MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
@mlk50.com
Based in Memphis, Tenn., MLK50 is a nonprofit newsroom reporting at the intersection of poverty, power & public policy.
Our beats: government, enterprise, environmental justice, youth life, public safety, Radical King https://mlk50.co/m/mlk50memphis
Our beats: government, enterprise, environmental justice, youth life, public safety, Radical King https://mlk50.co/m/mlk50memphis
Pinned
They were sleeping, driving, walking in Memphis. Then Trump’s police task force came.
Officers with the Memphis Safe Task Force, created by President Donald Trump to target violent crime, conduct a traffic stop on Summer Avenue near N.
mlk50.com
They were sleeping, driving, walking in Memphis. Then Trump’s police task force came. Read the latest from 👇
@wendicthomas.bsky.social @kathsburgess.bsky.social
@propublica.org
mlk50.com/2025/11/03/t...
@wendicthomas.bsky.social @kathsburgess.bsky.social
@propublica.org
mlk50.com/2025/11/03/t...
The nation’s only Catholic HBCU has shaped Black history by educating generations of leaders in healthcare, politics, and education—fueling upward mobility in New Orleans and beyond.
How Xavier University Of Louisiana Became A Pillar Of Black History Month’s 100-Year Legacy | Essence
Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation’s only Catholic HBCU, has played a vital role in Black History Month for 100 years.
mlk50.co
February 5, 2026 at 1:00 AM
The nation’s only Catholic HBCU has shaped Black history by educating generations of leaders in healthcare, politics, and education—fueling upward mobility in New Orleans and beyond.
After rejecting millions of dollars in federal funds intended to help families buy food for their children during the summer, Tennessee officials have begun recruiting organizations to participate in a separate program that serves meals. tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/03/c...
Child hunger advocates worry state won’t meet food needs this summer after rejecting $84M • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee officials are recruiting groups to participate in a program to serve summer meals at churches, playgrounds and community centers.
tennesseelookout.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:31 PM
After rejecting millions of dollars in federal funds intended to help families buy food for their children during the summer, Tennessee officials have begun recruiting organizations to participate in a separate program that serves meals. tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/03/c...
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A former Illinois deputy has been sentenced to 20 years for fatally shooting Sonya Massey, who called 911 for help.
January 29, 2026 at 4:18 PM
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A former Illinois deputy has been sentenced to 20 years for fatally shooting Sonya Massey, who called 911 for help.
This Memphis group gives homeless veterans a place to live. But it may soon face a funding gap, causing it to rely on community donations to sustain its programming.
This Memphis nonprofit for homeless veterans faces a funding cliff due to HUD delays
People working with the Community Alliance for the Homeless’ Continuum of Care Planning Committee gathered on Jan. 20 and to discuss strategies for facing the changes in the funding process. Photo …
mlk50.co
January 29, 2026 at 12:00 AM
This Memphis group gives homeless veterans a place to live. But it may soon face a funding gap, causing it to rely on community donations to sustain its programming.
Researchers linked higher inflammation levels to decades of stress, including discrimination and economic hardship.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
New evidence shows how discrimination shortens lives in Black communities
Researchers linked higher inflammation levels to decades of stress, including discrimination and economic hardship.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Researchers linked higher inflammation levels to decades of stress, including discrimination and economic hardship.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
A horrifying example of a warrantless ICE raid and how it shattered a family with US citizen kids. I hope this story stays with you. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
How a violent, warrantless ICE raid devastated a Memphis family
"I hope they all go to hell and burn."
www.motherjones.com
January 27, 2026 at 10:07 PM
A horrifying example of a warrantless ICE raid and how it shattered a family with US citizen kids. I hope this story stays with you. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
The Memphis-Shelby County school board is now suing the county commission in its fight against the 2026 election that could cut short five board members’ terms.
www.chalkbeat.org/tennessee/20...
www.chalkbeat.org/tennessee/20...
