Shelby County honors civil-rights activist Joseph “Joe” Calhoun

The Shelby County Board of Commissioners opened its meeting by reading a special resolution honoring Yerby Joseph “Joe” Calhoun for a lifetime of civil-rights and community work. The resolution cited Calhoun’s participation in the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers strike, his role organizing youth civic engagement, pioneering HIV/AIDS outreach targeted to Black gay men, and his work with the Withers Collection Museum and Gallery.

Joseph “Joe” Calhoun addressed the commission and noted a slate of upcoming civil-rights events in Memphis that will spotlight local museums and historic sites. Multiple commissioners rose to praise Calhoun’s leadership. Commissioner Caswell told Calhoun, “Thank you, sir, for your leadership,” and Commissioner Richardson said the honor was “well deserved,” highlighting Calhoun’s long-standing community support.

The board presented Calhoun with the resolution and acknowledged his role in preserving civil-rights history and educating future generations. The commission did not take additional action beyond the formal recognition; the resolution will be entered into the official record.