The Chattanoogans exhibition presents work by UTC history students in A History of White Rage, taught by Dr. Susan Eckelmann Berghel, and UTC art majors in Figure Painting, taught by Professor Christina Vogel, in spring 2021.
Through this project, history students conducted research on the lives of prominent black Chattanoogans, relying on primary sources such as letters, speeches, newspapers and interviews. History students then wrote a biographical narrative about their chosen subject, and Figure Painting students made paintings of these figures, informed by the narrative biographies shared by the history students, information available in the UTC Library’s Special Collections, and additional research.
Officials said, "The collective work of these students aims to honor some of the extraordinary leaders of Chattanooga, past and present, who have helped to shape our city, including JoAnne Favors, Emma Wheeler, James Mapp, Randolph Miller and more.
"CHI Memorial’s ministry advocates for policy and organizational actions that dismantle racism, promote health equity, address the impacts of social determinants of health and champion social justice. As we celebrate Black History Month at CHI Memorial, this exhibit offers recognition for some of the Chattanoogans who have led important actions to champion social justice and improve the health of our community."