A local faith leader has been appointed to one of the nation’s most critical civil rights advisory roles.
The Rev. Dr. William Terry Ladd III, senior pastor of First Baptist Church East 8th Street, has been named one of 14 new members of the Tennessee State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The appointments were approved Friday, July 18, during a business meeting of the Commission in Washington, D.C.
In response to the announcement, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly offered his best wishes, saying, “Congratulations to Pastor William Terry Ladd III. I know you’ll represent Chattanooga with distinction.”
Dr. Ladd joins the committee at a time when conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are at the center of national debate. Despite some public skepticism and political pushback against DEI efforts, Dr. Ladd says the continuing existence of racial and social disparities underscores the need for such work.
“The thing that’s really pushing the anti-DEI right now is the notion that we live in a ‘post-racial society.’ But the reality is we still have disparities and we still have discrimination,” Dr. Ladd noted. “Whether we want to accept the truth about that or not, they still exist.”
The Tennessee Advisory Committee–one of 56 state and territory-based panels under the U.S. Civil Rights Commission–serves as a nonpartisan body that examines civil rights concerns within the state and makes policy recommendations. Members serve four-year, voluntary terms and provide input on a wide range of issues including voting rights, education, disability access, and more.
The most recent Tennessee committee’s term expired in June 2024, leaving the seats vacant until now. The newly appointed members bring together voices from legal, academic, religious, and civic sectors.
Dr. Ladd, a Knoxville native and respected pastor, teacher, and community leader, has led First Baptist Church East 8th Street since 2012. A historic congregation founded by Union Army veterans in 1866, the church remains a pillar of faith and advocacy in Chattanooga’s African-American community.
In reflecting on his decision to apply for the committee, Dr. Ladd said it was a matter of faith and civic duty.
“I debated applying and I prayed about the decision,” he said. “But as long as discrimination and disparities exist, we still need the Civil Rights Act of 1957, we need the commission, and we need the advisory committees. That’s what compels me to serve.”
Joining Dr. Ladd on the committee are: Brandon Smith (Chair), Nicholas Barry, Gale Jones Carson, Larry Crain, Luke Cymbal, Chicoya Smith Gallman, Kathleen Harms, William Morgan, Denise Smith-Martinez, Kyontha Nelson, Muriel Malone Nolen, Kymberly Whitaker, and Stelle Marie Yarbrough.
“I’m looking forward to working with individuals from across the aisle, from different political ideologies, ethnicities, and faith traditions,” Dr. Ladd said. “It’s an opportunity to speak for those who have been and continue to be discriminated against.”
Dr. Ladd’s extensive background in theology and social justice advocacy uniquely positions him for this role. A graduate of Morehouse College and McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University, he holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary. He’s also been honored by Morehouse College’s Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel and has served in leadership roles across multiple church and civic organizations.
He currently participates in a national peer-preaching initiative and volunteers as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chattanooga. He is a member of the NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
While the committee’s recommendations are not binding, they are submitted to the national commission and can influence policymaking at the federal, state, and local levels.
“Our job is to make sure that people’s rights are not violated,” Dr. Ladd said. “It really is an honor to serve.”
For more information about the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and its state advisory committees, visit www.usccr.gov.