Joe Calhoun: Advocacy through Photography and Historic Preservation

When you think of Memphis history, certain names and moments rise to the surface — the 1968 Sanitation Strike, the words “I AM A MAN”, and the photographs of Ernest Withers that captured a movement. Behind those moments are individuals like Joe Calhoun, whose lifelong commitment to activism and preservation has shaped the cultural fabric of our city. From marching as a student protestor to curating one of the most important archives of American photography, Calhoun’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and impact.

In this exclusive ARTist Feature Magazine conversation, he shares how those early days of activism influenced his path, why preserving history is essential to our future, and what lessons today’s generation of changemakers must carry forward.

Your activism began at a young age, notably participating in the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike and assisting in creating the iconic “I Am A Man” signs. What motivated you to become involved in the civil rights movement during your youth, and how did those early experiences shape your perspective on social justice?

Being the child of a military family, I had the opportunity to live all over the world, so when I moved to Memphis in 1967, I was shocked and surprised at what I saw. I felt compelled to do something, so I started by working on the campaign of Fred L. Davis, one of the first Black city councilmen. That victory helped motivate me to feel that I could help make a difference in the city.

As the Operations Manager of the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery, you oversee a vast archive of Ernest Withers’ photographs, which document critical moments in civil rights history. How do you approach curating these images to educate and inspire current and future generations about the movement’s struggles and triumphs?

As Ernest Withers says, “Pictures tell the story,” so I allow the pictures to tell the stories, and I just add to the story. With such a vast number of photos—1.8 million images covering over 60 years of American history—it makes it easy to tell the stories. We try to host programs that will pique interest and encourage students to come through the museum to learn the true documented history of the past, so we don’t repeat the same events.

“Pictures tell the story.” — Ernest Withers

Having witnessed and participated in civil rights protests over the decades, including recent demonstrations in 2020, what parallels and differences do you observe between past and present movements for racial equality? How have the strategies and challenges evolved?

The biggest difference would be the composition of the marchers; Memphis is 60% Black, but the majority of the marchers were not Black. Social media allows the world to see injustices as they occur in real time. The realization is that if you just stand on the sidelines and say or do nothing, then you are complicit in the negative acts against marginalized people.We have to advocate for strong anti-discrimination laws so they cover anyone and protect everyone.

Memphis has a rich cultural and historical landscape, particularly regarding the African American experience.How do you see the role of institutions like the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery in preserving this heritage, and what initiatives are in place to engage the local community and visitors in meaningful ways?

There are several different “Black History Museums” in the city; they all have a story to tell. They are not in competition with each other, but they support each other. Last year, I created “The Black History Museum Guide of Memphis,” so they are all listed in one place, and we all support each other. But we all share something in common: we are all hurting because of the lack of funding. It takes money to keep the doors open, so we all need funding. We host monthly community engagement programs involving youth in the programs and share the history with them.

Reflecting on your decades of activism and community involvement, what advice would you offer to the younger generation of activists striving for social change today? Are there specific strategies or mindsets you believe are essential for effective and sustained advocacy?

The first is to know your history so you can speak with authority and facts. Understanding what you do today can impact your tomorrow. Document as many photos as you can; they speak louder than words. Do your homework, research the laws in your community, get to know your city officials and how they can help your cause, and most importantly, VOTE. Laws should help you, not hurt you.

“Know your history, do your homework, and most importantly—VOTE.”

About Joe Calhoun

Joe Calhoun is a lifelong activist and civil rights advocate whose journey began during the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike, where he served as a student marcher and helped create the iconic “I AM A MAN” signs. A former member of the Memphis Invaders, he participated in the Poor People’s Campaign in D.C. and the 1969 March Against Fear. With over 40 years in distribution management, he now serves as Operations Manager at the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery, continuing his legacy of community impact and historic preservation.

To learn more about the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery, visit https://thewitherscollection.com. Stay connected with ARTist Feature Magazine for more exclusive interviews spotlighting the voices shaping culture, history, and community.