Tribute Markers And Obscuring History

  • Monday, August 3, 2020

One hundred years does make a difference from C. E. James tribute marker on Signal Mountain to the new proposed Bessie Smith marker in Chattanooga.

The Chattanooga Public Arts Committee would like to recognize and celebrate Black history in Chattanooga by highlighting American Blues singer and famed Chattanoogan Bessie Smith. Artistic Marker Budget: $42,000.

The Bessie Tribute Public Art Committee seeks qualifications from Black artists to design, fabricate and install a sculptural marker and tribute to Bessie Smith at the BlueGoose Hollow trail head in Chattanooga.

Makes one wonder if in 100 years from now if the Bessie Smith sculpture will be under attack for some cultural cleaning up by obscuring history.

Jim Collins

Opinion
Deja vu Zhivago
  • 7/10/2025

As more is learned about Zohran Mamdani, Democrat nominee for mayor of NYC, we see during the pandemic he called on the government to “seize” luxury condos to house the homeless. He wanted “land ... more

Miss Zella And Madoc
  • 7/8/2025

I guess that I knew Zella Armstrong from the day I was born until she died. I have read almost everything she wrote. My grandfather was the emcee of the Cotton Ball until he died. I was a ... more

Don't Cut Off St. Elmo
  • 7/8/2025

The Riverwalk is one of Chattanooga’s crown jewels, and as a frequent user, I’m excited about the planned improvements to the South Broad section. These upgrades will undoubtedly enhance an already ... more