Juneteenth Parade: A celebration of freedom
Scenes from the Unity Group of Chattanooga’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth National Day Parade, June 19th, on MLK Boulevard.
(Photos: Faye Stoudemire)
Key Investments in the Hamilton County Mayor’s Budget
Almost $1 billion. $995,201,026 is the proposed Hamilton County budget before the County Commission. Considering the almost 13% increase in spending, curiosity abounds to understand the level of spending when families are being forced to make tough decisions with their own money at home.
Let’s take a look at the balanced budget that records increased monies paid into the county treasury by taxpayers as “revenues” and those same monies of taxpayers spent itemized as “expenditures.”
First, the spending for Mayor Weston Wamp’s first budget increases from last year by 12.9% for the fiscal year which runs through June 2024. This increase is compared to the increases of 1.7% for 2017-18, 5.2% in 2018-19, 5.3% in 2019-20, 0.3 % in 2020-21, 4.6% in 2021-22, 5.8% in 2022-23, but seen in the aggregate as a total increase of the spending in Hamilton County by 35.8% in seven years.
The only point on the increase in spending is pretty simple. Men and women have likely experienced the greatest universal tax on their wages seen in the lifetimes of many, due to the inflation that is actually recessionary in nature. The cost of everything is greater. The reality is that government has no money. Men and women primarily through property taxes, along with other intergovernmental transfers, also coming from their tax dollars, fund the operations of government.
This makes the priority of essential services that impact the largest number of citizens critical to see a good yield of return on their investment.
It’s just the math.
Second, the priority of public education is proven by Mayor Weston Wamp’s budget, just as those budgets of Mayor Jim Coppinger demonstrated. The Hamilton County Public Schools received the following allocations as a percent of the total budget in the corresponding budget years: 62% in 2017-18; 58% in 2018-19; 60% in 2019-20; over 59% in 2020-21; over 59% in 2021-22; over 59% in 2022-23; and the proposed 62% in 2023-24.
The enrollment of the Hamilton County Public Schools has increased from 43,961 in 2017-2018 to 45,121 for 2023, with the County’s allocation of dollars increasing from $425,770,340 to $621,573,403. The math reveals that spending per pupil has increased from $9,685 to $13,776 over the same time period.
It’s factually untrue to hear the rhetoric that students are not prioritized as an investment in Hamilton County.
Other notable uses of taxpayers’ dollars are for capital improvements to existing buildings, furnishings, a senior center in the repurposed Harrison Elementary School, the area’s volunteer fire departments, road improvements, pay raises, and a property tax relief match for fully disabled veterans and low-income seniors. The cost of everything has increased, even government. As we see our area grow, the hopes and expectations are to see value result from investments of the hardworking taxpayers’ monies into the essential services needed for thriving, safe communities. It’s just the math.
Chattanooga City Council members express concerns over Riverfront Project’s impact on community equity
Several members of Chattanooga’s City Council on Tuesday raised concerns over the proposed riverfront project, known as the “One Westside Plan,” expressing reservations about its potential impact on community equity.
The project aims to revitalize approximately 300 acres in Chattanooga’s Westside, with an estimated cost ranging from $800 million to $2.3 billion. However, some council members fear that the plan could inadvertently create an exclusive neighborhood for a privileged few, reminiscent of past eras of segregation.
During Tuesday’s council meeting, Vice Chairwoman Jenny Hill, representing North Chattanooga, voiced her concerns about the project’s potential consequences. When the Westside public housing complex was built “it was intentionally a segregated neighborhood. We created apartheid with that,” she said.
Vice Chairwoman Hill emphasized her unwillingness to support a development that caters exclusively to higher-income individuals while neglecting the working-class community.
While Hill acknowledged the positive aspects of the plan, she stressed the importance of ensuring affordability for working-class residents.
She emphasized that the resulting community “should not be for the corporate conglomerate that we are going to bring here,” but for those “who pour your beer and check out your groceries.”
District 9 Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod, who grew up on the Westside, raised concerns about the fate of long-standing community members and their ability to find affordable housing elsewhere. She noted that some residents currently pay as little as $25 or $50 in rent and would struggle to secure affordable alternatives.
“When we think about the people that’s impacted, it’s majority black people,” she said. “Chattanooga was part of the transporting of slaves. It was also a station point to where we were sold on where we call it Riverfront Parkway, along that river. I would like for you all to include that history somewhere on that site, so people can know what happened to the people who were brought here as slaves. We were black people that were here in this whole community that’s fixing to be something different. And a lot of them that were part of the conversation are going to be displaced.”
