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...
Many incarcerated women and trans people are forced to choose between maintaining their dignity and health — or facing penalties.
Punished for bleeding: How periods in prison become a trap
Many incarcerated women and trans people are forced to choose between maintaining their dignity and health — or facing penalties.
mlk50.co
December 9, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Many incarcerated women and trans people are forced to choose between maintaining their dignity and health — or facing penalties.
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
“I really believe that if I didn’t have [my] birth certificate, I would be somewhere in a facility,” one resident said, recalling that one of the armed federal agents who stopped him on the street aggressively asked if he was from Ethiopia or Ghana.
With @mlk50.com
With @mlk50.com
“I Don’t Feel Safe”: Black Memphis Residents Report Harassment by Trump’s Police Task Force
A pastor was pulled over for looking lost. A 72-year-old was marched out in his bathrobe due to mistaken identity. Memphis’ mayor welcomed the federal law enforcement surge, but some residents say the...
www.propublica.org
December 5, 2025 at 2:30 AM
“I really believe that if I didn’t have [my] birth certificate, I would be somewhere in a facility,” one resident said, recalling that one of the armed federal agents who stopped him on the street aggressively asked if he was from Ethiopia or Ghana.
With @mlk50.com
With @mlk50.com
Memphis’ library workers seek to unionize and become civil service workers and are doing so in what they see as a time of increasing anti-union sentiment.
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
Union push is about more than pay, library workers say
Some of the library workers who are a part of the Memphis Public Library Workers United union sit for a portrait at Crosstown Concourse. Photo by Kevin Wurm / MLK50 / CatchLight Local / Report for …
mlk50.co
December 5, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Memphis’ library workers seek to unionize and become civil service workers and are doing so in what they see as a time of increasing anti-union sentiment.
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
Stay warm, Memphis! The Hospitality Hub is operating an overnight warming center. Here’s what to know:
Memphis’ warming center will be open Tuesday night. What to know before you visit.
Freezing temperatures arrived in Memphis this week, creating hazardous conditions for people without shelter or whose homes don’t have heat. If you need help staying warm, overnight shelter is avai…
mlk50.co
December 4, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Stay warm, Memphis! The Hospitality Hub is operating an overnight warming center. Here’s what to know:
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
The Institute of Museum & Library Services has restored all previously canceled federal grants to libraries, following a ruling by a federal judge
"Restoration of these grants is a massive win for libraries of all kinds in all states."
"Restoration of these grants is a massive win for libraries of all kinds in all states."
ALA welcomes reinstatement of all federal IMLS grants to libraries
Today, the American Library Association (ALA) greeted an announcement by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) that it had reinstated all the agency’s grants.
www.ala.org
December 4, 2025 at 4:04 PM
The Institute of Museum & Library Services has restored all previously canceled federal grants to libraries, following a ruling by a federal judge
"Restoration of these grants is a massive win for libraries of all kinds in all states."
"Restoration of these grants is a massive win for libraries of all kinds in all states."
Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon says he didn’t know about solitary confinement until June. MLK50 reporting appears to contradict his statement.
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
Judge Sugarmon says he didn’t know about solitary confinement until June. MLK50 reporting appears to contradict his statement.
Judge Tarik Sugarmon talks to journalists in the gymnasium of the Youth Justice and Education Center following an open house on Nov. 12. Photo by Andrea Morales for MLK50 Memphis-Shelby County Juve…
mlk50.co
December 3, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon says he didn’t know about solitary confinement until June. MLK50 reporting appears to contradict his statement.
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
New from me @mlk50.com: Union push is about more than pay, library workers say mlk50.com/2025/12/03/u...
Union push is about more than pay, library workers say
Some of the library workers who are a part of the Memphis Public Library Workers United union sit for a portrait at Crosstown Concourse. Photo by Kevin
mlk50.com
December 3, 2025 at 7:13 PM
New from me @mlk50.com: Union push is about more than pay, library workers say mlk50.com/2025/12/03/u...
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
It’s Giving Tuesday! Will you consider making a gift to @mlk50.com? All donations matched today up to $4,250. givebutter.com/rootedinmemp...
MLK50 Year-End Fundraising Campaign
We're raising $50,000 to fuel community-centered, accountability reporting in Memphis.
givebutter.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:54 AM
It’s Giving Tuesday! Will you consider making a gift to @mlk50.com? All donations matched today up to $4,250. givebutter.com/rootedinmemp...
The Guatemalan brothers — both longtime Memphians — are known in national Pentecostal Christian circles as well-traveled worship singers, performing at churches from New York to Florida. Read more here👇
Christian singers caught in deportation net, one branded ‘worst of worst’
Delmar Gomez (left) and Eber Gomez. (Courtesy of Gomez family) This story was originally published by The Institute for Public Service Reporting. On the night of Oct. 8, a man named Delmar Go…
mlk50.co
December 2, 2025 at 11:01 PM
The Guatemalan brothers — both longtime Memphians — are known in national Pentecostal Christian circles as well-traveled worship singers, performing at churches from New York to Florida. Read more here👇
It’s Giving NewsDay at MLK50!
