Black elected officials from Chattanooga and Hamilton County convened June 11 for an invitation-only discussion focused on economic development, education, public safety, and civic engagement–with an eye toward building coalitions that outlast any single election cycle.
The Local Black Elected Officials Roundtable, held over dinner at Community Haven, brought together leaders committed to strengthening collaboration and advancing long-term strategies for equity and opportunity across the region.
The roundtable was moderated by Pastor Terry Ladd of First Baptist Church East 8th Street and facilitated by District 7 Chattanooga City Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley.
The roster of regional leadership present at the event included State Representative Yusuf Hakeem, Hamilton County Commissioner Warren Mackey, Hamilton County Commissioner-elect Katherlyn Geter, East Ridge Commissioner Terri Holmes, Hamilton County School Board member Jackie Anderson-Thomas, Hamilton County School Board member-elect Thessela White, and District 8 Chattanooga City Councilwoman Marvene Noel.
“As a reminder, this is part of a larger effort to reestablish coordinated Black leadership in Chattanooga,” Dotley said during the gathering. “Following this event, our next step is to host some type of public forum focused on a ‘Meet your local elected officials’ type event. We may even want to explore partnerships with other minority organizations as part of that effort.”
Discussion topics focused heavily on how Black communities can become direct beneficiaries of economic growth and investment occurring throughout the region.
Leaders also explored strategies for increasing Black business development, reducing wealth gaps, and creating stronger pipelines connecting education, careers, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership for young people.
Public safety and community trust were also central themes, with conversations examining what community-centered policing and neighborhood investment should look like in historically underserved communities. Participants discussed ways local governments can strengthen trust between institutions and residents while addressing violence and quality-of-life concerns.
Additional discussions centered on regional political collaboration and leadership development. Officials examined how Black elected leaders across city, county, and state government can work together more effectively while also mentoring and preparing future generations of leadership.
The group also addressed accountability and civic engagement, including how to measure the effectiveness of equity initiatives and how elected officials can maintain authentic community engagement beyond election cycles and moments of crisis.
Another portion of the discussion focused on democracy and voting rights, specifically the impact that changes to portions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act have had on Black political representation, voter participation, and public trust in democratic institutions.
“I saw the meeting as a new opportunity for Black elected officials to be a catalyst for positive change during this chaotic time in Tennessee,” said Rep. Hakeem.
“Working with other citizens and groups, we want to push back and dismantle Jim Crow 2.0. We must work with those willing to work with us–there is enough work to spread around to those willing to put the community above individual gain.”
Following the roundtable, Councilwoman Dotley said one of the most important outcomes was the recognition that the discussions extended beyond issues affecting only Black residents.
“The most important accomplishment from the Local Black Elected Officials Roundtable was the recognition that our vision extends beyond Black Chattanooga–it is about building a stronger Chattanooga for everyone,” Dotley said.
“We had meaningful conversations around economic opportunity, community health, public safety, youth development, civic engagement, and wealth creation, all centered on ensuring that growth and prosperity are shared.”
Dotley said participants agreed that expanding access to opportunity and ownership strengthens the city as a whole.
“There was a clear understanding that when communities that have historically been excluded gain greater access to opportunity, ownership, and resources, the entire city benefits,” she said. “That shared vision naturally led to discussions about developing a common agenda and identifying ways Black elected leaders can work together across city, county, and state levels to create lasting impact.”
Looking ahead, Dotley said the focus will be on transforming dialogue into sustained action and long-term community impact.
“Moving forward, our focus is on turning those conversations into action,” she said. “We are committed to building relationships, aligning priorities, and creating systems that outlast any one elected official or administration. This work is not about individual accomplishments or operating in silos–it is about serving as a collective voice for progress and laying the foundation for generational change that will help build stronger communities and a brighter future for Chattanooga.” To maintain this momentum, a follow-up meeting has been scheduled for June 29.