Joe May, longtime community advocate, educator and urban farmer, launched his campaign for Birmingham City Council District 8 this Wednesday, June 19, with a community-centered kickoff at Holy Family Parish Hall in Ensley.
The announcement coincides with Juneteenth, emphasizing the campaign’s commitment to justice, sustainability and community empowerment, May’s release said.
May’s release also shared that Holy Family Parish Hall was a fitting venue for the kickoff, as Joe worked alongside the church to create a community garden that now provides fresh food and a gathering space for local families. His work has focused on practical solutions to neighborhood revitalization — combining environmental sustainability with educational opportunities for youth.
“Our young people need more than promises—they need opportunities to lead and learn right in their own neighborhoods,” said Joe May. “That’s why, as a former educator, I know the power of school partnerships and after-school programs rooted in teaching life skills and community engagement. The Holy Family–Tuxedo Junction Community Garden I helped establish has provided students, staff, and the greater neighborhood with fresh food harvested from our garden. I’ve seen the outcomes firsthand—the uptick in student morale and increased academic participation and performance.
“As a farmer and entrepreneur, I know community gardens offer more than sustainability; they double as outdoor classrooms. We can create jobs, teach sustainability, and keep our streets clean and paved all at the same time. This is about a short-term goal that leads to our shared long-term vision for District 8.”
Joe May’s campaign is already gaining momentum with endorsements from leaders across Birmingham. Richard Rice, a Birmingham-based civil rights attorney, endorsed May, calling him a leader with “integrity and vision.”
“Joe May represents a new generation of leadership, one founded in empowerment, sustainability, and direct service,” said Rice.
