In Part 1 of the Poverty Report II, Dr. Elena Delavega, University of Memphis' Benjamin Hooks Institute for Social Change, covers poverty in Memphis/Shelby County 50 years after Dr. King’s assassination.  In Part 2, Liu focused on inclusive economic status and challenges for cities like Memphis and how they impact poverty.  Part 1, originally released in February 2018, was presented by Delavega at the museum’s MLK50 Poverty Forum.

Part 2 was presented by Amy Lui of the Brookings Institution in March 2018 at the Inclusive Economic Growth Breakfast, in conjunction with the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce.  This publication combines the two reports to not only examine the issues, but also present solutions through a “people” lens. Part 2 highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion, the role of the private sector, ways to create community wealth, and the future impact of technology on industry and jobs.