Memphis school board sues Shelby County Commission over 2026 election reset
In December, the MSCS board filed an initial complaint against local election leaders for putting all nine seats on the May 5 ballot. Now, an amended lawsuit is dragging Shelby County commissioners into the fight.
www.chalkbeat.org
January 26, 2026 at 6:20 PM
The Memphis-Shelby County school board is now suing the county commission in its fight against the 2026 election that could cut short five board members’ terms.
www.chalkbeat.org/tennessee/20...
www.chalkbeat.org/tennessee/20...
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Here's what you need to know about your constitutional protections from immigration stops and detentions.
From @politifact.bsky.social:
From @politifact.bsky.social:
What legal rights do you have in encounters with ICE?
Here's what you need to know about your constitutional protections from immigration stops and detentions.
19thnews.org
January 26, 2026 at 4:22 PM
Here's what you need to know about your constitutional protections from immigration stops and detentions.
From @politifact.bsky.social:
From @politifact.bsky.social:
After the Tennessee Highway Patrol drove cruisers into a crowd of anti-ICE marchers earlier this month, the agency released dash camera video showing one cruiser bumping into a volunteer safety marshal.
January 24, 2026 at 12:00 AM
After the Tennessee Highway Patrol drove cruisers into a crowd of anti-ICE marchers earlier this month, the agency released dash camera video showing one cruiser bumping into a volunteer safety marshal.
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Nekima Levy-Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen say they protested to point out the contradiction of a pastor who works for ICE. https://capitalbnews.org/nekima-levy-armstrong-church-protest-ice-arrests-minnesota/
Trump Administration Targets Black Church Protesters Over ICE Demonstration
Nekima Levy-Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen say they protested to point out the contradiction of a pastor who works for ICE.
capitalbnews.org
January 23, 2026 at 7:48 PM
Nekima Levy-Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen say they protested to point out the contradiction of a pastor who works for ICE. https://capitalbnews.org/nekima-levy-armstrong-church-protest-ice-arrests-minnesota/
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Batten down the hatches! Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee declares a state of emergency ahead of a predicted winter storm. @cstephenson.bsky.social reports.
Tennessee under state of emergency ahead of major winter storm • Tennessee Lookout
Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday issued a state of emergency for all 95 counties ahead of a major winter storm expected to sweep across the state.
tennesseelookout.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:54 AM
Batten down the hatches! Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee declares a state of emergency ahead of a predicted winter storm. @cstephenson.bsky.social reports.
As massive data centers move into residential neighborhoods, Black communities are questioning the environmental, economic, and energy costs of AI’s rapid expansion.
www.essence.com/news/money-c...
www.essence.com/news/money-c...
AI Data Centers Are The New Environmental Burden Black Communities Didn’t Ask For | Essence
As massive data centers move into residential neighborhoods, Black communities are questioning the environmental, economic, and energy costs of AI’s rapid expansion.
www.essence.com
January 21, 2026 at 9:17 PM
As massive data centers move into residential neighborhoods, Black communities are questioning the environmental, economic, and energy costs of AI’s rapid expansion.
www.essence.com/news/money-c...
www.essence.com/news/money-c...
Gladys West, the trailblazing mathematician whose work helped develop GPS, has died. She was 95 years old.
open.substack.com/pub/phillewi...
open.substack.com/pub/phillewi...
Gladys West, trailblazing mathematician who helped develop GPS, has died
Gladys West, the trailblazing mathematician whose work helped develop GPS, has died.
open.substack.com
January 20, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Gladys West, the trailblazing mathematician whose work helped develop GPS, has died. She was 95 years old.
open.substack.com/pub/phillewi...
open.substack.com/pub/phillewi...
While traveling through Memphis last month, Chicago-based photographer Dylan Yarbrough’s lens captured an image of institutional amnesia when he photographed members of the FBI and Homeland Security posing for photos outside the #nationalcivilrightsmuseum. #mlkday
mlk50.co/461Rf05
mlk50.co/461Rf05
An unfinished mandate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy
An FBI agent poses for a photograph in front of the wreath marking the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in Memphis. Photography by Dylan Yarbrough for MLK50 This image depicts a m…
mlk50.com
January 19, 2026 at 6:54 PM
While traveling through Memphis last month, Chicago-based photographer Dylan Yarbrough’s lens captured an image of institutional amnesia when he photographed members of the FBI and Homeland Security posing for photos outside the #nationalcivilrightsmuseum. #mlkday
mlk50.co/461Rf05
mlk50.co/461Rf05
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Immigrants brought here as children were told they wouldn’t be deported. Now, they’re being targeted anyway.
