Uptown & The Pinch

Uptown and The Pinch got their start in the mid-1800s as Memphis’ first planned subdivision and business district. From the beginning, they were uniquely diverse, with dozens of different nationalities, religions, races, and incomes levels mingled in just a few square miles. Heavy disinvestment starting in the 1970s left the neighborhood virtually gutted, but efforts in the early 2000s brought reinvestment and new possibility. Today the legacy of historic Uptown-Pinch continues as the community works towards a multicultural, mixed-income, mixed-use revitalization. High Ground embedded our On the Ground team in Uptown-Pinch from April through July 2018.

Memphis jooker Ryan Haskett dances for onlookers

In Photos: The Last of Our Neighborhoods Revisited

Our On the Ground series embeds local journalists and photojournalists in a Memphis neighborhood for three to six months. In each community, our photojournalists capture an incredible visual history, as […]

High Ground News Community Correspondent Tamara Cunningham. (Cole Bradley)
Memphis’ Newest Reporters: Meet Community Correspondent Tamara Cunningham
Brandis Leverette, one of five High Ground News North Memphis Community Correspondents. (Cole Bradley)
Memphis’ Newest Reporters: Meet Community Correspondent Brandis Leverette
Jason Ayers high fives one of the kids that came out to help clean up empty lots along Randle Street in Klondike. Folks from the community organization Crowning Our Youth, Inc. an anti-violence and youth oriented group, worked to clean up vacant lots
High Ground Says ‘See You Later’ to North Memphis
Shelia Williams, a 2020 Bickford-Bearwater High Ground News Community Correspondent. (Cole Bradley)
Memphis’ Newest Reporters: Meet Community Correspondent Shelia Williams
Jolie Shaw
Memphis’ Newest Reporters: Meet Community Correspondent Jolie Shaw

Community Correspondents are everyday Memphians training to become neighborhood-based reporters. From Bickford in North Memphis, meet one of Memphis' newest journalists, Jolie Shaw. 

The Bickford-Bearwater Community Correspondents attended their first class on January 11. They're training to become community-based journalists for North Memphis. The class is held in the AngelStreet choir room at Oasis of Hope's Bickford center.
High Ground trains North Memphis residents in community-based journalism

High Ground has launched its second Community Correspondents class. The six-week program trains average Memphians in community-based journalism.

BRIDGES USA youth Leaders are creating virtual spaces where students can connected during the coronavirus pandemic. (Submitted)
BRIDGES USA youth leaders make space for teens in the midst of protests and a pandemic

Youth leaders with BRIDGES USA are ensuring youth voices are heard during the global health crisis and civil unrest.  

A sign on the door of Miss Girlee’s Soul Food Restaurant in North Memphis announces its closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Ashley Davis)
In food deserts, COVID-related restaurant closures are especially devastating.

In food deserts, restaurants and corner stores fill critical gaps in the absence of grocers. Amid COVID-19, North Memphis restaurant owners are grappling with decisions to close knowing the critical service they provide.

Explore Bike Share is offering free rides through April 19, 2020 as a way to help Memphians get out of the house and stay active while maintaining social distancing requirements under the Safer at Home shelter in place order. (Submitted)
Explore Bike Share helps Memphis “Ride Out” the pandemic with free bike rentals through April 19

Update: Free Explore Bike Share rides are now available through May 20.

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