What if we told you that the city’s greatest treasures aren’t tucked away in museums or etched into monuments but walking among us?
The City of Memphis is making sure these living legacies get their flowers while they’re still here to smell them with the launch of the Century Club of Memphis, a new citywide recognition program honoring Memphis and West Tennessee residents who are 100 years old or older.
Why the Century Club Matters
In a time where everything moves fast and stories get lost in the scroll, the Century Club slows us down just long enough to say thank you to the people who lived through the chapters we now read about in history books. These are the individuals who watched Memphis transform through wars, civil rights movements, and cultural revolutions. They lived it, shaped it, and passed down the spirit of this city through generations.
“Our Centenarians are living history. They’ve seen Memphis grow, change, and rise — and their stories remind us of who we are and how far we’ve come.”
What Does a Century Club Member Receive?
Every inductee into the Century Club will receive a personal letter from the Mayor and a commemorative certificate recognizing their 100th birthday and their invaluable contributions to our community.
These birthdays milestones that mark a lifetime of wisdom, joy, challenges, and triumphs. They’re reminders that each era of Memphis has been touched by people who worked, prayed, danced, loved, built, and dreamed right here in our neighborhoods.
Who Can Be Nominated?
The Century Club of Memphis is open to residents of Memphis and surrounding communities across West Tennessee. If you know a parent, grandparent, neighbor, church member, or friend who’s hit that awe-inspiring 100-year mark (or beyond), the City wants to know about them.
There’s no deadline or limit on the number of nominees because there’s no limit to the love Memphis has for its people.
How to Nominate a Centenarian
Nominating someone is simple. All you need to do is fill out the short form at the official Century Club nomination site:
All you need is a few details about the honoree—like their name, date of birth, and a little about their life, and the city will take it from there. This recognition program is a way to make sure that no centenarian goes uncelebrated.
This Is What the Era of Yes Looks Like
The launch of the Century Club is just one example of how Memphis is leaning into the Era of Yes—saying yes to honoring the past, yes to building community, and yes to celebrating the people who’ve made this city what it is today.
So, if you know a centenarian—or someone nearing the 100-year milestone—nominate them today. Let’s make sure every living legend in Memphis knows just how loved they are.
📍 Nominate Now: memphistn.gov/century-club-nominations
And if you’re reading this and you’ve got a grandparent who taught you how to cook greens just right, or a neighbor who still sweeps their porch every morning at 102 years old, take a second to celebrate them. Because those everyday moments? That’s what Memphis is made of.
