Author

Kirstin Cheers

Kirstin Cheers is a native South Memphian and freelance journalist. She's written for The Tri-State Defender and is a current contributor for iLoveMemphis blog and Memphistravel.com. Professionally, she's the communications specialist at United Way of the Mid-South, a non-profit that supports agencies serving people living in poverty. 

Kirstin Cheers's Latest Articles

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.

Trinette Johnson-Williams in her Midtown workshop. (Darius B. Williams)
“Hustle mentality” led Johnson-Williams to open her contracting and woodworking firm

“I don’t have time to wait on anybody to tell me that I’m good enough. Women can do just as much if not more. Anything that’s out there, we can do it."

A new ruling states that Tennessee can no longer revoke driver’s licenses from people who cannot afford court fees.
Tennessee’s practice of suspending licenses from those who owe court fees is found unconstitutional

“We tend to see misdemeanor driving as irresponsible or someone being dishonest and even criminal when honestly, we who are middle-class forget to pay our fines every day and are not faced with the threat of having a suspended license for more than a year."

Xadion Woods brings his daughter, Taylor, to the Pre-K and Kindergarten Kickoff at the Board of Education on Saturday, May 5th. Woods is attempting to enroll his daughter in kindergarten this upcoming year. (Kirstin Cheers)
In photos: Children and parents get a head start at SCS pre-K fair

Hundreds of parents came to the Shelby County Board of Education on May 5 to enjoy a sunny afternoon with their kids and learn more about the city's pre-K and kindergarten programs. 

Students complete a science scavenger hunt on April 17th at Hillcrest High. (Kirstin Cheers)
One Whitehaven community. Two high schools. A few turnaround options.

Whitehaven residents reflect on the legacy of Hillcrest High School, which was taken over by the Achievement School District in 2015, and Whitehaven High School, which became the nucleus of the Empowerment Zone in 2016. 

Multimedia artist Lawrence Matthews of The Collective talks with Dr. David Acey, professor of African-American rhetoric and creator of Africa in April at Black Resistance Opening Reception hosted by The Brooks programmed by The CLTV. (Ashley Bend)
From Stax Records to social media, two generations of Black arts leaders support the scene

While birthed in different eras, The Collective and The Memphis Black Arts Alliance face the similar strifes from combating generational poverty in disinvested communities and having to navigate and engage artists in a city where arts infrastructure is in its infancy. 

Stephanie Love stands in front at Whitney Elementary in Frayser, which residents say is negatively affected by a nearby landfill.
Community activists affect change in Frayser and North Memphis

Residents and elected officials speak out against development in their neighborhoods, to mixed results. 

Mickele Bridges collaborates with other students to produce a song in Cloud901's recording studio.
After two years, Memphis Music Initiative marks improvement in arts opportunities for youth

Children from disadvantaged neighborhoods are less likely to interact with music and arts programming. The Memphis Music Initiative removes those barriers by investing and supporting neighborhood and school-based art programs.

Principal Alisha Kiner shakes hands with a graduating senior of Booker T. Washington's 2017 class.
Sweep it clean: The leader behind Booker T. Washington’s comeback story

When principal Alisha Kiner joined Booker T. Washington, the historically African-American high school had a graduation rate of 53 percent. Her leadership has skyrocketed that figure. In 2017, the school graduated its largest class of seniors. 

Tonya Dyson works with interns at the Memphis Slim House.
Memphis Music Initiative pivots its approach to meet more local youth

The Memphis Music Initiative, now in its second year, has opened its own summer programs for children. The nonprofit also fulfills in-school fellowships, which place local music professionals who teach music education in Shelby County Schools.

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