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New Glenwood Community Center Parking Lot Opens Ahead of Schedule

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New Glenwood Community Center Parking Lot Opens Ahead of Schedule
Jerome Martin, Glenwood Community Center manager, speaking at the ribbon cutting.

The Glenwood Community Center celebrated a significant milestone on Nov. 4 with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly completed parking lot. The project, originally scheduled for completion in March 2025, was finished five months ahead of schedule.

City officials, community leaders and department staff gathered at 2610 East 3rd St. to mark the occasion, with light refreshments served following the ceremony.

“Today, we celebrated a huge win with the ribbon cutting for the new Glenwood Community Center parking lot,” said Chris Brown, director of Community Centers for the city of Chattanooga. “This project was finished five months ahead of schedule thanks to the efficiency and coordination of our Public Works team and contractors. This is a win for the seniors, youth and families who rely on the center every day. Thank you to everyone who made this achievement possible.”

The comprehensive parking improvement project, which began on Sept. 16, includes: 36 standard parking spaces, two van-accessible spaces, newly constructed footpaths, renovations to existing parking facilities and striping of Glenwood Circle (Phase One).

Carol Hunter, administrator for the Community Development Department, expressed her enthusiasm.

“This is a win for the community,” she shared. “As a department and community, we’re excited to bring 36 new parking spaces accessible for residents who come to Glenwood Community Center. We wanted to ensure we completed this project for our dedicated seniors, who look forward to more space as they visit the center.”

To maintain uninterrupted service, the Community Development Department took several measures during construction. The center remained open for essential programs, and a shuttle service was provided in partnership with the Carver Community Center. Additionally, the Parks and Outdoors Department offered valuable support.

The successful completion of the project was made possible through the collaboration of various city departments and officials, including: Department of Community Development staff; Public Works staff; Mandee Green, Chief Operating Officer; Chris Brown, director of Community Centers; Carol Hunter, administrator for the Community Development Department and Jerome Martin, Glenwood Community Center manager.

The Howard School Opens First-of-its-Kind Clinic, Giving Students More Accessible Healthcare

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The Howard School Opens First-of-its-Kind Clinic, Giving Students More Accessible Healthcare

After nearly eight years of planning, The Howard School last week officially opened a new school-based health clinic to provide critical medical services to its students. The clinic, created in partnership with the Hamilton County Department of Education and Erlanger Health System, marks a significant milestone in the school’s efforts to improve healthcare access for its underserved population.

“What an amazing day for history to be made,” said Erlanger Community Health Center Board Chairman Ken Jones. “This is a key example of how collaboration empowers families in our community to thrive. Thank you to everyone that played a role in making this a reality.”

The Howard School-Based Health Clinic is the first of its kind in the region, offering a full suite of medical services typically found only at traditional walk-in clinics. Unlike most school health centers that can only provide basic first aid, this new facility has a nurse practitioner on-site to administer comprehensive care. Students can receive everything from routine check-ups to treatment for illnesses and injuries without having to leave campus.

“Having it right here, it’s accessible,” said Dr. LeAndrea Ware, principal of The Howard School. “That’s what I call a one-stop-shop–education, excellence and healthcare wrap-around support. We have it all right here at The Howard School.”

The clinic’s opening is especially impactful for the school’s student population, which the Tennessee Department of Education lists as one of the state’s highest-poverty areas. Access to affordable healthcare can be a significant challenge for many families in the community. By providing services directly on campus, the new clinic aims to remove barriers that might prevent students from receiving the care they need.

“With a school-based health center, we are able to provide a full medical visit,”  Angel Moore, Chief Executive Officer of Erlanger Community Health Center noted. “Usually, with your typical school clinics, you come in with something like a sore throat or ear ache, and you just try to make the child comfortable, call the parent to come pick them up and take them to see a medical provider.”

Dr. Ware added, “We also know that when they come into school in that condition, we know that learning is not going to be the first thing on their minds. Having the clinic here means students can get the treatment they require without missing valuable class time.”

In addition to basic medical services, the clinic will also offer on-site lab testing, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment. Students’ family members will also be able to utilize the facility, expanding its impact beyond just the school’s enrollment of nearly 1,900 students.

“Our students live with family, and if it’s an issue with the student, it’s an issue with the household,” Dr. Ware explained.

The Howard School-Based Health Clinic is a cornerstone in the school’s strategic plan, Opportunity 2030, which aims to provide wraparound services and support for students. With the new medical facility now operational, school leaders are hopeful it will lead to improved attendance, better learning outcomes, and overall enhanced well-being for the entire Howard community.

“Today is the fruition of the reality of that dream, and we’re just so excited that so many people have invested in us and are ready to support full-speed ahead,” Dr. Ware said.

UTC’s Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building breaks ground

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UTC’s Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building breaks ground

The future home of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s School of Nursing, the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building, broke ground on Monday, Nov. 4. 

Located at the corner of Palmetto and East 3rd streets, the new facility will allow for a 152% enrollment increase in the School of Nursing, which currently accepts approximately 50% of applicants and turns down eligible students due to space and class size limitations.  