Today, your gift goes twice as far thanks to a generous match from John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health, and the Central Labor Council of Memphis & West TN.
Today, your gift goes twice as far thanks to a generous match from John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health, and the Central Labor Council of Memphis & West TN.
December 2, 2025 at 10:45 PM
It’s Giving NewsDay at MLK50!
Today, your gift goes twice as far thanks to a generous match from John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health, and the Central Labor Council of Memphis & West TN.
Today, your gift goes twice as far thanks to a generous match from John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health, and the Central Labor Council of Memphis & West TN.
1/THREAD: A surge of traffic stops in predominantly immigrant neighborhoods in #Memphis has given state troopers & federal agents broad power to decide residents’ fates. Over 2 nights, MLK50 documented traffic stops initiated for minor violations that escalated into immigration checks & arrests.👇
December 1, 2025 at 5:47 PM
1/THREAD: A surge of traffic stops in predominantly immigrant neighborhoods in #Memphis has given state troopers & federal agents broad power to decide residents’ fates. Over 2 nights, MLK50 documented traffic stops initiated for minor violations that escalated into immigration checks & arrests.👇
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Two National Guard members from West Virginia were shot Wednesday afternoon near the White House in Washington, D.C., officials confirmed. The suspect, who was also shot and is in custody with non-life threatening injuries, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social and @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social.
Two National Guard members from West Virginia shot in Washington, D.C. • Tennessee Lookout
Two National Guard members from West Virginia were shot Wednesday afternoon near the White House in Washington, D.C., officials confirmed.
tennesseelookout.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Two National Guard members from West Virginia were shot Wednesday afternoon near the White House in Washington, D.C., officials confirmed. The suspect, who was also shot and is in custody with non-life threatening injuries, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social and @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social.
Powerful community journalism does more than tell stories — it illuminates injustices, advocates for action, and sparks lasting change in the community. With your support, MLK50 is fighting for the future of Memphis.
Give now at 👇 mlk50.co/3K1gHuX
Give now at 👇 mlk50.co/3K1gHuX
November 26, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Powerful community journalism does more than tell stories — it illuminates injustices, advocates for action, and sparks lasting change in the community. With your support, MLK50 is fighting for the future of Memphis.
Give now at 👇 mlk50.co/3K1gHuX
Give now at 👇 mlk50.co/3K1gHuX
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Use "Ain't It Mane" and "Tha Garden" seasoning blends for a very Memphis cornbread dressing recipe from Mane Street Seasonings.
Recipe Exchange: Mane Street OG cornbread dressing
Use "Ain't It Mane" and "Tha Garden" seasoning blends for a very Memphis cornbread dressing recipe from Mane Street Seasonings.
dailymemphian.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Use "Ain't It Mane" and "Tha Garden" seasoning blends for a very Memphis cornbread dressing recipe from Mane Street Seasonings.
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
1/ THREAD: This year ICE has sent a record 600 immigrant kids into federal shelters, more than in the previous four years combined. Data suggests some are being separated from their families.
For one 15-year-old, it began with a cracked windshield 👇
For one 15-year-old, it began with a cracked windshield 👇
November 25, 2025 at 2:01 AM
1/ THREAD: This year ICE has sent a record 600 immigrant kids into federal shelters, more than in the previous four years combined. Data suggests some are being separated from their families.
For one 15-year-old, it began with a cracked windshield 👇
For one 15-year-old, it began with a cracked windshield 👇
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Our new collaboration with @mlk50.com reports that an upcoming Supreme Court ruling could weaken the Voting Rights Act and upend power in West Tennessee.
“If there were not those legal consequences to make the county do right, we wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“If there were not those legal consequences to make the county do right, we wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Black Residents in West Tennessee Just Won Fairer Districts. Now Comes SCOTUS.
The Supreme Court may further erode the Voting Rights Act in an upcoming decision. Beyond affecting Congress, that would reverberate across local governments nationwide.
boltsmag.org
November 24, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Our new collaboration with @mlk50.com reports that an upcoming Supreme Court ruling could weaken the Voting Rights Act and upend power in West Tennessee.
“If there were not those legal consequences to make the county do right, we wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“If there were not those legal consequences to make the county do right, we wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
“Oh God. I wasn’t even expecting this. I really thought that nothing was going to happen. It’s only me and my sisters” said Elizabeth Leao, 21
Leao's mom was detained at the Robertson County courthouse after appearing in traffic court. She's now in ICE custody.
tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/24/i...
Leao's mom was detained at the Robertson County courthouse after appearing in traffic court. She's now in ICE custody.
tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/24/i...
ICE’s latest focus in Tennessee: traffic court • Tennessee Lookout
In Robertson County, Tennessee federal law enforcement agencies are arresting en mass immigrants appearing in court for traffic violations.
tennesseelookout.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:06 PM
“Oh God. I wasn’t even expecting this. I really thought that nothing was going to happen. It’s only me and my sisters” said Elizabeth Leao, 21
Leao's mom was detained at the Robertson County courthouse after appearing in traffic court. She's now in ICE custody.
tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/24/i...
