Stories

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In photos: Welcome to the University District

As we kick off three months of On the Ground reporting in the University District, photographer Ziggy Mack explores the visual vibe of this growing, center-city neighborhood. 

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

We're kicking off our embedded reporting in the University District with a look at its past, current state and our new community news room location — The Belltower Artisans. 

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

In S1E3, we kick off three months of embedded reporting with a conversation on the unique features, strengths, and challenges of the University District. 

Feature Story Aumilli’on Kimble, a 16-year-old junior at Bartlett High School, won the floor pitch for her "Heat Keep" food warming pouches. She's already had one employer express interest in hiring her when she graduates. (Submitted)

Special education support & lunchbox warmers: High school students pitch product ideas to meet needs

As part of their participation in LITE Memphis, an entrepreneurship support program targeted at minority high school students, 35 potential startup founders pitched their ideas on December 6 to an audience of funders and supporters. 

Feature Story 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

Wealthier white Memphians began moving to Binghampton out of a desire to be around diversity and to help improve a disadvantaged community. Now, they fear they've turned the tide as major real estate developments are emerging. Old and new residents are banding together to preserve affordable housing by establishing a Binghampton land trust.

Feature Story Playback Memphis ensemble members act out a student’s day at Dexter Elementary. (Cole Bradley)

Playback Memphis partners with Le Bonheur and SCS to reduce bullying and teen pregnancy

Talking with teens about safer sex and healthy relationships isn’t easy, but a partnership between Playback Memphis, Le Bonheur and Shelby County Schools is taking a new approach that uses improvisational theater. 


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On The Ground Podcast: Black-owned business gift guide, with Cynthia Daniels and Brandi Hunter

In S1E2 of the On The Ground podcast, High Ground News contributors Brandi Hunter and Emily Trenholm discuss with entrepreneur Cynthia Daniels great holiday gift options from local Black-owned businesses and the growing infrastructure to support minority entrepreneurs.

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

Bing-Boom II: A tale of two Binghamptons

Once one of the city's most distressed neighborhoods, the west side of Binghampton is now one of its hottest properties. Can the east side follow suit? And should it?

Feature Story Artist Khara Woods (Submitted)

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

Three Memphis neighborhoods — Frayser, Uptown and Orange Mound — are set to be the recipients of art installations that will add vibrancy and livability to the communities, as well as inform and unite residents around solutions to lingering environmental issues, like dumping and littering.


Feature Story 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

After years of revitalization efforts in Binghampton and several multi-million dollar projects in the works, gentrification is now a fast-growing concern. Our three part series explores the state of housing in Binghampton and community efforts to encourage development without displacement. 

Feature Story Lisa and Luis Toro pose outside of their newest purchase, 509 North Hollywood, which will soon be a unique indoor-outdoor bar. (Cole Bradley)

Broad Avenue power couple expand reach with new bar venture

Lisa and Luis Toro opened their first business on Broad Avenue four years ago. Next spring they'll open their third business a bit off of Broad Avenue, and they've learned a lot about entrepreneurship along the way. 

Feature Story Tea products packaged by Ele & Ivy Tea Company.

Black-owned business gift guide: Food, fitness and beauty

Want to shop local and support Black-owned businesses this holiday season? Check out part one of our Black-owned business gift guide covering the best in food, fitness and bath and beauty products.

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On The Ground Podcast: Community development & journalism intersect, with Christina Crutchfield

Sometimes community journalism means staging an art gallery in a corner barbershop. In S1E1 of the On The Ground podcast, the High Ground News team speaks to the Heights CDC about a pop-up art gallery we hosted in the neighborhood. 

Feature Story Los estudiantes hablan y comen una merienda del mediodía. (Cole Bradley)

El Club de Niños y Niñas de Heights gana reconocimiento nacional y entrena a músicos de Memphis

The Heights ’Ira Samelson Jr. Club es el Club de Niños y Niñas con el mejor desempeño de la ciudad, y está recibiendo reconocimiento nacional por su personal dinámico y el estudio de música de vanguardia que está entrenando a la próxima generación de leyendas de la música de Memphis.


Feature Story Summer Avenue, cerca de National Street, ha sido un importante rincón para el comercio desde fines del siglo XIX. (Andrew Breig)

Summer Avenue se renueva como distrito internacional

El tramo Heights-Berclair de Summer Avenue tiene solo tres millas de largo, pero representa a dueños de negocios de más de 30 países. Ahora está recibiendo el reconocimiento que merece con una campaña para calificarlo como el primer distrito internacional de Memphis.

Feature Story Novel Unique provides custom jewelry and clothing

Black-owned business gift guide: Art, accessories and apparel

Want to shop local and support Black-owned businesses this holiday season? Check out part two of our Black-owned business gift guide covering the best in apparel, art and photography and jewelry and accessories. 

Feature Story Many students of the Carpenter Art Garden have been participating in its programs since they were in preschool. They consider themselves "members." (Kirstin Cheers)

Henry Nelson, new director of Carpenter Art Garden, broadcasts creativity across Binghampton

Former radio host Henry Nelson is Carpenter Art Garden's new executive director. He sits down with High Ground News to discuss his new role and plans for the future of the organization and greater Binghampton.

Feature Story Dr. Phil Baker, founder of Good Shepherd Pharmacy, poses for a photo at the nonprofit pharmacy. (submitted)

Good Shepherd Pharmacy uses new technology to facilitate medication sharing across the U.S.

One month of oral chemotherapy can cost $40,000. Nonprofit Good Shepherd Pharmacy is partnering with University of Memphis, QSource, and Nashville's Lipscomb University to leverage new technology to help individuals safely share unused medication. 

Feature Story Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris high-fives Elmo at a December 4 press conference to announce a new partnership with Sesame Street in Communities. (Ziggy Mack)

Sesame Street partners with Memphis nonprofits to reduce childhood trauma, improve early education

Sesame Street is more than a show - it’s backed by a nonprofit that helps improve the lives of children around the world through early childhood education. It’s also Porter-Leath and ACE Awareness Foundation’s newest partner in the fight to reduce childhood trauma and improve early education in Memphis.

Feature Story A view of the renovated Garden Flats apartment complex. (Submitted)

Turnaround tale: Memphis resident purchases and renovates run-down apartment building

Kevin Crutcher took on a complicated real estate project in a disadvantaged neighborhood. Securing financing for the apartment renovation was a challenge that paid off as residents began moving into the building in October.