More than ever, we appreciate the heritage of Black History Month and embrace the opportunity to learn and celebrate Black American culture in our region.

Start your journey with these suggestions:

1. Bessie Smith Cultural Center

   Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center is closed to the public, but the pandemic hasn’t stopped them from celebrating Black History Month. Their Facebook page features videos of local Black community members sharing their stories and Bessie’s Front Porch, a story-time with different community members, like mayoral candidate Monty Bruell and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee's Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Ron Harris, that features stories that celebrate diversity. They are also sponsoring the 6th Annual Art Contest for K-12 Students now through February 26 with the theme “Chattanooga African American History (People, Places & Historical Events).” 

2. Scottsboro Boys Museum

   This museum is in the process of fundraising for a renovation project, and it shares the lives and legacy of nine young African American males who became international symbols of race-based injustice in the American South in the 1930s. It celebrates the positive actions of those of all colors, creeds, and origins that have taken a stand against the tyranny of racial oppression and continue to stay committed to advancing reconciliation and healing while promoting civil rights and an appreciation of cultural diversity worldwide. It is also on the National Civil Rights Trail. March 2021 is also the 90th anniversary of the Scottsboro Boys trial, so there are additional plans for a commemoration next month. For February, the museum is open 2/13 and 2/20, 10 am - 4 pm. 

3. Six Triple Eight

   This award-winning film chronicles the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion,  an all-black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps. In 1945, 855 women arrived at the Third Army Women's Army Corps Training Center at Fort Oglethorpe Georgia to complete their overseas training for a one-of-a-kind mission: clear a two-year backlog of mail for American G.I.'s in Europe. The documentary by Lincoln Perry Films tells the story of the only all-black, all-female battalion overseas during World War II. There will be a screening of the documentary on February 11 at 7 pm on UCTV. Learn more about the permanent exhibition and education program on the 6888th at the 6th Cavalry Museum in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.

4. Emery Center

   The African American Heritage and Multicultural Center in Dalton, GA, shows the significant contributions of local Daltonians, such as Major League Baseball Player Harry “Suitcase” Simpson and Major Richard Robert Wright. The center shows history from a local, state, and national perspective and houses artifacts and memorabilia, including a Children’s Learning Center, The Women Community Club/The Garden Club Room, and the Cornelia M. Easley media center. All the guides at the center are native Daltonians, so they provide personal accounts of life in the region prior to integration. Due to the pandemic, tours are scheduled by appointment only. 

5. Read local stories

   If you are a parent that wants to honor Black History Month with your children from a regional perspective, check out local stories like those of Mary Walker and Bill Lewis. These beautiful children’s books were written by local author Rita Hubbard, and share some lesser told stories of the tri-state region. Sharing stories with children immerse them in history and make the lives of historical figures come alive.

Honoring our region’s history and heritage is always important, but during Black History Month, it is critical to explore history from the perspective of the African American community, especially regionally. Take some time this month to participate in one of these activities to reflect on Black history locally and nationally.