State of the City Press Conference - 2/2/26

MICAH leaders at Centenary United Methodist Church

On Monday, February 2nd, over 40 people gathered with MICAH leaders at Centenary United Methodist Church to call for real solutions ahead of Mayor Paul Young’s State of the City. Leaders expressed concerns about heightened federal policing, the DOJ report on Memphis Police Department, poor jail conditions, public transit disinvestment, and environmental threats that are affecting Memphis’ most vulnerable communities.

Speakers reminded the community that ICE’s presence in a majority-Black city is no accident, but a calculated choice rooted in intimidation, warning that continued oppression without accountability endangers everyone in Memphis. We urge Memphis to stand up against the unconstitutional deployment of the National Guard and the expanded role of federal immigration agents, saying those actions undermine community safety and trust while disproportionately affecting the city’s most vulnerable neighborhoods.

Leaders also addressed ongoing attacks on air quality and the futures of our neighbors. Memphis ranks among the worst cities for air quality. These harms are well understood and not evenly distributed. Allowing xAI’s High-powered data centers will only continue to punish communities who have suffered in the name of innovation and technological progress for decades.

While we are still a week out until Mayor Young’s address, MICAH stands firm in our effort to create safe and more beneficial outcomes for Memphis and its residents. Justice for some cannot come at the expense of others. Peace is built through collaboration, compassion, and accountability for all. MICAH calls on city leadership to move beyond harmful rhetoric and instead commit to concrete solutions that prioritize the well-being of Memphians over corporate and political interests.