Then they came for the Dreamers
Immigrants brought here as children were told they wouldn’t be deported. Now, they’re being targeted anyway.
www.motherjones.com
January 16, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Immigrants brought here as children were told they wouldn’t be deported. Now, they’re being targeted anyway.
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Rob Brown, taped a sign to the door of Da Sammich Shop in Memphis: “Stop. No ICE access in this business. Notice to all law enforcement & immigration agents." On Sunday night, dozens of law enforcement and military officers staked out the parking lot. From @mlk50.com.
His business has a ‘no law enforcement’ sign. The Memphis Safe Task Force swarmed the parking lot. • Tennessee Lookout
Rob Brown, owner of Da Sammich Shop in Memphis, posted a sign on his door saying "No ICE." Law enforcement blocked his parking lot.
tennesseelookout.com
January 15, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Rob Brown, taped a sign to the door of Da Sammich Shop in Memphis: “Stop. No ICE access in this business. Notice to all law enforcement & immigration agents." On Sunday night, dozens of law enforcement and military officers staked out the parking lot. From @mlk50.com.
‘They were acting like they were gonna run us over’: Troopers arrested one woman and drove into three other protesters as hundreds of marchers protested ICE on Sunday in #Memphis.
Read more here 👇
mlk50.co/4jGsLiz
Read more here 👇
mlk50.co/4jGsLiz
A peaceful anti-ICE march turned ugly when the Tennessee Highway Patrol drove into the crowd, hitting at least three people
Tennessee State Troopers yell at demonstrators after detaining Rebecca Leathers during the “ICE Out for Good” demonstration along Summer Avenue on Jan. 11 in Memphis. The protest was he…
mlk50.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:12 PM
‘They were acting like they were gonna run us over’: Troopers arrested one woman and drove into three other protesters as hundreds of marchers protested ICE on Sunday in #Memphis.
Read more here 👇
mlk50.co/4jGsLiz
Read more here 👇
mlk50.co/4jGsLiz
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
“Our country is at war with its people, and your goodness makes you an enemy, a citizen insurgent.“ —Danez Smith
An Elegy for My Neighbor, Renee Nicole Good
Fellow poet Danez Smith memorializes the Minneapolis mother's call to witness
www.harpersbazaar.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:33 PM
“Our country is at war with its people, and your goodness makes you an enemy, a citizen insurgent.“ —Danez Smith
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
A peaceful anti-ICE march in Memphis turned ugly when the Tennessee Highway Patrol drove into the crowd, hitting at least three people mlk50.com/2026/01/13/a... @mlk50.com
A peaceful anti-ICE march turned ugly when the Tennessee Highway Patrol drove into the crowd, hitting at least three people
Tennessee State Troopers yell at demonstrators after detaining Rebecca Leathers during the "ICE Out for Good" demonstration along Summer Avenue on Jan. 11
mlk50.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:17 PM
A peaceful anti-ICE march in Memphis turned ugly when the Tennessee Highway Patrol drove into the crowd, hitting at least three people mlk50.com/2026/01/13/a... @mlk50.com
Claudette Colvin, whose 1955 arrest for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery bus helped spark the modern civil rights movement, has died. She was 86.
apnews.com/article/clau...
apnews.com/article/clau...
Claudette Colvin, who refused to move seats on a bus at start of civil rights movement, dies at 86
Civil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin has died. She was 86. Her 1955 arrest for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery bus helped spark the modern civil rights movement.
apnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 11:22 PM
Claudette Colvin, whose 1955 arrest for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery bus helped spark the modern civil rights movement, has died. She was 86.
apnews.com/article/clau...
apnews.com/article/clau...
