Writers and designers with the Memphis Flyer and its sister publication, Memphis magazine, were honored at the 2011 Green Eyeshade Awards banquet, held June 25th in Atlanta. Hosted by the Society for Professional Journalists, the Green Eyeshades salute the best work of print, online, and broadcast journalists in an 11-state Southern region. Ten awards in a wide range of categories were presented to:
• Flyer associate editor Bianca Phillips: First Place in General News Reporting for “The Most Dangerous Neighborhood in Memphis?,” a cover story that took readers into Whitehaven’s Ward 232, which has the worst crime statistics in the city.
• Flyer music editor Chris Herrington: First Place in Criticism for “Refuge in the Blues” (about the International Blues Challenge), “Many Voices, Many Rooms” (about the International Folk Alliance Conference), and “From Mystery Train to Memphis Beat” (about Memphis’ “cool cachet” in pop culture).
• Bianca Phillips: Third Place in Courts & Law Reporting for “Blunt Assessment,” a Flyer cover story that examined Tennessee’s medical marijuana laws.
• Memphis magazine art director Brian Groppe: Second Place for Best Magazine Cover for “City Guide 2010.”
• Brian Groppe: Third Place for Best Magazine Cover for “The Man Who Built Modern Memphis: The World of Roy Harrover,” a profile of the architect by Michael Finger.
• Flyer senior editor Jackson Baker: Third Place for Editorials for “Accepting Change” (about welcoming social change, such as marijuana legalization and same-sex marriage), “Scapegoating” (about gubernatorial candidates considering punitive actions against illegal immigrants), and “Connecting the Dots” (about struggles for equality).
• Flyer senior editor John Branston: Third Place for Serious Commentary – Non-Dailies for his “City Beat” columns.
• Memphis magazine senior editor Marilyn Sadler: Third Place for Investigative Reporting for “Absence of Motive,” an investigation of a murder/suicide that left many unanswered questions.
• Marilyn Sadler: Third Place for Serious Commentary – Magazines for “At a Loss,” an essay about a friend’s death.
• Memphis magazine contributor Vance Lauderdale: Third Place for Humorous Column for various “Ask Vance” columns.
