Author

A. J. Dugger III

A.J. Dugger III is an award-winning journalist and native Memphian who joined High Ground as lead writer for its signature series, On the Ground, in August 2019. Previously, he wrote for numerous publications in West Tennessee and authored two books, “Southern Terror” and “The Dealers: Then and Now.” He has also appeared as a guest expert on the true-crime series, “For My Man.” For more information, visit ajdugger.net. (Photo by April Stilwell)

A. J. Dugger III's Latest Articles

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

By A. J. Dugger III

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Education

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February 6, 2020

The Kid Cafe and club member store are among the programs exclusive to North Memphis' two Boys & Girls Clubs.

A group of experts convened by the Urban Land Institute spent three days engaging stakeholders and studying several South Memphis parks. They presented their research findings at a public meeting on January 31. (A.J. Dugger)

Urban Land Institute studies South Memphis parks, makes suggestions for key improvements

By A. J. Dugger III

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Community Development

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February 6, 2020

The national Urban Land Institute was in town last week to study parks in South Memphis. They presented their findings in a public meeting that explored the role these parks play in neighborhood revitalization and how to activate them with limited resources.

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

By A. J. Dugger III

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Arts & Culture

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January 30, 2020

ArtUp is giving 10 creative entrepreneurs an opportunity to build a business that fits their passion. The fellows will receive $2,500 towards startup costs, a 12-week small-business training course, and a chance to pitch to local investors.

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

By A. J. Dugger III

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Community Development

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January 30, 2020

SPARCC is a national resource partner that invests in local organizations. After three years with BLDG Memphis, SPARCC operations are moving to the Center for Transforming Communities. In February, CTC will hold its first public SPARCC 2.0 event.

Edward Bogard, founder of Memphis-based nonprofit shoe manufacturer SoGiv, high fives a student at the three-day teen design charrette benefiting Shelby County Schools. (Demarcus Bowser)

Germantown High wins shoe design contest with focus on breast cancer awareness

By A. J. Dugger III

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General

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January 23, 2020

Local nonprofit SoGiv partnered with Shelby County Schools for a shoe design competition between SCS high schools. Germantown's winning concept spotlights breast cancer awareness. Sales of the shoes will benefit SCS.

The Oasis Appliance store's strategic manager, Dana Driver (R), assists customers in selecting a new washing machine. (A.J. Dugger)

Oasis is part bike shop, part home and appliance store, and all about North Memphis

By A. J. Dugger III

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General

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January 22, 2020

Oasis Appliance & Home Furnishings in North Memphis offers quality, secondhand appliances and furniture. Oasis Bike Shop has some of the lowest prices in Memphis. Both are part of a ministry serving area resident.

Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis will compete locally on February 5 as their first stop on the way to the title of National Youth of the Year. (Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis)

Local teens to compete for Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year award

By A. J. Dugger III

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Education

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January 22, 2020

Ten local tens will compete in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's search for its National Youth of the Year. Top prize includes a $25,000 scholarship.

Promise CDC has built 30 houses in North Memphis, most of them three- and four-bedroom single family homes. The homes are for rent and purchase at affordable prices. (Promise CDC)

Promise CDC builds homes, community, and investment in North Memphis

By A. J. Dugger III

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General

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January 15, 2020

With constant plumbing problems at her old place, Eunice Phillips was looking for a safe and affordable rental for her and her two children. Promise CDC delivered with a beautiful home in North Memphis. Now she's looking to buy.

Attendees of the Being Black in College workshop break for lunch and informal discussions about the challenges they anticipate in their educational careers post-high school. (Our Grass Our Roots)

The power of knowledge brings power to the people in North Memphis

By A. J. Dugger III

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Community Development

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January 9, 2020

“We’re not a housing community development. We don’t buy land. We don’t transform homes. We’re not doing giveaways. We’re doing informative practices." - Michalyn Easter-Thomas, founder of Our Grass Our Roots.

BLDG Memphis' coalition members attend the BLDG Memphis Capital Projects Tour on November 9. (Jarvis Hues)

BLDG Memphis marks 20 years as a collective voice for equitable development

By A. J. Dugger III

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Community Development

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January 8, 2020

For 20 years, BLDG Memphis has helped grassroots leaders and community-based nonprofits come together to build responsible, authentic, and equitable communities.