the types of programming we have in our centers,” says Nick Walker, City of Memphis Parks Director.
Feature Story The Collegiate School of Memphis pictured here in 2020, and an ABC grant recipient in 2024. Community Development

Expanded grant program is supporting 32 area nonprofits that are building community through art

High Ground TeamFriday, October 18, 2024
“The ABC grant is an ideal entry point for nonprofits to understand our approach to funding and to begin developing a deeper and long-lasting partnership,” says Elizabeth Rouse, President and CEO of ARTSmemphis.
Feature Story MIFA Meals on Wheels Volunteer Ride along

MIFA's Meals on Wheels Program brings connection and meaning to volunteers and clients

Jeff HulettTuesday, October 8, 2024
What is it like to volunteer to bring meals to seniors? Volunteer Jeff Squires says, “It’s very rewarding. Most people are gracious and happy to see us. It might be one or two words or a thankful expression. It’s touching.” 
In The News Justin Merrick is striving to make positive changes across South Memphis and beyond as the Executive Director of the Center for Transforming Communities. Entrepreneurship

Voices of More for Memphis: Justin Merrick of the Center for Transforming Communities

Tafui OwusuMonday, September 30, 2024
Tafui Owusu spoke with Justin Merrick of the Center for Transforming Communities about the nonprofit's mission, challenges, and the necessity and power of community engagement.  
Development News “By the end of the program, we aim to develop actionable solutions for utilizing county-owned land to ensure equitable access to affordable housing," says Rasheedah Jones, a leader with NAREB and the Black Coalition of Housing. Community Development

Shelby County selected for inaugural cohort of nationwide program to address housing shortages

High Ground TeamFriday, September 27, 2024
“By the end of the program, we aim to develop actionable solutions for utilizing county-owned land to ensure equitable access to affordable housing," says Rasheedah Jones, a leader with NAREB and the Black Coalition of Housing.
Development News “Quality, vibrant neighborhood parks make a city where people want to live, work, raise families, and call home," says Nick Walker, Memphis Parks Director. Community Development

Memphis Parks wins $3M grant to make improvements to this North Memphis park

High Ground TeamFriday, September 27, 2024
“Quality, vibrant neighborhood parks make a city where people want to live, work, raise families, and call home," says Nick Walker, Memphis Parks Director.
Feature Story The Black Farmer’s Market in South Memphis aims to promote food justice and bridge the gap in areas that have difficulty accessing farmer’s markets and full-service grocery stores. Healthy Communities

Bridging the gap: How the Black Farmer’s Market promotes food justice & inclusivity in South Memphis

Danica WilksMonday, September 16, 2024
Community Correspondent Danica Wilks spoke with Brittney Shelby Sessoms and Roz Crawford to learn about their efforts at the Black Farmer’s Market, its inclusivity, food justice, and what the market means to them.
Feature Story Marquis White and Alicia Dixon of Dixon-White Restaurant Group are blending community, mindfulness, and music in Uptown with their new wellness micro-eatery, Groovy Gratitude. Eonomic Development

More Gratitude, More Grooves: How a small wellness staple is becoming a community oasis in Uptown

Danica WilksThursday, September 12, 2024
Community Correspondent Danica Wilks spoke with Alicia Dixon and Marquis White about their new wellness micro-eatery, Groovy Gratitude, that's blending community, mindfulness, and music in the center of Uptown.
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.
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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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