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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A boarded up home on Bellevue Boulevard in Klondike carries a message to deter break-ins.

Boarded up houses are not a death knell for Klondike Smokey City, neighbors say

Lance WiedowerWednesday, March 22, 2017

Pastor Colley Cooper preaches during Sunday service at Hope City Church in Caldwell-Guthrie's cafeteria in Smokey City.

As Klondike Smokey City shrinks, churches remain constant

Lance WiedowerWednesday, March 15, 2017

Jerome Pope (L) and Robert Coates (R) cut hair at The Barber School on Jackson Avenue in Klondike.

The Barber School brings needed job skills to North Memphis

Thelma BalfourWednesday, March 15, 2017

Aretha Franklin's birth home at 406 Lucy Avenue.

TV network could save Aretha Franklin's crumbling Memphis home

Louis GoggansTuesday, March 14, 2017

Soulsville

Mapping the decline and revival of Soulsville USA

Lance WiedowerWednesday, March 8, 2017

Kids on the North Memphis Steelers football team practice at the Katie Sexton Community Center.

Youth mentorship smooths childhood challenges in North Memphis

Lance WiedowerWednesday, March 8, 2017

Jasmine Craig helps Alexis Dorse, 7, with her math homework at the John Dustin Buckman Boys & Girls Club’s learning center.

40-year-old Boys & Girls Club swells with the Klondike Smokey City neighborhood

Thelma BalfourWednesday, March 8, 2017

Development News

The groundbreaking gets underway at the Binghampton Gateway.

Food desert no more: Grocery, retail and jobs on the way to Binghampton Gateway

Michael WaddellThursday, March 2, 2017

Frankie Walter takes customer orders.

Smoky City Bar-B-Que fires up opportunity in North Memphis

Thelma BalfourThursday, March 2, 2017

KSC

Grassroots efforts in Klondike Smokey City stem from one woman

Lance WiedowerWednesday, March 1, 2017

Students at Humes Preparatory Academy wait for parents and community members to take their seats.

In photos: North Memphis students honor thread of royalty from African queens to kings of pop music

Andrea MoralesMonday, February 27, 2017

Porter Leath Childrens’ Home on Manassas Street is the oldest structure in Klondike/Smokey City. It was an orphanage until 1969 when it became a multi-service agency to serve more children in need.

Prosperity and decline shape Klondike Smokey City's history

Lance WiedowerWednesday, February 22, 2017

Rita sits with her friend’s baby Honeybun while at a cookout near the old Firestone plant.

Is SPARCC the start of North Memphis opportunity?

Lance WiedowerWednesday, February 22, 2017

Mosque

Video: Midtown Mosque brightens North Memphis

Lauren Squires-ReadyWednesday, February 22, 2017

A view of Decatur Street in Smokey City.

SPARCC grant targets North Memphis for equitable developmentSPARCCgrantannouncement.aspx

Madeline FaberWednesday, February 15, 2017

Dr. Narayanaswami Rangaswami, the pediatric physician at the Guthrie Primary Care Clinic in Smokey City, examines Christine Jones, 17.

Nutrition, access to care impact health of Klondike Smokey City

Lance WiedowerWednesday, February 15, 2017

Handy Shop

Community flourishes at 62-year-old Klondike barber shop

Thelma BalfourTuesday, February 14, 2017

Mary Hill, 82, stands for a portrait at her home in Smokey City. She grew up in Klondike and has lived in Smokey City as an adult.

As Crosstown Concourse towers, North Memphis walks between gentrification and disinvestment

Lance WiedowerWednesday, February 8, 2017

Willie Mae Brooks

North Memphis octogenarian looks back on decades of neighborhood changes

Thelma BalfourWednesday, February 8, 2017

Development News

A banner outside of 3309 Riney reads, "Don't rent for $700. Own in Frayser for $450."

$60M down payment fund invests in Memphis' "hardest hit" neighborhoods

Michael WaddellTuesday, February 7, 2017

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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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