Other council members also highlighted the potential displacement of current Westside residents. District 8 Councilwoman Marvene Noel expressed doubts about the surveys conducted by the Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) to determine residents’ preferences. She voiced concerns that the project could inadvertently contribute to population movements rather than providing better housing options for existing residents.
“It was going to be 1 for 1,” Councilwoman Noel said. “I’m not hearing that now. This just has Jim Crow sprinkled all over it. It seems to have everyone moving out instead of staying and finding a better place to live.”
The city of Chattanooga has proposed a 20-year tax increment financing agreement (TIF) as a means to fund the project. However, some council members questioned whether the TIF would truly benefit those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Vice Chairwoman Hill expressed her reservations about building an exclusive community using TIF funds and insisted that affordable housing options be prioritized for the project.
During the meeting, other members echoed Councilwoman Hill’s concerns. Councilman Chip Henderson questioned the necessity of the TIF incentive, particularly given the prime location of the riverfront property. However, Jermaine Freeman, Mayor Tim Kelly’s chief of staff, argued that the TIF was crucial for funding such a large-scale project and that other developers had not offered to undertake a development of this magnitude. “The project we are bringing to you today has the potential to be one of the biggest projects in Chattanooga’s history in terms of redevelopment on our Riverfront,” he said.
Gun Violence Drives New Energy Among Tennessee Voters
By Natalie R. Bell
NASHVILLE, TN — The chairman of the Tennessee House Democratic Caucus, Rep. John Ray Clemmons, of Nashville, says in the days after the tragic Covenant School shooting, he started gaining attention from his colleagues across the aisle. He established bipartisan talks on gun control with a group that includes Rep. Bob Freeman, whose district 56 includes the private Christian school.
“Most of my GOP colleagues have only been listening to five-percent of the people in their districts,” said Clemmons, adding that it’s only those smaller constituencies, the “Maga Republicans,” who insist on gun rights for law-abiding citizens.
The 2023 legislative session — rated one of the lowest in terms of voter approval in a Vanderbilt University poll — ended on April 20, without any action on gun control. Gov. Bill Lee has announced a special session to begin August 21st, however he has yet to set the specific purpose for the session.
The Vanderbilt University poll, released May 2nd, registered strong, bipartisan support for gun control in Tennessee. The poll surveyed 1,003 voters across the state (from April 19-23) and found that 72-percent would support a “red flag” law. Red flag laws temporarily restrict a person’s access to guns if they become a threat to themselves or others.
The parents of 28-year-old Audrey Hale, the assailant in the Covenant School shooting, told officers they felt that their daughter should not own guns, according to a CNN report.
When the legislature adjourned on April 20, Rep. Clemmons, the House Democratic leader, got in his car and drove east, first to Knoxville, then Chattanooga, to hear directly from voters in that part of the state. He talked to people in union halls, who’re known to vote both Democrat and Republican, and others in more public spaces.
“There’s a renewed sense of energy,” said Clemmons, not just among the Democratic base, but among people in coffee shops and diners.
“People are fed up. They are sick and tired, (and) ready for action.”
“Let’s be honest, gun violence didn’t just start with the Covenant School shooting, which that was an unfortunate tragedy. But we have gun violence plaguing our state, in every community…on a consistent basis, not necessarily mass shootings but, gun violence.”
Clemmons started his career as a clerk for Bob Clement, the former eight-term congressman and son of Dickson County. A native of Wilson County, Clemmons says he grew up learning to respect the protection of gun rights, but like a growing number of Tennesseans, he understands the need for “common sense” and restrictions on gun access.
Elected to chair the Democratic Caucus at the outset of the last session, Clemmons has made it a top priority to end the Republican supermajority in the House. In the current climate over gun violence, he says he’s sees the possibility for major change. “There are too many guns on the streets for various reasons. Too many people who shouldn’t have firearms have them.”
Camp REACH Visits Bryan College
By Honesty Williams, 13
Camp REACH
For nearly five decades Lurone “Coach” Jennings pushed youth past poverty and complacency to prepare them for opportunities in education and careers.
This year is no different. He organized a camp stacked with experienced instructors and speakers like 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Venus Lacy, Latonya Pinkard, the English instructor featured in the Netflix reality series Last Chance U, and Willie Kitchens, the former lead singer for the Impressions. The staff’s mission is motivating youth to reach their potential.
