The Chattanooga Historical Justice Coalition will host an event on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 5 p.m. at New First Missionary Baptist Church, 1801 N. Orchard Knob Ave., featuring inspirational speakers, historians, poets and musicians.
The organization was created by Shelley King Jr., Chris Wilson and Mamie Owens with the purpose of telling "the story with truth and honor of African-Americans who were innocent but died of unjust hands," according to Owens.
"This is our second Black History program," she says, "but this year it will have an amazing twist. Instead of focusing on a depressing history, we are setting new sights on Chattanooga's upcoming historians. Our horizons are to uplift the life of history being made right here in our fair city.
Black historian and minister Charolette Williams will be among the speakers, as well as publisher/writer Winda Andrews, playwright Beunika Martin, inspirational speaker Markill Moore and local inspirational gospel rapper Steven Marshall, aka The Disciple.
"This year we are giving honor to our hometown history-makers," Owens says.