MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
How a Black community fought a pipeline developer – and won
At its best, nonprofit news advocates for its community, fighting abuses of power. MLK50 delivered on that highest calling in a big way — and has the impact to show for it. Reporter Carrington J. Tatum broke the story of the use of eminent domain to take land from black homeowners for a pipeline in Southwest Memphis. He laid bare the stories of homeowners who found themselves in what they saw as an unwinnable fight, highlighting the real human impact of what could easily have been a stale legal story. That humanity inspired protests and political activity, which informed more reporting in a virtuous cycle. Tatum’s dogged reporting paid off: Within six months, Developers of the Byhalia Connection Pipeline dropped the project. MLK50’s work embodies the Breaking Barriers award, and we’re honored to recognize their work.
Honorable Mentions:
- Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting in partnership with USA Today – “‘They think workers are like dogs.’ How pork plant execs sacrificed safety for profits.”
- Mission Local – “Testing the Limits, the Mission Way”
- Oklahoma Watch – “Oklahoma City Mental Health Emergencies Outpace Police Trained To Handle Them”
- Sahan Journal – Breaking Barriers: Teacher Diversity in Minnesota