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...
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-...
Tennessee’s new 25-foot “buffer” law is beginning to reshape how the public interacts with police. One Memphis woman’s arrest calls into question whether documenting officers is still a protected right.
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
A volunteer observing a traffic stop in Memphis ended up in jail. Should she have been arrested?
Tennessee Highway Patrol and federal agents in an unmarked car pull away on Carrington Street after law enforcement arrested Jessica Chodor as she observed one of their traffic stops a few minutes …
mlk50.co
November 11, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Tennessee’s new 25-foot “buffer” law is beginning to reshape how the public interacts with police. One Memphis woman’s arrest calls into question whether documenting officers is still a protected right.
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
Independent, local journalism has never been more critical — and we’re only able to do this work because of supporters like you.
Donate today to fund the future of independent news in Memphis by heading to the link below 👇
givebutter.com/rootedinmemp...
Donate today to fund the future of independent news in Memphis by heading to the link below 👇
givebutter.com/rootedinmemp...
November 10, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Independent, local journalism has never been more critical — and we’re only able to do this work because of supporters like you.
Donate today to fund the future of independent news in Memphis by heading to the link below 👇
givebutter.com/rootedinmemp...
Donate today to fund the future of independent news in Memphis by heading to the link below 👇
givebutter.com/rootedinmemp...
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
The Supreme Court has rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide
Supreme Court Rejects Call To Overturn Its Decision Legalizing Same-sex Marriage Nationwide
The Supreme Court has rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
www.huffpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:01 PM
The Supreme Court has rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide
"Growing up, I thought I was just like every other kid. I never knew I was undocumented until I reached middle school. One of my uncles had been deported back to Honduras. He was only a few years older than me. I remember my mom telling me then about my immigration status."
‘Everything is falling on me financially.’ Why one undocumented Memphian keeps working through fears of deportation
Illustration by Sri Vee for MLK50 MLK50 allowed the interviewee, who is undocumented, to use an alias in order to protect their identity and not increase the chances of them being detained. &n…
mlk50.co
November 8, 2025 at 9:45 PM
"Growing up, I thought I was just like every other kid. I never knew I was undocumented until I reached middle school. One of my uncles had been deported back to Honduras. He was only a few years older than me. I remember my mom telling me then about my immigration status."
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Facing budget shortfalls due to the end of COVID funding, cuts to Medicaid and tariffs, states are turning to one place for cuts: child care.
States are quietly cutting child care funding — and families are out of options
Facing budget shortfalls due to the end of COVID funding, cuts to Medicaid and tariffs, states are turning to one place for cuts: child care.
19thnews.org
November 6, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Facing budget shortfalls due to the end of COVID funding, cuts to Medicaid and tariffs, states are turning to one place for cuts: child care.
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
As @GovBillLee Speaker Sexton & @MarshaBlackburn lie about the numbers in MEMPHIS (the occupiers are mostly arresting non-criminals), Black folks are being harassed and targeted and say they don’t feel safe.
www.propublica.org/article/memp...
www.propublica.org/article/memp...
November 6, 2025 at 9:57 PM
As @GovBillLee Speaker Sexton & @MarshaBlackburn lie about the numbers in MEMPHIS (the occupiers are mostly arresting non-criminals), Black folks are being harassed and targeted and say they don’t feel safe.
www.propublica.org/article/memp...
www.propublica.org/article/memp...
"But the truth is, Memphis is infrastructurally racist. The schools, the roads, the housing — all of it is designed to keep poor Black and brown folks in economic servitude. The state government’s negligence & hostility aren’t accidental; it’s strategic."
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
“I’m not built to see my babies in zip ties because of somebody’s xenophobia”
Illustration by Sri Vee for MLK50 MLK50 allowed the writer to use an alias in order to protect their identity. I never thought I’d find myself caged in a poorly constructed labyrinth, gaudily d…
mlk50.co
November 6, 2025 at 11:15 PM
"But the truth is, Memphis is infrastructurally racist. The schools, the roads, the housing — all of it is designed to keep poor Black and brown folks in economic servitude. The state government’s negligence & hostility aren’t accidental; it’s strategic."
Read more here 👇
Read more here 👇
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
When police returned Reggie Williams’ wallet, an officer told him: Don’t do anything bad and keep your ID on you.
To Williams, the warning echoed a slavery-era requirement that free African Americans carry documents to prove they weren’t enslaved.
By @wendicthomas.bsky.social, w/ @mlk50.com
To Williams, the warning echoed a slavery-era requirement that free African Americans carry documents to prove they weren’t enslaved.
By @wendicthomas.bsky.social, w/ @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
November 5, 2025 at 4:00 AM
When police returned Reggie Williams’ wallet, an officer told him: Don’t do anything bad and keep your ID on you.
To Williams, the warning echoed a slavery-era requirement that free African Americans carry documents to prove they weren’t enslaved.
By @wendicthomas.bsky.social, w/ @mlk50.com
To Williams, the warning echoed a slavery-era requirement that free African Americans carry documents to prove they weren’t enslaved.
By @wendicthomas.bsky.social, w/ @mlk50.com
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Reggie Williams was walking to a corner store when armed authorities aggressively asked him if he was from Ethiopia or Ghana, he said
He and other Black Memphis residents have been reporting harassment by Trump’s police task force: "I don't feel safe"
He and other Black Memphis residents have been reporting harassment by Trump’s police task force: "I don't feel safe"
“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
November 3, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Reggie Williams was walking to a corner store when armed authorities aggressively asked him if he was from Ethiopia or Ghana, he said
He and other Black Memphis residents have been reporting harassment by Trump’s police task force: "I don't feel safe"
He and other Black Memphis residents have been reporting harassment by Trump’s police task force: "I don't feel safe"
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
NEW: 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 they feel targeted just going about their lives.
Memphis’ mayor welcomed the federal law enforcement surge, but some residents say they feel targeted just going about their lives.
“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 they feel targeted just going about their lives.
www.propublica.org
November 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM
NEW: 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 they feel targeted just going about their lives.
Memphis’ mayor welcomed the federal law enforcement surge, but some residents say they feel targeted just going about their lives.
Reposted by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
A pastor pulled over for looking lost as she left church and, in a case of mistaken identity, a 72-year-old man roused from bed and marched out of his apartment while clad in only his robe and underwear. @propublica.org and @mlk50.com report on innocent Memphians ensnared by a federal task force.
“I Don’t Feel Safe”: Black Memphis Residents Report Harassment by Trump’s Police Task Force • Tennessee Lookout
The Memphis Safe Task Force has innocent residents of majority-Black Memphis, including a 72-year-old taken from his home in his underwear.
tennesseelookout.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:27 PM
A pastor pulled over for looking lost as she left church and, in a case of mistaken identity, a 72-year-old man roused from bed and marched out of his apartment while clad in only his robe and underwear. @propublica.org and @mlk50.com report on innocent Memphians ensnared by a federal task force.