The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators (TBCSL) is bringing its 2025 Legislative Town Hall Series to Chattanooga on Tuesday, July 29. The free, public event will take place from 5-7 p.m. at the historic Bessie Smith Cultural Center, located at 200 E. M.L. King Blvd.
This town hall discussion offers Chattanooga community members a vital opportunity to engage directly with members of the Tennessee Black Caucus on key issues impacting both the state and local communities. Discussions are slated to cover crucial topics including Civil Rights, Education, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
“The Legislative Town Hall Series is designed to foster open dialogue between state lawmakers and the citizens they serve, providing a platform for thoughtful discussion, shared concerns and collaborative solutions on matters impacting African American communities and the broader Tennessee population,” officials stated regarding the series’ purpose.
Representative Sam McKenzie who serves Knoxville’s District 15 and chairs the event for the TBCSL, extended an open invitation to residents.
“We invite everyone in the Chattanooga area to join us for this important conversation,” said Rep. McKenzie. “We are committed to listening, learning and working together to advance policies that ensure fairness, opportunity and justice for all Tennesseans.”
Representative Yusuf Hakeem, who serves District 28, emphasized the importance of community involvement. District 28 includes neighborhoods around downtown Chattanooga as well as several outlying areas, such as East Chattanooga, Brainerd and Alton Park.
“The Tennessee Caucus of Black Legislators is conducting a statewide listening tour and holding town hall meetings in each of the state’s Grand Divisions,” he explained. “The purpose of the tour is to maintain and improve our interaction with citizens of Tennessee. The meetings provide an opportunity for citizens to express themselves and seek answers to their meaningful concerns that state government impacts, as well as inform them of current and future Black Caucus initiatives. Meetings like these help to ground the Caucus in the needs and concerns of the people. Additionally, Caucus members will tour and volunteer to help out at the Chattanooga Community Kitchen. Community service is critical to our Caucus mission.”
The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators is dedicated to “advocating for policies and legislation that promote equality, justice, and opportunity for African Americans and other marginalized communities across Tennessee.” For more information, interested individuals can contact Rep. McKenzie at rep.sam.mckenzie@capitol.tn.gov.