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)

Thumbnail image

Thumbnail image

Thumbnail image

Load More Stories

The old Messick School graduated its last high school class in 1982. It's currently an administrative facility for Shelby County Schools, but community leaders hope it will soon be transformed into a mixed-use community hub. (Ziggy Mack)

The past and possibility of old Messick High

Cole BradleyThursday, January 31, 2019

Residents and other stakeholders hear the results of the three-day design charrette to reimagine Whitehaven Plaza. In the foreground, the model of Whitehaven Plaza shows existing structures in gray alongside new buildings, greenspaces and amenities s

Whitehaven Plaza is first look at Memphis 3.0 in action

Cole BradleyWednesday, January 30, 2019

A student at the South Memphis community cooking class closely inspects her dish. (Cat Evans)

South Memphis locally-owned grocery store launches free cooking classes

Kim and Jim ColemanWednesday, January 30, 2019

Podcast: The Black arts scene comes home with James Dukes and Lawrence Matthews

Friday, January 25, 2019

More than 50 middle and high school students engaged with local music industry experts and learned about everything from production to publicity to how vinyl records are made at a January 18 event held at Stax Music Academy. (Submitted)

Music professionals prep STAX Academy students for industry careers

Aisling MakiThursday, January 24, 2019

Dr. Isaac Rodriguez, chief science officer and co-founder of SweetBio and Kayla Rodriguez-Graff, co-founder and SweetBio CEO.

Home, sweet home: SweetBio and others are first tenants of CommuniTech Research Park

Kim and Jim ColemanThursday, January 24, 2019

The burial site of Harry Madison, one of two headstones in the Madison-Eckles Cemetery Park that is still legible. (Ziggy Mack)

University District partnership transforms neglected cemetery into tranquil park

Scarlet PonderWednesday, January 23, 2019

A lunch plate at Kountry Kitchen located at 1128 Winchester Road. Kountry Kitchen is one of the ten businesses participating in the Whitehaven Black Restaurant Week. (Submitted)

Whitehaven celebrates MLK legacy with Whitehaven Black Restaurant Week

Cole BradleyMonday, January 21, 2019

On The Ground Podcast: Homeownership in Memphis neighborhoods

Sunday, January 20, 2019

At Tiger Bookstore, Tigers branded merchandise accounts for 40 percent of gross sales. (Cole Bradley)

Married to the game: When Tigers score, Memphis small business wins

Cole BradleyWednesday, January 16, 2019

Fabrics with vibrant patterns for sale at African Kingdom at Park Avenue and Getwell Road. (Submitted)

African Kingdom brings West African style to University District

Brandi HunterMonday, January 14, 2019

Guests discuss a set of photographs at The CMPLX grand opening. (Shelda Edwards)

The CMPLX opens to packed house in Orange Mound

Cole BradleySaturday, January 12, 2019

A customer points to the menu with a question and Tavias Ford answers with a smile at Vivian's Down Home Cooking in Binghampton. (Taylor Moore)

Former banker has big plans for Binghampton restaurant serving down home meals

Taylor MooreThursday, January 10, 2019

UDist_10

In photos: Welcome to the University District

Cole Bradley and Ziggy MackWednesday, January 9, 2019

UDist_8

Coffee and community journalism: On the Ground in the University District

Cole BradleyWednesday, January 9, 2019

On the Ground Podcast: Kicking off our University District coverage with Cody Fletcher

Saturday, January 5, 2019

Magaly Cruz (L) and Joni Laney on the porch of a property that was previously blighted. The land trust worked with Neighborhood Preservation Inc. to report the house to Code Enforcement and within one month it was in compliance. (Ziggy Mack)

Bing-Boom III: A land trust seeks to preserve housing affordability in booming Binghampton

Cole BradleyWednesday, December 26, 2018

Pastor Shun Abram in front of Binghampton Community Church, located in east Binghampton. (Ziggy Mack)

Bing-Boom II: A tale of two Binghamptons

Mark JordanWednesday, December 19, 2018

Artist Khara Woods (Submitted)

Art installations in Frayser, Orange Mound & Uptown to be designed by community members

Kim and Jim ColemanWednesday, December 19, 2018

New homes on Autumn Avenue and Circle Drive are selling in the $300,000 to $350,0000 range, which are some of the highest property values in the area. (Ziggy Mack)

Bing-Boom I: The consequences of progress in Binghampton

Cole BradleyWednesday, December 19, 2018

Load More Stories

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

Flint Style Soccer continues to score goals on and off the field
Source: Flintside
WellFed Community grows food sovereignty, education in Tampa
Source: 83Degrees
One year strong: Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing celebrates growth and new entertainment offerings
Source: Epicenter - Mount Pleasant
Another chapter in the history of Powers Hamburgers
Source: Input Fort Wayne

Sponsored By

Copyright © Issue Media Group. All rights reserved.