A. J. Dugger III

A.J. Dugger III is an award-winning journalist and native Memphian who joined High Ground as lead writer for its signature series, On the Ground, in August 2019. Previously, he wrote for numerous publications in West Tennessee and authored two books, “Southern Terror” and “The Dealers: Then and Now.” He has also appeared as a guest expert on the true-crime series, “For My Man.” For more information, visit ajdugger.net. (Photo by April Stilwell)

Feature Story L to R: Councilwoman Patrice Robinson, her assistant, LaKevia Perry, and Hickory Hill resident Rorey Lawrence pose for a photo at the community holiday party held at the Hickory Hill Community Center on November 7. (A.J.Dugger III)

City Councilwoman hosted holiday party for Hickory Hill


Feature Story Members of STAARS pose for a group picture. Founder Barbara Davis stands at the forward center. (STAARS)

STAARS focuses the fight against breast cancer on African Americans


Feature Story Current and prospective minority entrepreneurs, small-business owners and others gathered for an Epicenter Think Tank event for innovative thinking . (Epicenter)
Feature Story The Belle Venue's main hall can hold between 200 and 250 people. Countless proms, weddings, family reunions and other special occasions have been held at the venue since it opened in 1972. (A.J. Dugger III)

Hidden Memphis: A step back in time at The Belle Venue


Feature Story Yancy Villa-Calvo and Brandon Zuber (left) discuss design elements on a working draft of the mural that will be installed on the side of Whitten Brothers Hardware in Orange Mound. (A.J. Dugger)

Teens installing Orange Mound mural with focus on history and future


Feature Story Members of the Hickory Hill Senior Golf Club pose of an official club photo. (Hermon Powers)

Hickory Hill Senior Golf Club tees off for fun, friends and health


Feature Story Juan Antonio Hernandez, owner of El Nuevo Mercadito, poses with his wife, Norma Mendoza, at the restaurant's counter. El Nuevo Mercadito is a Mexican restaurant located inside the El Mercadito de Memphis in Hickory Hill. (A.J. Dugger)
Feature Story L to R: Kinyah Bean, Valerie Braddock and Demetrius Braddock Jr. Bean is the owner of B Chill Lemonade, located inside the former Hickory Ridge Mall. (A.J. Dugger III)

10-year-old CEO takes lemonade to the next level


Feature Story Youth pose for a picture at the Hero Empowerment Center. The center was formally an old arcade that Heal the Hood Foundation transformed into a teen center. (Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis)
Feature Story L to R:  Carbibbean Flayvahz Owners Louis and Carla Faulkner and Chef Robert Coleman are the team behind Caribbean Flayvahz in Hickory Hill. (AJ Dugger III)

A Taste of the Caribbean in Hickory Hill


Feature Story Instructor Roxie Jones leads an energetic group of line dancers at the Hickory Hill Community Center's senior line dancing class. (AJ Dugger III)

Seniors feel the groove at Hickory Hill Community Center


Feature Story Chef Lee Phillips preps a pound cake for the oven. (Cat Evans)

Taking the cake with A Peace O' Cake


Feature Story The new Power Center Academy Elementary School serves grades K-5 from the Mendenhall Square Shopping Center. (Gestalt Community Schools)

Gestalt expands charter schools efforts in Hickory Hill


Feature Story Phase two of the South City housing development under construction. (Cole Bradley)

As residents return, South City looks to bring business back


Feature Story Donte Davis works on a section of the You's Grocery mural depicting store owner Ae An Sartain as a child when her father first opened the store. The artists based the mural on Sartain's memories and neighborhood history. (A.J. Dugger)

Neighborhood groups take the reins in new public art initiative


Feature Story Inés Negrette (R), founder and director of CasaLuz, tables an event at Gaisman Park and Community Center as part of CasaLuz's outreach and awareness work. (CasaLuz)
Feature Story (L to R) Hickory Hill Community Center's assistant director, Danae Lawrence, her daughter and center volunteer, Mya Brady, and center director, Adrianna Moore pose in the center's lobby. (A.J. Dugger III)
Feature Story Krosstown Kleaners ended operations roughly five years ago, but its iconic signage still adorn the building's exterior at 1400 Madison Avenue. (AJ Dugger III)

Iconic Krosstown Kleaners has potential new owner