Leao's mom was detained at the Robertson County courthouse after appearing in traffic court. She's now in ICE custody.
tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/24/i...
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
The Supreme Court will soon decide the fate of the Voting Rights Act. If the justices weaken it further, it could have huge effects on local governments in Tennessee and across the country.
Don’t miss our new collaboration with @mlk50.com:
boltsmag.org/voting-right...
Don’t miss our new collaboration with @mlk50.com:
boltsmag.org/voting-right...
Black Residents in West Tennessee Just Won Fairer Districts. Now Comes SCOTUS. - Bolts
The Supreme Court may further erode the Voting Rights Act in an upcoming decision. Beyond affecting Congress, that would reverberate across local governments nationwide.
boltsmag.org
November 21, 2025 at 3:57 PM
The Supreme Court will soon decide the fate of the Voting Rights Act. If the justices weaken it further, it could have huge effects on local governments in Tennessee and across the country.
Don’t miss our new collaboration with @mlk50.com:
boltsmag.org/voting-right...
Don’t miss our new collaboration with @mlk50.com:
boltsmag.org/voting-right...
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Just in: A group of 10 Tennessee parents and taxpayers filed a lawsuit Thursday against Gov. Bill Lee, Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds and the Tennessee Board of Education challenging the constitutionality of the state’s new “universal” private-school voucher program.
Tennesseans challenge state’s private-school voucher program • Tennessee Lookout
A group of 10 Tennessee parents and taxpayers filed a lawsuit challenging the the state’s new “universal” private-school voucher program.
tennesseelookout.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Just in: A group of 10 Tennessee parents and taxpayers filed a lawsuit Thursday against Gov. Bill Lee, Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds and the Tennessee Board of Education challenging the constitutionality of the state’s new “universal” private-school voucher program.
The impact of the ‘Memphis Safe Task Force’ on citations remains unclear as the county grapples with a backlog of paper tickets from Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
Newly public data shows task force increased traffic and drug charges in Memphis
Memphis police officers, along with federal agents with the Memphis Safe Task Force, walk through a parking lot in northeast Memphis during the clearing of an encampment on Oct. 28. Photo by Andrea…
mlk50.co
November 19, 2025 at 7:55 PM
The impact of the ‘Memphis Safe Task Force’ on citations remains unclear as the county grapples with a backlog of paper tickets from Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said Tuesday the state will challenge a Davidson County chancellor’s decision temporarily blocking Gov. Bill Lee from continuing to deploy the Tennessee National Guard to the city.
Tennessee governor to appeal ruling against Guard in Memphis • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee will appeal a ruling requiring the state to remove the National Guard from Memphis as part of a police action.
tennesseelookout.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said Tuesday the state will challenge a Davidson County chancellor’s decision temporarily blocking Gov. Bill Lee from continuing to deploy the Tennessee National Guard to the city.
We need a public, unequivocal commitment to end solitary confinement in the juvenile detention center — and children must have a seat at the table, writes Naya Chadwick of Stand For Children.
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
From the inside out: Ending solitary confinement for Shelby County children
Attendees look at a presentation during an August event on the findings of a project on gun violence by the Memphis Youth Participatory Action Research Collaborative Showcase at the Frayser Public …
mlk50.co
November 15, 2025 at 5:30 PM
We need a public, unequivocal commitment to end solitary confinement in the juvenile detention center — and children must have a seat at the table, writes Naya Chadwick of Stand For Children.
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
MLK50 exists to shine a light on injustices, advocate for transparency, and amplify voices that far too often go unheard, but we can only do so with your support.
Give now at 👉 mlk50.co/3K1gHuX
Give now at 👉 mlk50.co/3K1gHuX
November 14, 2025 at 12:30 AM
MLK50 exists to shine a light on injustices, advocate for transparency, and amplify voices that far too often go unheard, but we can only do so with your support.
Give now at 👉 mlk50.co/3K1gHuX
Give now at 👉 mlk50.co/3K1gHuX
Roughly 1 in 4 domestic violence homicide victims in Tennessee’s five biggest cities were allegedly shot by a suspect who was barred from having a gun. And some suspects were being monitored by probation officers before the homicide.
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
How a gap in Tennessee’s probation system leaves domestic violence victims in danger
Karen Peebles holds a photograph of her daughter, Temptress “Chippie” Peebles, and her granddaughter, Khloe. Temptress Peebles was killed, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend while he was on probation. W…
mlk50.co
November 12, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Roughly 1 in 4 domestic violence homicide victims in Tennessee’s five biggest cities were allegedly shot by a suspect who was barred from having a gun. And some suspects were being monitored by probation officers before the homicide.
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
From North Carolina to Mississippi, small businesses work to feed their communities while benefits are paused. capitalbnews.org/snap-crisis-...
Black-Owned Farms Fill Gaps Left by SNAP Funding Delays
From North Carolina to Mississippi, small businesses work to feed their communities while benefits are paused.
capitalbnews.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:28 PM
From North Carolina to Mississippi, small businesses work to feed their communities while benefits are paused. capitalbnews.org/snap-crisis-...