World Relief Memphis’ PJ Moore and Basuze Madogo speak to the experiences of refugees resettling in Memphis, why immigrants are critical to a robust local economy, and new national policies resulting in historic lows in the number of new refugees entering the U.S.

Justin Merrick and Lenell Burton from Center for Transforming Communities join High Ground to discuss CTC's expansion into new neighborhoods, the role of artists in connecting neighbors, and the power of storytelling as communities experience change. 

The High Ground News team welcomes Veronica Johnson, On the Ground project manager for Issue Media Group, to discuss how the On The Ground embedded journalism program is being implemented in other cities. 

Kristin Fox-Trautman with Inspire Community Cafe in Binghampton talks about the growing business and its unique model to build community that includes a living wage, supporting area nonprofits and sourcing produce grown in the neighborhood.

We talk history, industry, and community in Hickory Hill and get the details on the upcoming Hickory Hill resource and career fair on October 19 from guests Davida Cruthird with Agape Child and Family Services and Candace Taylor with Power Center CDC.

Meghan Medford and Mirna Garcia from the Summer Avenue Merchant's Association join High Ground to talk about the recent installation of international flags on the commercial corridor, as well as SAMA's  efforts to remove blight, reduce crime, and make Summer a destination for dining and shopping. 

John Paul Shaffer with BLDG Memphis and Greg Love with The Works Inc. discuss BLDG Memphis' survey of Memphis mayoral and city council candidates, the biggest issues facing Memphis' neighborhoods and the importance of responsible and responsive policy.

Marquiepta Odom with the YWCA of Greater Memphis and Sherica Hymes, founder of Total Woman Summit, discuss this year's summit on September 30, the YWCA's work to support families fleeing domestic violence and how the summit and the YWCA are working separately and together to empower women to put themselves first.

Jared Myers from The Heights CDC joins the team to discuss High Ground's new Community Contributor training program, which aims to attract and train residents to become neighborhood-based freelance writers. 

Chris Coleman and Bianca Delgado with Teach for America discuss how TFA is training passionate educators and education advocates across the country and gush with High Ground's Cole Bradley over Treadwell Elementary here in Memphis.

Rain or Shine umbrella-share is part public art, part community service. It debuts August 28 in Madison Heights. Cat Pena and Stacey Early with Creatives in Research reflect on the months of community listening that led them to umbrellas as a way to serve all of the neighborhood's diverse communities and needs.

Ellen Roberds and Nibaruta Fidel with Play Where You Stay talk soccer, competition and how to make the game fun and accessible for all kids in any neighborhood, regardless of financial need.

Meet A.J. Dugger, our newest core team member and On the Ground’s lead writer, and hear the team’s first thoughts on our newest On the Ground neighborhood, Hickory Hill.

Paul Young, director of the city's division of housing and community development and John Paul Shaffer, executive director of BLDG Memphis, discuss the recent creation of a local trust fund that will help support the creation and preservation of affordable housing.

Yancy Villa-Calvo and Mauricio Calvo, local coordinators for the national Gateways for Growth initiative, discuss the economic, cultural and civic contributions of local immigrant communities, and how Memphis can harness and grow those impacts by making institutions of all kinds more welcoming and accessible. 

The High Ground team welcomes Mark Fleischer, founder and editor of Storyboard Memphis, a year-old monthly newspaper focused on stories and issues of local interest. 

Continuing a series of discussions on homeownership, Tennessee Housing Development Agency's Ralph Perrey and United Housing's Amy Schaftein join High Ground to talk about down payment assistance programs, homebuyer education, and other state-supported  initiatives making a difference in Memphis.

Habitat for Humanity’s Jessica Hord and Habitat homeowner Brandi Hunter talk homeownership and building community in Memphis’ Uptown neighborhood and beyond.

Angela Garland and David Jordan dive into Agape Child and Family Services' mission to keep kids out of foster care and reduce poverty by working alongside some of Memphis' most at-risk youth and families. This summer they're hosting camps in Frayser, Whitehaven and Hickory Hill that take their kids around the world with a global curriculum. 

High Ground News' Emily Trenholm hosts Abby Miller and Susannah Barton from the Memphis Medical District Collaborative for a discussion about assets, opportunities and story ideas in High Ground's latest focus neighborhood.