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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Phase one of South City's housing is 60 percent complete. Move in is expected to begin this summer. (Cole Bradley)

As Downtown grows, South City invests in low-income residents

Cole BradleyThursday, March 7, 2019

Riley Grace meets with speech pathologist John Sandidge to help craft a voice that is in line with her gender identity. They work on pitch, resonance, inflection and more. (Cole Bradley)

Memphis Speech and Hearing Center helps transgender Memphians find their voice

Cole BradleyWednesday, March 6, 2019

On The Ground Podcast: The power of community policing in Memphis neighborhoods

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

James Mock (center) and other movement leaders meet with members of the press outside the Memphis State administration building in April 1969. (University of Memphis Special Collections)

Beyond the Memphis State Eight: The civil rights fight for equality at the University of Memphis

Cole BradleyThursday, February 28, 2019

On March 2, all eight Memphis-area mosques are participating in the 17th annual community open house. (Submitted)

Memphis mosques gear up for four weeks of "Muslims in Memphis" festivities

Brandi HunterWednesday, February 27, 2019

Highland Row is one of the many new mixed-use, high density developments to be built on or near the Highland Strip in the last few years. (Ziggy Mack)

High-rises on Highland are a test for Memphis 3.0

Cole BradleyWednesday, February 27, 2019

On The Ground Podcast: How public art is engaging Memphians around sustainability

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

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Former Binghampton warehouse now home to thriving indoor skatepark

Cole BradleyWednesday, February 20, 2019

Sheahan Water Pumping Station located near University of Memphis main campus was built in the 1930s and still shows signs of the 1950s Cold War. (Ziggy Mack)

In photos: See inside the water pumping plant that's kept Memphis hydrated since the 1930s

Cole Bradley and Ziggy MackWednesday, February 20, 2019

Dana Taylor, co-owner of After Life Mortuary Services. (Renier Otto)

After Life Mortuary Services is Memphis' first funeral home owned by Black women

Kim and Jim ColemanWednesday, February 20, 2019

En una escena de la actuación, los miembros del elenco dan una representación artística de los vecinos que se unen para oponerse a un relleno de tierra propuesto. De izquierda a derecha: Michel Angel, Jazmin Bautista, Kierra Turner y Casey Greer.

La obra sobre The Heights enfrenta los estereotipos de los vecindarios

Scarlet PonderWednesday, February 20, 2019

U of M

Video: University of Memphis research park incubates startups, employs students

Forever ReadyWednesday, February 20, 2019

On The Ground Podcast: University of Memphis plans to share prosperity across University District

Friday, February 15, 2019

The University of Memphis’ land bridge is under construction and will soon allow for foot traffic over the Southern Avenue railroad line. It’s one example of large-scale development projects underway in the University District. (Ziggy Mack)

Sharing the wealth: Planning underway for equitable growth in University District

Cole BradleyWednesday, February 13, 2019

The Tennessean, the luxury liner that replaced the Memphis Special as the main passenger train on the Southern Railway in 1941. (Memphis Public Libraries)

The trains of Southern Avenue that shaped the University District

Mark JordanWednesday, February 13, 2019

In a scene from the performance, cast members give an artistic re-enactment of neighbors joining together to oppose a proposed neighborhood landfill. From left to right: Michel Angel, Jazmin Bautista, Kierra Turner and Casey Greer. (Scarlet Ponder)

One-act play about The Heights casts residents, confronts neighborhood stereotypes

Scarlet PonderWednesday, February 13, 2019

The Highland Strip has seen substantial growth in the last five years. Evidence of the Highland-Walker street improvements include painted concrete and traffic barrels. (Ziggy Mack)

Passing cars: University District looks beyond car travel for solutions to congestion

Cole BradleyThursday, February 7, 2019

Flash lines the wall at Trilogy Tattoo and Piercing located at 530 South Highland Street in the University District. (Cole Bradley)

21 and counting: Trilogy reflects on two decades on the Highland Strip

Cole BradleyWednesday, February 6, 2019

On The Ground Podcast: Memphis 3.0 and the future of Whitehaven Plaza

Monday, February 4, 2019

The staff served pizza, wings, fried chicken, chips and soda sponsored by the Friends of the Whitehaven Library and donated by three Whitehaven restaurants. (Cole Bradley)

Whitehaven Library transforms for community Super Bowl party

Cole BradleyMonday, February 4, 2019

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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

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