What better way to gear up in honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and gear up for Black History Month in February than to take note of the amazing events set for the next few weeks.
Thursday, January 29 – The Tennessee Department of Tourism is hosting a qualifying event for the Tennessee Songwriters Week at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center from 6-8 p.m. Come cheer on local talent performing their best for a chance to be in the finals across the state known for its musical history and roots. The event is free and open to the public.
Monday, February 2 – Chattanooga’s Black professionals are invited to the Hunter Museum to a free bimonthly series for networking and the celebration of community and culture from 6-8 p.m. Register at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/pqpr3vf.
Thursday, February 5 – Join the National Pan-Hellenic Council for a night themed, “Greek Steps, Black Roots” featuring members of the Divine Nine performing the energetic and athletic choreography that uniquely shapes the Black fraternity and sorority traditions. The Bessie Smith Cultural Center hosts the event from 6-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 19 – UTC’s Director of Africana Studies, Dr. Michael Williams will present an informative and historical overview of the role of Black spirituals in the journey through suffering, oppression, and powerlessness of generations of African Americans that still commands to “Lift Every Voice!” Following Dr. Williams presentation, local musicians and vocalists will perform and celebrate various historical pieces. The event is from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
Thursday, February 26 – Be part of the unveiling of the historical marker on the Bessie Smith Cultural Center lawn set for placement to inform us now and in future generations of the lives lost to lynchings in Chattanooga over 100 years ago. Historians will discuss the impact to the community to remind us of the progress and opportunities that came at great cost.
Events at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center request registration on its events page – https://www.bessiesmithcc.org/upcoming-events.
Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate, live, and make history in our community!