The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is taking advantage of the COVID-19-related shutdown to update its displays and remodel the main museum space dedicated to “telling the true story of Chattanooga African American history and allowing every individual the opportunity to walk the path from slavery to civil rights to today’s current events,” a news release states.
A leadership team at the center got input from the community, its partners, funders, artists, creators and makers to help the facility prepare for the future. It closed its doors to the public in March after an executive order by Mayor Andy Berke in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and began work to reinvent itself and its role in the community.
“The Bessie is a community jewel that will always be cherished,” Yusuf Hakeem, Bessie Smith Cultural Center board chairman, said in the release. “Through the continued support of our partners, this organization will continue to enlighten the world on the richness and brilliance that has been a result of the African American experience in Chattanooga. These projects are an amazing opportunity for us to share ourselves with the world.”
The finished work during Phase One will include new artifacts, interactive virtual kiosks, a children’s education corner and more information on African American history. This phase is being made possible through partnerships with Kazee, Inc., BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Chattanooga Coca-Cola, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, the city of Chattanooga, the Benwood Foundation and the Freeman Foundation.
