Bessie Smith Cultural Center

10/16/2026

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center will be closed on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 for exciting museum additions. We will reopen at 10am on October 22, 2026.

10/14/2026

HONOREE SPOTLIGHT: DR. LeANDREA WARE

A transformational leader in education! Dr. LeAndrea Ware helped raise Howard School’s graduation rate from 63% to 96.7% and was named Tennessee Principal of the Year. Today, she continues to empower young people as CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga.

Celebrate her legacy at the 2026 Bessie Smith Legacy Gala on November 14!

For tickets and more information, visit www.bessiesmithcc.org/gala.

10/14/2026

Thank you Chattanooga-Hamilton County Branch of NAACP for honoring us with the Ruby Hurley Humanitarian of the Year Award.

10/13/2026

HONOREE SPOTLIGHT: GEORGE AND MARIA RICKS

George and Maria Ricks represent a shared legacy of service, education, and commitment to the Chattanooga community.

George Ricks has spent decades supporting education, preserving local history, and uplifting others, including more than 40 years of volunteer service to Howard High School. Maria Ricks has devoted more than 50 years to education, healthcare, and community service, touching generations of families through her compassion and dedication.

Together, their lives reflect the power of service, leadership, and a lasting commitment to strengthening the community around them.

Join us in celebrating George and Maria Ricks at the 2026 Bessie Smith Legacy Gala on November 14!

For tickets and more information, visit www.bessiesmithcc.org/gala.

10/12/2026

HONOREE SPOTLIGHT: DR. EVERLENA M. HOLMES

An educator, healthcare leader, and community advocate, Dr. Everlena M. Holmes has devoted her life to empowering others through education, civic engagement, and service.

Join us in honoring her extraordinary contributions at the 2026 Bessie Smith Legacy Gala on November 14!

For tickets and more information, visit www.bessiesmithcc.org/gala.

10/11/2026

HONOREE SPOTLIGHT: LARRY “BEAR” HIGH

More than a barber, Larry “Bear” High is a trailblazer, entrepreneur, and mentor. From founding Bear’s Barber Shop to breaking barriers in barber education and state leadership, his legacy continues to inspire generations.

Celebrate his achievements at the 2026 Bessie Smith Legacy Gala on November 14!

For tickets and more information, visit www.bessiesmithcc.org/gala.

10/09/2026

HONOREE SPOTLIGHT: PATRICIA SHACKELFORD-GRAY

A trailblazer in public service! Patricia Shackelford-Gray dedicated 43 years to the Chattanooga Police Department, making history as its first African American civilian female Police Information Center Manager.

Help us celebrate her remarkable legacy at the 2026 Bessie Smith Legacy Gala on November 14!

For tickets and more information, visit www.bessiesmithcc.org/gala.

10/08/2026

HONOREE SPOTLIGHT: DR. ELEANOR McCALLIE COOPER

A champion for community engagement and historic preservation, Dr. Eleanor McCallie Cooper has dedicated her efforts to bringing people together and strengthening Chattanooga. Her leadership and commitment to service have made a lasting impact on our community.

Join us in celebrating her legacy at the 2026 Bessie Smith Legacy Gala on November 14!

For tickets and more information, visit www.bessiesmithcc.org/gala.

10/07/2026

Join us Monday at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center to learn about available grants from Tennessee Arts Commission.

Save the dates! This fall, the Tennessee Arts Commission is hitting the road with free grant workshops across the state. Our team will guide you through upcoming grant opportunities, highlight updates to the guidelines, help you register in the online portal, and share tips for crafting a strong application. RSVP for a workshop near you by following the link below in the comments.

10/07/2026

The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators will be at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center on October 15, 2026 for a Town Hall. This event is free and open to the public!

One of the stops on the Statewide Town Hall Tour Series will be once again at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in , TN!!! Share with your networks and meet us there on October 15th! 🗳️🇺🇸