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

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