We at MLK50: Justice Through Journalism believe all of our stories should shine a light on injustices and spark real change in our communities. Our reporters work hard to bring to you stories that uphold our mission to report on the intersection of poverty, power and policy, and to bear witness to movement making and lived experiences.
The best way to understand us and our commitment to you, our readers, is through our work. Here are our top five stories from this year and another five stories we told that denounce racial injustice and socioeconomic inequality.
Our hope is that after you read these stories you will embrace our vision we share with Dr. Martin Luther King: A nation where all residents – especially workers – have enough resources to thrive, and where public and private policy supports their success.
We believe in examining the systems that make it difficult for workers to thrive and interrogate those who profit from the status quo. We believe in truth, justice, and holding people and systems of power to account. And, we hope that our work spurs real, meaningful and lasting change.
Top 5 stories of 2020
First her fiancé beat her up. Why did deputies swarm, tackle and cuff her?
White mom to racists: ‘Don’t use my child to further your hate-filled ignorance’
Nike’s Frayser warehouse closed after worker tests positive for coronavirus
5 reasons why VP Pence has no business in Memphis on MLK weekend
Prospect Park gas station plans collapse, residents accuse developer of bad-faith tactics
5 more works you should know
A temp worker died on the job after FedEx didn’t fix a known hazard. The fine: $7,000.
The fire this time: Memphis’ response to police violence and civil unrest
Devastating question: ‘Would you rather be homeless or in jail?’
‘Nice Young Man. Don’t Harm.’ A Black mother’s plea for her son on Nextdoor
Prospect Park residents take fight with gas station developer public
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.