MLK50

09/12/2026

The Shelby county commission discussed a $38 million healtheare contract this week 👩🏽‍🏫

09/10/2026

🪟 Southaven wants fines and jail time for broken blinds.

The resolution names “blinds, shutters or shades that are broken or bent, temporary materials used for permanent purposes or any other materials not manufactured for the purpose of window covering...”

These rules come with more than a slap on the wrist: A code inspector can take residents to court over them, resulting in fines and even jail time if they don't comply.

That ain’t right. Read the full newsletter below.
- https://mailchi.mp/mlk50/southaven-wants-fines-and-jail-time-for-broken-blinds

09/09/2026

Here’s the latest on data center regulation in Memphis 👩🏽‍🏫

08/30/2026

In a new book, “Gather,” a former Rhodes professor shares how Memphis restaurants came together for Tyré Nichols’ family and furthered food justice.

Editor’s note: The following essay is excerpted from “Gather: Black Food, Nourishment, and the Art of Togetherness,” a forthcoming book by Ashanté M. Reese. This excerpt is used with permission of …

08/28/2026

Here’s what the city is doing about the power outage 👩🏽‍🏫

08/28/2026

August is Black Philanthropy Month, a global movement to recognize, amplify and invest in Black-led change. Black Philanthropy Month

The month culminates in Give 8/28–a day of giving to Black-led and Black-serving organizations, like MLK50: Justice Through Journalism.

We invite you to join us in this movement by investing in courageous and homegrown journalism.

Click the link below to support MLK50 today.

https://givebutter.com/mlk50-bpm26?utm_source=MLK50%3A+Justice+Through+Journalism&utm_campaign=863048133d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_08_12_08_12&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-863048133d-&mc_cid=863048133d&mc_eid=UNIQID

08/28/2026

At MLK50, we are holding institutions accountable and telling stories that center Black, Latino and working-class people.

Our newsroom is proof that journalism can be a tool for justice.

Black Philanthropy Month reminds us that the strength of a movement lives in the voices that carry it forward.

Invest in that vision and in MLK50.
https://givebutter.com/mlk50-bpm26?gbtid=78b40af5-edf9-4725-a741-50229fc51fec

08/27/2026

On the DeSoto County DA’s Office page, you will find a post of a Black woman looking at a tray of inedible food, with the main dish being ‘40 YEARS’ spelled out in an animated mush of foodstuff—the caption: MEMPHIS WOMAN, 35, SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER.

This is one of many images on the DA’s page, where his office repeatedly posts memes that make fun of people being sentenced to prison. This ain't right. Read more by subscribing to our newsletter.
🖊️: Brittany Brown
- https://mailchi.mp/mlk50/black-children-with-life-sentences-for-felony-murder-18263019

08/25/2026

Rest in peace and power, Dolly! ❤️

Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80. The country music legend was known for songs including “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5.” She also starred in movies like ‘Steel Magnolias’ and ‘The Best Little Wh******se in Texas’.

08/25/2026