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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Podcast: Why are so many Memphis families being evicted?

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

A banner at the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church celebrates the church's 140th anniversary. Mt. Moriah is the oldest church in Orange Mound, which celebrated its centennial year in 2019 and continuing the celebrating in 2020. (Alexandria Moore)

Orange Mound to celebrate its centennial, Black History Month, and the Memphis Heritage Trail

Alexandria MooreWednesday, February 19, 2020

(stock photo)

Free training for careers in hospitality industry coming to Whitehaven

Andrea ValenzuelaWednesday, February 19, 2020

LifeBridge is offered through MassMutual. Since 2002, the program has issues over 14,000 policies. (MassMutual)

LifeBridge is comfort for low-income parents. If they pass away, the kids can still pay for school.

Monique RialsWednesday, February 19, 2020

The 2020 Urban Summit will be held February 28 and 29 at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Madison Heights. (Urban Summit)

2020 Urban Summit tackles employment justice

Cole BradleyWednesday, February 19, 2020

The 2020 Trailblazer Award honored Memphis women making a significant contribution to preserving and celebrating the city's cultural heritage. Beautiful award statues were presented to each winner. (Cole Bradley)

Trailblazer Awards honored Memphis women who champion the city's cultural heritage

Cole BradleyThursday, February 13, 2020

OrangeMound

Banks have to invest in the low-income communities surrounding their branches. What if they didn't?

Jeff Hulett and Cole BradleyThursday, February 13, 2020

podcast

Podcast: Building neighborhoods from housing to authentic narratives

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Miss Bluff City 2019, Simone Wilson, poses with North Memphis Boys & Girls Clubs members. Wilson's focus area for her service to the community is working with youth at Boys & Girls club. (Submitted)

North Memphis Boys & Girls Clubs offer youth cafe, store, and more

A. J. Dugger IIIThursday, February 6, 2020

Memphis singer-songwriter Grace Askew will kick off the "Women Who Rock" series on February 9 at Wonder / Cowork / Create. (Heath Herring)

Women Working It: Grace Askew sits down with High Ground ahead of "Women Who Rock" speaker series

Cole BradleyWednesday, February 5, 2020

Amon Dillan walks holds hands with a Harwood Center student was they walk down the hall of their Cordova location inside Hope Church. January 27, 2020. (ZIggy Mack)

Harwood Center, University of Memphis to launch early learning classroom for kids with special needs

Cole BradleyWednesday, February 5, 2020

Sarah Gong (far right) and Kristin Thompson (far left) pose for a class picture with Sycamore School's second and third graders. They co-teach the combined grades. (Susan Kizzee)

Forget report cards and endless testing. The Sycamore School's students learn outside and at play.

Leigh TatumWednesday, February 5, 2020

podcast

Podcast: Art, history, and amplifying communities with Yancy Villa-Calvo

Monday, February 3, 2020

Derion Lipford films his pitch proposal for the judges of ArtUp's North Memphis Incubator in January 2020. (Sheri Neely)

ArtUp offers North Memphis entrepreneurs $2,500, training, and chance to pitch to investors

A. J. Dugger IIIThursday, January 30, 2020

Justin Merrick (center) is executive director for the Center for Transforming Communities. CTC is assuming local operation of national resource partner, SPARCC., Center for Transforming Communities)

Local SPARCC operations moving from BLDG Memphis to Center for Transforming Communities

A. J. Dugger IIIThursday, January 30, 2020

On February 7, “A Family Affair” will feature music, discussions, and games aimed at raising awareness of the need for organ donation among black Mid-Southerners. (Mid-South Transplant Foundation)

Memphis needs more African American organ donors.

A.J Dugger III and Cole BradleyThursday, January 30, 2020

L to R: Community Correspondents Ian Randolph, Ivy Arnold, and Monique Rials listen attentively to a conversation on journalist ethics lead by trainer, Micaela Watts. (Cat Evans)

Want to write your neighborhood's news? Apply to our Community Correspondents training program.

Cole BradleyWednesday, January 29, 2020

podcast

Podcast: What's happening in North Memphis?

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

L to R: Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer, Commissioner Eddie Jones, and Quincey Morris, executive director of the Klondike Smokey City CDC pose with a map of the 150 parcels transferred from the land bank to the CDC and NPI. (Ashlei Williams)

Nonprofits strike history-making deal with Shelby County for land transfer in Klondike, Smokey City

Ashlei WilliamsMonday, January 27, 2020

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Memphis' future is in its past. Pizza with Planners explores why on January 28.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

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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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