Congressman Cohen Statement on Fire at Historic Clayborn Temple

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) issued the following statement in response to the fire that severely damaged the historic Clayborn Temple in Downtown Memphis this morning: 

“The damage to the Historic Clayborn Temple is heartbreaking for Memphis and for our nation’s Civil Rights legacy, but we are still hopeful that much of this irreplaceable landmark can be saved and restored," said Congressman Cohen. "Clayborn Temple is a cornerstone of Memphis’s and our nation’s Civil Rights history. I have long worked to support its restoration, and in light of this damage, I will be working to secure new federal funding in Fiscal Year 2026 to help ensure it is fully rebuilt and restored to its original strength and beauty. We cannot allow this vital piece of history to be lost.”

Over the years, Congressman Cohen has helped secure federal funding to support the restoration and preservation of the Historic Clayborn Temple and to help tell the story of its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, including a $400,000 grant award in 2017. 

Most recently, Congressman Cohen's request for $3,000,000 for the Historic Clayborn Temple Restoration and Renovation Project was approved as one of his 15 Community Project Funding requests in the House’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget. Although the final funding was not enacted after House Republicans abandoned negotiations and passed a temporary spending bill that removed funding for all FY25 Community Project Funding requests nationwide, Congressman Cohen made restoring the Historic Clayborn Temple a priority for federal investment.

In light of the fire, Congressman Cohen plans to seek renewed and expanded federal funding in Fiscal Year 2026 to support rebuilding efforts and ensure the Temple's legacy endures.

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