Maya R. Smith

Journalist. Photographer. Memphis native.

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work

News Writing

“There is No Line”: The Troubled State of Our Immigrant Community

Oscar spent his ninth birthday alone in a Florida detention center for immigrant minors, eating tortillas and ham. He’s been detained at the Homestead, Florida, shelter and separated from his dad, Kevin, since mid-May. Read more.

Abortion Battle Lines

If abortion had not been an option for former addict Ashley Howell when she unexpectedly got pregnant two years ago, she might have relapsed. She wasn’t in a good place and was not ready to have a child. Read more.

Poverty in a Pandemic

As COVID-19 rampages through the country, its effects are disproportionately affecting people in disenfranchised communities — those living in poverty, the undocumented, certain African-American neighborhoods — and the children in these communities. Read more.

“Like Trying to End Rain”: Working to Solve Homelessness in Memphis

On a recent rainy Wednesday afternoon, Reggie, wearing an oversized poncho and carrying a backpack full of his belongings, walked into St. Mary’s Episcopal Church to attend a H.O.P.E. meeting. Read more.

more news stories

Feature Writing

Black and Proud

Beyond police brutality and systemic racism, Black people, because of their hairstyles, music of choice, sexual orientation, and culture, often face discrimination, microaggressions, and prejudice in everyday life. Read more.

Making His Mark

Anyone who ventures down the right streets in Memphis and comes across enough art-adorned walls and buildings is likely to see the work of Michael Roy, more commonly known as Birdcap. Read more.

When It Takes Form

An occasional purr from the cats in the next room hums along with the Little Dragon album playing in the background of the small studio. Outfitted much like a laboratory, the room has large and small instruments lying about or hanging in dedicated places on the wall. Read more.

Local Treasure: Home Court Advantage

A few cracks, likely caused by wear and tear from hundreds of feet and thousands of balls, run through the dark-green tennis surface. On the far end of the seasoned court, a brick wall, also painted green but a few shades lighter, boasts “Epiphany Court” in black letters.  Read more.

Other Projects

MATA Ride Along
The Big Jump
March for a Living Wage

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