Jenning’s latest push came this month when Mary Walker Foundation Executive Director Adrian Edwards took 15 students to Bryan College where they toured the campus and exposed themselves to educational opportunities in Dayton, less than an hour’s drive outside of Chattanooga.
Edwards drove the bus to the college. “I hope the trip inspires students to want to experience campus life and learn what it takes to apply,” he said.
All the students participated in a college scavenger hunt, Bryan College Rising Senior Anna Domer led a campus tour and Camp REACH Intern Tim Rice joined Bryan professors in a basketball game.
“Sign me up now,” Isaiah Griggs said jokingly while walking the campus. He is a STEM Student enrolled in Chattanooga State’s dual enrollment program.
Bryan College, founded in 1930 and named after Attorney William Jennings Bryan, is one of only five colleges in the country where every subject is taught from a Christian worldview, said Christopher Beard, admissions counselor. The school’s mission is “Educating students to be servants of Christ to make a difference in today’s world.” So it doesn’t matter if the student is studying to be a minister or an electrical engineer, the entire curriculum is taught from a Christian perspective, he said during the tour.
The college includes about 1,500 students with some 700 of them living on campus. Beard said the smaller size lends itself to a better learning environment. The student teacher ratio is 12:1 so professors know each student in the class. And the professor is the actual person teaching the class, unlike some larger universities where the professor writes books while the general assistant teaches the class. Bryan College is so personable that Douglas F. Mann, the president of the college, gives his personal cell phone number to students during orientation.
Finally, Bryan College is the least expensive private Christian school in the state, said Beard.
Only UTC is less expensive by just a couple hundred dollars. Tuition is about $17,000 to $18,000 a year, about half of what other private colleges charge, said Beard. He also said Scholarships were available. Students may also save money by participating in the school’s dual enrollment program which enables a student to get up to 30 college credits for $200.
The school offers about 12 varsity sports and four club sports including martial arts, bass fishing, competitive cheer and shooting. There’s scholarship money available for all of those, he said. About 60 percent of the 700 students who live on campus are athletes.
The college tour is Jennings latest move to motivate students. He said youth don’t always recognize the value of education. But as his teachers helped him realize how education was vital in having a good quality of life, he wants to help others.
“I always wanted to be a trailblazer to guide others to see that light come on,” said Jennings.
“Once you get it (education), no one can take it from you.”
THE SCENIC CITY HEROES AMERICAN LEGION POST 0291 HONORS MOST DECORATED RETIRED SOLDIER IN TENNESSEE
On June 10th, the Scenic City Heroes honored and celebrated Dr. Marvin L. Bodley at the Second Annual event in his honor. Dr. Bodley served in the U.S. Army with distinction, receiving 17 medals and awards to include the Purple Heart; and his record reflects service including 424th Personnel Company, with deployment to the Republic of South Vietnam; designation as the “Soldier of the Month”, January and February 1969; with honorable discharge on 10 April 1970.
During the event, Dr. Bodley received a quilt from Barbara Price with Unity Quilts of Valor. He was also presented with a Proclamation from Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp proclaimed and declared the citizens of Chattanooga and Hamilton County; Tennessee recognize June 10th as Dr. Marvin L. Bodley Day.
The story behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holiday
Juneteenth, the official name of the federal holiday Juneteenth National Independence Day, also called Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day, holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, observed annually on June 19.
In 1863, during the American Civil War, Pres. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared more than three million slaves living in the Confederate states to be free. More than two years would pass, however, before the news reached African Americans living in Texas. It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the state’s residents finally learned that slavery had been abolished. The former slaves immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance.
The following year, on June 19, the first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas. The original observances included prayer meetings and the singing of spirituals, and celebrants wore new clothes as a way of representing their newfound freedom. Within a few years, African Americans in other states were celebrating the day as well, making it an annual tradition. Celebrations have continued across the United States into the 21st century and typically include prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with music, food, and dancing.
Juneteenth became a state holiday in Texas in 1980, and a number of other states subsequently followed suit. In 2021 Juneteenth was made a federal holiday. The day is also celebrated outside the United States, being used by organizations in a number of countries to recognize the end of slavery and to honor the culture and achievements of African Americans.
Opel Lee, a former teacher and activist, is largely credited for rallying others behind a campaign to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. The 96-year-old had vivid memories of celebrating Juneteenth in East Texas as a child with music, food, and games. In 2016, the “little old lady in tennis shoes” walked through her home city of Fort Worth, Texas and then in other cities before arriving in Washington, D.C. Soon, celebrities and politicians were lending their support.
