MLK50

MLK50: Justice Through Journalism’s mission is to report on the intersection of poverty, power and policy in Memphis, so residents are equipped to pursue reform.

Founded in 2017 in advance of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we center narratives that reflect the demographics of Memphis, which is 65% Black. We also focus on those who live on the margins in our country’s second poorest large city, where 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line. By amplifying these voices, we challenge the lack of substantive coverage about and for these communities. By promoting literacy and transparency through our reporting and engagement, we are making accountability more accessible. Our vision is to carry on King’s commitment to economic justice by using journalism as a tool. We are a model on how to avoid traditional journalistic practices that do harm.