Dear Community,
Thank you all for your support in such an unprecedented year, one that has shown us why our mission to pursue justice through journalism is essential in Memphis, and even how it inspires hope nationally. Because of your contributions we’ve been able to shine a light on how injustice can thrive at the intersection of poverty, policy and unchecked power.
You, our community, allow us to continue the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and journalist Ida B. Wells through our reporting.
Wells said, “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” That’s what we do. It was the plight of sanitation workers – the working class – that brought King to Memphis. We at MLK50 believe that what’s important to them must be at the center of the news.
And that’s why MLK50 investigated the spread of coronavirus in area warehouses, and exposed the aggressive debt collection practices against the poor by nonprofit hospitals that led to the erasure of $11.9 million of medical debt for Memphians, many of them poor. That’s the kind of work Wells and King taught us is important.
Because of them and because of you we are doubling down on our mission. And in these final months of the year, your donation will be doubled until Dec. 31.
We’re once again participating in NewsMatch as part of our year-end fundraising campaign. NewsMatch is a national matching-gift campaign that drives donations to nonprofit newsrooms (such as ours!). Find out more about this campaign by visiting our donate page.
Any amount you give helps us tell the stories of the people and issues both Wells and King championed.
Together we’re building a movement to make Memphis more transparent and equitable for everyone. We hope you join us today. #IdaAndMartinTaughtMe
Sincerely,
The MLK50 Team
This story is brought to you by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, a nonprofit newsroom focused on poverty, power and policy in Memphis. Support independent journalism by making a tax-deductible donation today. MLK50 is also supported by these generous donors.