MLK50: Justice Through Journalism has been awarded a three-year, $1 million general operating grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to increase its editorial, operational and business strength and capacity.
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation “supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world,” according to its website. In addition to its commitments, including “advancing global climate solutions, decreasing nuclear risk, promoting local justice reform in the U.S., and reducing corruption in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria,” the foundation’s efforts involve a journalism and media strategy.
This grant to MLK50 is a part of the foundation’s investment in the Press Forward coalition’s funding efforts. Launched in 2023, Press Forward “is a national movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news.” This is the second grant that MLK50 has received through Press Forward’s aligned grantmaking strategy, following a grant earlier this year from the The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Grant funds will be used to advance MLK50’s mission by growing its editorial and business teams, deepening its reporting in Memphis and generating broader awareness and understanding of key issues through targeted distribution, partnerships and engagement efforts.
This support comes at a strategic time for the MLK50 team, which is in a period of transition as founder Wendi C. Thomas steps down from her leadership role and returns to investigative editing.
In May, Thomas passed the torch to executive editor Adrienne Johnson Martin, who is already leaning into her new role as co-executive director on the editorial side. To solidify their shift to a co-leadership model, MLK50 has launched its search for a co-executive director of business.
“Getting additional support from the MacArthur Foundation really feels fortifying,” said Martin. “It’s a powerful vote of confidence as we continue to strengthen MLK50 to continue great work in Memphis.” This investment is essential for MLK50’s executive transition plans and stewarding its new chapter, which includes a growing team and the building out of its investigative arm and engagement efforts that will expand its reach in Memphis. Additionally, the funds will support MLK50’s path towards sustainability in order for its team of reports to more boldly pursue reporting that transforms the material reality of Memphians pushed to the margins.
This story is brought to you byMLK50: 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.