City Council To Discuss Senior Tax Freeze Tuesday. See Our Legal Notices.

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
Send Your Opinions To Chattanoogan.com; Include Your Full Name, Address, Phone Number For Verification
  • 7/18/2025

We welcome your opinions at Chattanoogan.com. Email to news@chattanoogan.com . We require your real first and last name and contact information. This includes your home address and phone ... more

What's Going On? Who's In Charge Here? - And Response
  • 7/17/2025

I just saw the news photo depicting UTC's planned new Oak Street Residence Hall, "with a pedestrian corridor running through the building ... ." My immediate thought was, What?! Followed by, ... more

Teachers On The Edge Of Crisis
  • 7/17/2025

In Tennessee, some schools and districts are in trouble. There aren’t enough teachers. Teachers in public schools are required to hold a certification. Teachers in private schools are usually ... more