Watchdog, activist Joe Kent dies after battle with cancer

By , Daily Memphian Updated: August 23, 2026 4:00 AM CT | Published: August 23, 2026 4:00 AM CT

Local watchdog and activist Joe B. Kent has died at the age of 63. Over the years, he regularly criticized an array of local politicians, officials, and organizations at public meetings, and though he could be harsh, Kent has been praised for his dedication to holding the government accountable. 

Topics

Memphis City Council Shelby County Commission activism watchdog accountability Paul Young MLGW
John Klyce

John Klyce

John Klyce is an enterprise reporter with The Daily Memphian who writes a wide range of in-depth features, as well as profiles about local leaders, scientists, musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone else doing exciting and important work in this city. He previously spent four years with the Memphis Business Journal, where he covered public companies, startups, and innovation, and a fifth year with The Commercial Appeal, where he covered education, and chronicled how gun violence and poverty were affecting Memphis youth and their families. He has also been a fellow with the Institute for Citizens and Scholars. John has a B.A. in journalism from the University of Memphis and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Boston University.


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