“We are here today because of the outstanding nursing program at UTC that will provide a workforce badly needed in our community, in our state and in our region,” said UTC Chancellor Steven R. Angle–who noted that the school’s recent May 2024 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates and the first cohort of accelerated BSN graduates achieved a 100% pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on the first attempt, fulfilling the requirement for licensure as a registered nurse. “What a testament to the great faculty and staff of our nursing program who are supporting these students and challenging them to be the very best.” 

The groundbreaking was attended by faculty, staff, students, alums, building donors and numerous dignitaries–including UT System President Randy Boyd; U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann; Tennessee Sen. Bo Watson, chair of the Hamilton County Legislative Delegation and the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee; Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, chair of the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee; and Rep. Yusuf Hakeem. 

The project’s anticipated cost of $77 million will be funded through a combination of donations and state resources, with a building campaign goal of $21 million. 

Dr. Chris Smith, director of the School of Nursing and UTC’s chief health affairs officer, shared the features of the new building. 

It will expand from its current Metro Annex location of 30,000 square feet to 90,000 square feet, Smith said, and house eight classrooms accommodating more than 400 students daily. The facility will include five task training spaces, eight standardized patient actor exam rooms, a specialized space for labor and delivery experiences, and a simulated ICU and emergency room. 

A dedicated hall of patient care rooms, similar to those in acute care facilities, will feature a simulated nurse’s station and a medication room. She said the building will increase debriefing spaces from two in the current facility to six.  

Currently, all clinical faculty work remotely due to space limitations, but the new building will provide office space for 96 faculty and staff members. Plans for the building also include conference rooms, a wellness room, student and faculty lounges, and an area for food services. 

“We have space for the establishment of a center for excellence in interprofessional education, which we envision will focus on bringing students from across the campus together, no matter their major,” she said. 

In October 2023, UTC received an $8 million gift from the Kennedy Foundation, Inc. to name the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building after the parents of the current Kennedy Foundation trustees–Jim Kennedy III, Elizabeth Kennedy Spratlin and Molly Kennedy (’82). 

This will be the first building on campus to be named after an alumna. Dorothy (’82) received a degree in English while attending UTC at the same time as her daughter, Molly. 

This is the largest single gift in the School of Nursing’s history.  

Over 70% of UTC Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates remain in the Chattanooga area upon completing their degree. That percentage jumps to 83% for Family Nurse Practitioner graduates. 

For over a decade, the United States has experienced a severe nursing shortage that increased because of the pandemic.   The Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building is projected to be completed in the fall of 2026. 

Exhibit: “Gateway to Freedom”

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Exhibit: “Gateway to Freedom”

Opens January 3rd Through February 2025

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation: “All persons held as slaves within any States…in rebellion against the United States,” it declared, “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.” (The more than 1 million enslaved people in the loyal border states and in the Union-occupied parts of Louisiana and Virginia were not affected by this proclamation.) It also declared that “such persons [African American] of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States.” For the first time, Black soldiers could fight for the U.S. Army. 

When the Civil War broke out, abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass argued that the enlistment of Black soldiers would help the North win the war and would be a huge step in the fight for equal rights: “Once let the Black man get upon his person the brass letters, U.S.; let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder and bullets in his pocket,” Douglass said, “and there is no power on earth which can deny that he has earned the right to citizenship.” Douglass and other black leaders felt strongly that allowing blacks to fight for the Union in the Civil War would be the “Gateway to Freedom.” 

Through rare photos and interpretive text, the exhibit explores black soldiers both free and former slaves who fought valiantly as well as black leaders including men and women who played a significant role in the Union’s victory over the Confederacy. 

The exhibit is on display at the Chattanooga Civic Center Mountainside in the Event Hall, 701 Hooker Road, Chattanooga, TN 37410.  Call 423-331-8878 to schedule group visits and tours.  Tax deductible donations to the Mary Walker Historical & Education Foundation are appreciated and can be made at marywalkerfoundation.org. 

Urban League of Greater Chattanooga announces 42nd annual Equal Opportunity Day Breakfast

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Urban League of Greater Chattanooga announces 42nd annual Equal Opportunity Day Breakfast

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga (ULGC) will host its 42nd Annual Equal Opportunity Day (EOD) Breakfast, themed “State of the Movement,” on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. The event will take place from 8 to 9:45 a.m. at The Chattanoogan Hotel and is presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

The EOD Breakfast, ULGC’s largest annual fundraiser, serves as a platform to spotlight the organization’s mission to empower African Americans, ethnic minorities and disadvantaged individuals to achieve economic self-reliance, parity and civil rights. Through its work, the Urban League is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and economically prosperous Chattanooga.

This year’s theme, “State of the Movement,” underscores the progress the Urban League has made in driving positive change throughout the region. Attendees will hear reflections on ULGC’s impact and the ongoing efforts to ensure equitable opportunities for all.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available
ULGC invites businesses, organizations, and individuals to sponsor a table at the event and join the movement for equity and inclusion. Sponsorship contributions help sustain the Urban League’s critical work in advancing equality.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to purchase individual tickets, click here.About Urban League of Greater Chattanooga
The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga is an affiliate of the National Urban League, the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans and other underserved individuals to enter the economic and social mainstream. Since 1982, the Chattanooga affiliate has served many thousands of economically disadvantaged persons, individuals representing communities of color, and minority-owned businesses through programs and initiatives that promote educational attainment, economic development, self-sufficiency and inclusive leadership opportunities.