New Fire Station to Provide Enhanced Service to Eastdale Community
Last Thursday, the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) marked a significant milestone as they broke ground on a state-of-the-art fire station in the Eastdale community. The long-awaited project, known as Station 15, will replace the outdated facility and ensure firefighters have the resources they need to serve the growing population effectively. This development comes under the leadership of Mayor Tim Kelly, highlighting his commitment to progress and public safety.
The existing Station 15, constructed in 1960, has become obsolete and no longer meets the needs of the CFD. The new fire station, built by Robert Roberts LLC at a cost of $4.3 million, will be constructed on the same footprint after the old station is demolished.
District 9 Councilwoman Demetrius Coonrod, representing portions of the Eastdale community, expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “This new fire station will have more space and better technology to ensure firefighters have the resources to do their job to the maximum ability. It’s a sign of progress, resilience, and hope for the future.”
The upgraded Station 15 will feature a two-bay, 9,500 square foot building, replacing the current single-bay setup. This expansion will accommodate additional personnel and apparatus, enabling further growth of the fire department to meet the city’s increasing population demands. The new facility will include essential amenities such as a kitchen, living area, sleeping rooms, showers, locker rooms and a gym, providing firefighters with a more comfortable and functional working environment.
The CFD command staff has been advocating for a new Station 15 for several years, and their efforts have finally paid off with the support of the City Council and Mayor Kelly’s administration. The department secured the necessary capital funding for the project, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing public safety.
During the construction period, Engine 15 and the personnel from Fire Station 15 will be temporarily relocated to Station 6 on Bonny Oaks Drive. This measure ensures uninterrupted service to the community while the new fire station is being built.
Chattanooga Fire Chief Phil Hyman expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its significance for the department’s future. He stated, “We are thrilled to see the Station 15 project moving forward, and we are so grateful for the support from our city leaders. It will create a much better working environment for our firefighters and is what the CFD needs as we look to the future of our department and our city.”
Recognizing the importance of maintaining fast response times during the construction phase, Chattanooga city leaders have taken steps to facilitate efficient emergency services in Station 15’s response area. Stop lights have been installed in the Wilcox Tunnel, allowing fire trucks to pass through and reducing travel time to emergencies. This collaborative effort between the CFD, the Chattanooga Department of Transportation (CDOT), and the Department of Technology Services will significantly enhance the department’s ability to reach incidents promptly. The new Fire Station 15 will serve as a model for future fire station designs as the CFD continues to address the city’s growing service needs. Plans are already underway for a new location in Black Creek, and nine new firefighter positions have been added to the department to ensure sufficient coverage and fire protection in that area. Additional personnel are expected to be allocated in future budget years.
Experience the Joy of Juneteenth at Bethlehem Center’s Southside Jubilee on July 17
The Bethlehem Center, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and families through education and leadership development, is gearing up for its annual Juneteenth celebration. The event, known as the Southside Juneteenth Jubilee, will take place on Sat., June 17, from 1-4 p.m. at the Bethlehem Center, 200 West 38th St.
In addition to commemorating the historic significance of Juneteenth, the event aims to foster unity and support for the African American community in Chattanooga. Attendees can expect a vibrant celebration filled with music, dance, vendors and various activities for all ages.
“The Juneteenth Jubilee is one of our favorite events here at the Bethlehem Center,” expressed Reginald Smith II, the executive director. “It is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate our heritage and grow closer together as a community. We are expecting a larger turnout this year than in all of our previous celebrations.”
For over a century, the Bethlehem Center has been a pillar in South Chattanooga, nurturing lasting relationships with the youth and families of the area. Guided by its mission to encourage spiritual growth, education and leadership development, the organization has played a crucial role in strategic planning, after-school literacy programs, economic development and raising awareness about poverty.
The Southside Juneteenth Jubilee serves as a platform to celebrate African American culture and history while bringing the Chattanooga community together.
“We are incredibly excited to continue upholding the legacy and hosting this event again,” said Bethlehem Center Executive Director Smith.
Juneteenth, a federal holiday in the United States, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The name “Juneteenth” is derived from combining “June” and “nineteenth,” marking the date when Major General Gordon Granger issued an order on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for enslaved African Americans in Texas.
Originating in Galveston, Juneteenth has been observed annually in various parts of the United States, celebrating African American culture and heritage. The significance of Juneteenth was officially recognized on a national level in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Southside Juneteenth Jubilee organizers invite individuals and businesses alike to get involved as partners, vendors, or volunteers. Further details can be found at https://thebeth.org/juneteenthjubilee.