Juneteenth, The Oldest Holiday Posted by Chattanooga Festival of Black Arts & Ideas on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday is also known as Jubilee Day…
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Who: Anyone who would love to know more about Chattanooga’s History and the story of Ed Johnson. What: The Ed Johnson Memorial is a physical space to remember a tragic but heroic Chattanooga story. This reflective memorial recognizes Ed Johnson, his brutal death and sacrifice, honors the heroic and…
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We are excited to share some of the events happening in Chattanooga throughout February to honor and commemorate Black History Month with lectures, music, and discussions The Power of Activism with Willie "Mukasa Dada" Ricks February 2 | 6-7:30 PM | Bessie Smith Cultural Center The month kicks off…
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Chattanooga’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard is a bustling area with craft breweries, bars, restaurants, and other businesses. But more than 40 years ago, it was known as Ninth Street, an African American community that most folks called ‘The Big 9.” Locals old enough to remember will tell you…
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Who: Anyone who loves history, especially African American history. What: The Chattanooga African American Museum pays homage to Chattanooga historic names like The Impressions, Bessie Smith, Reggie White, Venus Lacy, and many more. See replicas of former 9th street businesses, learn about the…
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Bessie Smith Cultural Center | Chattanooga African American Museum The Chattanooga African American Museum at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, reopened on June 25, 2021, to the public after being closed for fifteen months during the pandemic. The new museum vision, supported by its board and…
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From art and murals to music and historical sit-ins, Chattanooga is full of stories that commemorate Chattanooga’s Black History and the courageous individuals that left an imprint on our community and the world. Read below to find 6 ways to learn more about Chattanooga’s Black History and culture…
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Who: Anyone who loves to explore African American stories, historical individuals, and landmarks! What: This edition of the CHA Spotlight features some of Chattanooga’s African American History. From markers to neighborhoods, to historic landmarks, you can explore some of Chattanooga’s African…
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Chattanooga’s African American community has made a lasting impact on the city’s culture, heritage and arts. Whether you are looking for a nice artsy spot, a tasty meal or a place to wind down and relax, Chattanooga’s black-owned businesses are worth checking out. It’s easy to enjoy a full day of…
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April 15, 2016 - Happy Birthday to Bessie Smith, the “Empress of the Blues.” Considered the greatest female blues singer of her time, Smith was born in either 1892 or 1894 in Chattanooga, TN in Blue Goose Hollow, which is now the intersection of MLK Blvd and Riverfront Parkway. She started her…
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