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Years before federal immigration agents shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis, reporter Lila Hassan began investigating ICE’s history of deadly force. ICE’s January 7 shooting of Good resembles many of the shootings Hassan reviewed.
What Can ICE’s History of Deadly Force Tell Us About the Renee Good Shooting?
Journalist Lila Hassan spent years investigating how the agency deploys force — and how it treats agents who open fire.
www.thetrace.org
January 13, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Years before federal immigration agents shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis, reporter Lila Hassan began investigating ICE’s history of deadly force. ICE’s January 7 shooting of Good resembles many of the shootings Hassan reviewed.
What happens when a Black-owned business establishes itself as an “ICE-free” space, but local, state and federal agents show up anyway?
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
His business has a ‘no law enforcement’ sign on the front door. The Memphis Safe Task Force swarmed the parking lot anyway.
Rob Brown helps a customer put in an order at the counter of his restaurant, Da Sammich Spot. On Sunday, Brown was confronted by National Guard and Memphis Safe Task Force agents posted up outside …
mlk50.co
January 13, 2026 at 1:00 AM
What happens when a Black-owned business establishes itself as an “ICE-free” space, but local, state and federal agents show up anyway?
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
His business has a ‘no law enforcement’ sign on the front door. The Memphis Safe Task Force swarmed the parking lot anyway.
🌱 Community-rooted news you'll find only at @mlk50.com
Read it here: mlk50.com/2026/01/09/h...
🌱 Community-rooted news you'll find only at @mlk50.com
Read it here: mlk50.com/2026/01/09/h...
His business has a ‘no law enforcement’ sign on the front door. The Memphis Safe Task Force swarmed the parking lot anyway.
Rob Brown helps a customer put in an order at the counter of his restaurant, Da Sammich Spot. On Sunday, Brown was confronted by National Guard and
mlk50.com
January 10, 2026 at 9:25 PM
His business has a ‘no law enforcement’ sign on the front door. The Memphis Safe Task Force swarmed the parking lot anyway.
🌱 Community-rooted news you'll find only at @mlk50.com
Read it here: mlk50.com/2026/01/09/h...
🌱 Community-rooted news you'll find only at @mlk50.com
Read it here: mlk50.com/2026/01/09/h...
🌟“He was a dreamer, and he loved to eat."
🌟“He was peaceful, creative, kind and goofy."
🌟“He was a person.”
Read the final part of “A Sister’s Love and Grief,” where Keyana Dixon opens up about how she’s honoring her brother, Tyré Nichols. #Memphis
🌟“He was peaceful, creative, kind and goofy."
🌟“He was a person.”
Read the final part of “A Sister’s Love and Grief,” where Keyana Dixon opens up about how she’s honoring her brother, Tyré Nichols. #Memphis
A Sister’s Love and Grief: Redefining justice in Tyré Nichols’ memory
“A Sister’s Love and Grief” is a three-part series that explores what Keyana Dixon’s life has been like since January 2023, when five former Memphis police officers beat her younger brother, Tyré N…
mlk50.co
January 11, 2026 at 12:00 AM
🌟“He was a dreamer, and he loved to eat."
🌟“He was peaceful, creative, kind and goofy."
🌟“He was a person.”
Read the final part of “A Sister’s Love and Grief,” where Keyana Dixon opens up about how she’s honoring her brother, Tyré Nichols. #Memphis
🌟“He was peaceful, creative, kind and goofy."
🌟“He was a person.”
Read the final part of “A Sister’s Love and Grief,” where Keyana Dixon opens up about how she’s honoring her brother, Tyré Nichols. #Memphis
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Renée Good is one of at least nine people across the country who have been shot by immigration agents since September. There is something every case has in common:
Everyone was in a vehicle at the time of the shooting.
Everyone was in a vehicle at the time of the shooting.
Cops are taught not to shoot into cars. ICE keeps doing it anyway.
Immigration agents have shot at least nine people since September. All of them have been in cars.
www.motherjones.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Renée Good is one of at least nine people across the country who have been shot by immigration agents since September. There is something every case has in common:
Everyone was in a vehicle at the time of the shooting.
Everyone was in a vehicle at the time of the shooting.