MLK50

08/19/2026

A data center moratorium ordinance passed the first vote in Memphis 👩🏽‍🏫

08/19/2026

📢 You may have seen MLGW's Facebook post this morning responding to our recent series about the company's high rate of utility cutoffs.

MLGW did not dispute any of MLK50: Justice Through Journalism’s findings: that they cut off utilities to nearly 1 in 5 Memphis households last year, that these disconnections are on the rise, and that some of their policies make it harder for low-income customers to catch a break.

As our reporting shows, we're committed to finding solutions for working-class Memphians. That's where you come in: we want to learn about your experiences with MLGW bills, assistance programs and utility cutoffs. If you know someone who's sitting in the dark or skipping meals to make that next payment, please show them our reporting and let them know that their voice matters to us.

You can reach our housing and utilities reporter, Natalie Wallington, at [email protected] or send her a text at 901-633-4598. You can also message her securely on Signal at nataliew.901. While we don't have assistance money to offer, we want to help shed light on this under-reported issue and pave the way for real change.

Read our 3-part cutoffs series here:

Posted inEconomic Justice, Housing, Utilities, Utility cutoffs Memphis has one of the highest utility cutoff rates in the nation — but it doesn’t have to by Natalie Wallington August 14, 2026August 13, 2026 This is the third piece in MLK50’s ongoing series about how utility cutoffs impact work...

08/18/2026

Utilities across the U.S. have adopted policies that accommodate low-income customers rather than punishing them for nonpayment. Here’s what Memphis can learn from them.

Photo illustration by Andrea Morales / MLK50 This is the third piece in MLK50’s ongoing series about how utility cutoffs impact working-class Memphians. This story was produced as part of Nex…

08/17/2026

August is a celebration of Black giving and Black-led nonprofits, like MLK50: Justice Through Journalism.

As we lift up Black Philanthropy Month, we are reminded that progress has always been powered by many people working toward a shared purpose. MLK50 believes the strength of a movement lives in the voices that carry it forward.

With your support, MLK50 can continue producing the independent journalism Memphis needs.

Click here to give today!
https://givebutter.com/mlk50-bpm26?utm_source=MLK50%3A+Justice+Through+Journalism&utm_campaign=0c20880b5a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_08_12_08_12_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-863048133d-&mc_cid=0c20880b5a&mc_eid=UNIQID

08/17/2026

MLGW cutoffs impacted nearly 1 in 5 Memphis households in 2025. But how do they actually work? We dive into the company's policies and how they disadvantage its lowest-income customers.

This is the second piece in MLK50’s ongoing series about how utility cutoffs impact working-class Memphians. Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division has one of the highest utility cutoff rates …

08/14/2026

The amendments on the November ballot could be life-changing 👩🏽‍🏫

08/14/2026

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy speaks during a 2024 event. Photo by Andrea Morales / MLK50 archive The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office will analyze data to find out whether t…

08/13/2026

The City Council created an advisory board to offer up priorities for the tax revenue generated from the data centers. They prepared a survey and sent it to community members to help inform which topics were considered, but health issues were left off as an option for people to choose.

The word “health” wasn’t even in the survey. That ain't right! Click here to read the full This Ain't Right newsletter.
- https://mailchi.mp/mlk50/black-children-with-life-sentences-for-felony-murder-18262724

08/13/2026

In the heat of summer, a utility cutoff can be deadly. So why did MLGW cut off nearly one in five Memphis households in 2025? Here's a look at the factors impacting the utility giant's high cutoff rate.

Photo illustration by Andrea Morales / MLK50 This is the first piece in MLK50’s ongoing series on how utility cutoffs impact working-class Memphians. Nearly one in five Memphis households exp…

08/12/2026

You can affect the lives of workers on the November ballot 👩🏽‍🏫