Disruptions Interrupt Memphis Mayor's State of the City Address

Protesters from local advocacy group MICAH disrupted the speech, leading to reactions from city leaders and the mayor's wife.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

During Memphis Mayor Paul Young's State of the City address, the event was interrupted by protesters from the local advocacy group Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH). The group stood and spoke out during the mayor's remarks on public safety and economic development, with some being escorted out by security. MICAH's president said the action was deliberate and nonviolent, as the group had sent letters to the mayor beforehand but did not receive a response. The mayor's wife later criticized the disruption, especially with students in attendance, while MICAH said their intent was to call attention to unresolved issues not addressed in the speech.

Why it matters

The disruptions during the mayor's State of the City address highlight ongoing tensions between city leadership and local advocacy groups over issues like immigration enforcement, labor rights, and policies affecting vulnerable communities. The incident raises questions about the appropriate balance between free speech and the decorum expected at formal civic events, especially when students are present.

The details

Several audience members, some wearing MICAH shirts, stood up and spoke out during Mayor Paul Young's State of the City address at First Baptist Church-Broad. The mayor acknowledged the disruptions, saying "I hear you. I hear you. I hear you, sir." Security escorted some of the protesters out. MICAH's president, Pastor Keith Caldwell, said the action was deliberate and nonviolent, as the group had sent letters to the mayor beforehand but did not receive a response. Caldwell also said not every disruption was connected to MICAH, such as someone playing a kazoo. The mayor's wife, Dr. Jamila Smith-Young, later criticized the disruption on social media, calling it disrespectful, especially with students in attendance. MICAH said their intent was to call attention to urgent, unresolved issues not addressed in the speech.

  • The State of the City address took place on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, the mayor's wife posted her reaction on social media.
  • On Wednesday afternoon, MICAH released a statement about their intent for the disruption.

The players

Paul Young

The mayor of Memphis, Tennessee, who was delivering the State of the City address when it was disrupted.

Keith Caldwell

The president of the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH), the group behind the deliberate and nonviolent protest during the mayor's speech.

Jamila Smith-Young

The wife of Mayor Paul Young, who criticized the disruption of the State of the City address on social media.

Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH)

A local advocacy group in Memphis that staged the protest during the mayor's State of the City address to call attention to issues like immigration enforcement, labor rights, and policies affecting vulnerable communities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There was a nonviolent and direct action that was held. We want to be clear that nothing that we wanted to do is to disrespect him as a mayor.”

— Keith Caldwell, President, Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH) (localmemphis.com)

“Protest has a place, but timing, setting, and audience matter. Disrupting a formal civic address, particularly in front of hundreds of students, undermines the purpose of the event and distracts from meaningful dialogue.”

— Jamila Smith-Young, Wife of Mayor Paul Young (localmemphis.com)

“Our intent was not to disrupt for disruptions' sake, but to call attention to urgent, unresolved issues that were not addressed from the podium.”

— Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH) (localmemphis.com)

What’s next

The mayor's office has not yet responded to requests for comment, and it remains to be seen how city leaders will address the disruptions and the concerns raised by MICAH going forward.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between city leadership and local advocacy groups in Memphis, underscoring the challenge of balancing free speech and civic decorum, especially at high-profile events. It also raises questions about how mayors and other officials can better engage with community organizations to address their concerns through constructive dialogue.