Author

Laura Faith Kebede, Chalkbeat Tennessee

Laura Faith Kebede, Chalkbeat Tennessee's Latest Articles

Graves Elementary School in South Memphis has been boarded up since its closure in 2014. It's one of 10 vacant school buildings in the city. (Laura Faith Kebede)
A Memphis woman’s tragic death prompts reflection: Could vacant schools help fight homelessness?

Wintertime temperatures hit homeless people the hardest. Meanwhile, 10 shuttered Memphis schools sit empty.

Winston Gipson confers with his wife and daughter, who help run Gipson Mechanical Contractors, a family-owned business in Memphis for 35 years. (Laura Faith Kebede)
Memphis leaders say diversifying school business contracts will help in the classroom, too

The program designed to address contract disparities in Memphis City Schools was cut during its 2013 merger with Shelby County Schools, and minority and women-owned businesses are feeling the strain.

ricklayers from TopCat Masonry Contractors LLC work on an apartment complex in Downtown Memphis in 2014. (Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal)
Disparities persist in how Memphis schools contract with businesses, study shows

Although black-owned businesses make up more than a third of the local construction industry, they were awarded less than 1 percent of Memphis school contracts in the last five years, according to a new study.

Students at Kingsbury Middle School are greeted on the first day of school by community members showing support after weeks of ICE raids on the Latino community.
Immigrant families get rock star treatment on the first day back to school in Memphis

Neighbors, faith leaders and advocacy groups gather at 25 Memphis schools to welcome immigrant families on the first day back from summer break.

Posters created by junior Janiya Douglas have amplified student voices about the culture of discipline in White Station High School.
How one Memphis student is elevating the conversation about school discipline

A student-organized poster campaign serves as a catalyst for discussions about the climate of White Station High School and disparities in discipline among differing races and academic levels.

Our Partners

WKKF logo
Kresge Foundation logo
IFF logo
JP Morgan Chase logo
Ford Foundation logo
Delta Dental Foundation logo

Don't miss out!

Inspiration and ideas in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.