Mocs’ Lowery a Finalist for Prestigious Scholar-Athlete Award

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Mocs’ Lowery a Finalist for Prestigious Scholar-Athlete Award

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs senior defensive back Reuben Lowery III is a finalist for the prestigious FedEx Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award. The list of 13 finalists was released last Wednesday by Stats Perform.


Lowery is in his fifth year with the Mocs program, having arrived in Chattanooga during tumultuous times with the 2020-21 season being impacted by COVID-19. Despite the challenges, he has played in every game he has been healthy for and has been a vital contributor to the Mocs’ defense.


As a hybrid “slot safety” in Chattanooga’s 4-2-5 defensive scheme, Lowery blends the responsibilities of a linebacker, safety and cornerback. But one thing is certain–he is an undisputed leader, serving as a team captain for the past two seasons.

“Reuben is special,” Coach Rusty Wright said. “On the field, off the field and everywhere in between. He’s exactly what you want in a student-athlete. His impact for us is evident every week, but if you go to the Engineering department, you’ll hear the same things about him as a student. We are thankful he chose Chattanooga.”

Lowery graduated with honors in May 2023 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering–a remarkable accomplishment given the year-round demands of being an elite football player.


In addition to his work in the classroom and on the field, Lowery has been heavily involved in leadership roles, serving in the Mocs Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle and on the NCAA Football Oversight Committee/Student-Athlete Connection Group.


His accolades extend beyond the campus as well. Lowery has been an all-conference performer, earning 2021 All-Freshman and 2022 All-SoCon honors. He has also been recognized nationally, being named to the CoSIDA (now CSC) Academic All-District and FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) Athletics Director’s Association Academic All-Star Team multiple times.

Lowery’s impressive resume extends even further, as he spent a year on the Rocket Mocs, a student amateur rocketry group that earned NASA recognition as one of the best in the country for five consecutive years from 2019 to 2023.

“Even if he was not a student-athlete, Reuben would be well-known and respected on our campus,” Vice Chancellor for Athletics Mark Wharton said. “You could say he’s the standard for what we want for and from our student-athletes at Chattanooga. We’re delighted to see his accomplishments and efforts being recognized on the national stage.”

Lowery’s hometown is Powder Springs, Georgia, where he graduated from Hillgrove High School.

The Doris Robinson Award honors an FCS-level student-athlete who exemplifies excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the community, embodying the values of leadership and integrity championed by Doris Robinson, a former schoolteacher and the wife of legendary Grambling State University coach Eddie Robinson. This is the 10th anniversary season for the award.

Lowery is the fifth Chattanooga finalist for the honor and the fourth Moc overall. Current Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman McClendon Curtis was a two-time finalist in 2021 and 2022, while quarterback Drayton Arnold made the list in the 2020-21 COVID-affected year, and running back Alex Trotter was the first Moc to be recognized in 2018. The FCS National Awards Banquet, held each January, recognizes the outstanding contributions of student-athletes, coaches and teams, including the Walter Payton Award (FCS Offensive Player of the Year), Buck Buchanan Award (FCS Defensive Player of the Year), Jerry Rice Award (FCS Freshman Player of the Year), Eddie Robinson Award (FCS Coach of the Year), and the new HBCU FCS Player of the Year Award.

APDC presents 10th Annual Chattanooga Humanitarian Awards Banquet and Gala on November 23

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APDC presents 10th Annual Chattanooga Humanitarian Awards Banquet and Gala on November 23

The 10th Annual Chattanooga Humanitarian Awards Gala presented by the Alton Park Development Corporation(APDC), a 501 C-3 nonprofit charitable organization, will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 6pm – 9pm at the Chattanooga Civic Center at Mountainside.  This year’s theme is “Breaking Chains of Human Disparities”.

We invite Chattanooga Hamilton County residents, family and friends to come and help celebrate these outstanding Philanthropists and Activists.  These are our 2024 Chattanooga Humanitarian Award Honorees:

These individuals have dedicated their lives to uplift mankind through their unselfish acts of kindness, great deeds, personal sacrifices and financial contributions. Thank you in advance for supporting this event which help to bring attention and awareness to local unsung heroes and pay tribute to them.  These amazing human beings are vital and instrumental in building great communities and breaking chains of human disparities.

What: The 10th Annual Chattanooga Humanitarian Award Banquet & Gala

When: November 23, 2024, 6pm-9pm

Where: Chattanooga Civic Center at Mountainside, Event Hall, 701 Hooker Road, Chattanooga TN

Tickets: $75 Individual Tickets, Tables and Corporate Sponsorships Available

Expectation: Celebration with Live Entertainment from Brian Clay GRUUV XPERIENCE and Dinner, Formal Black-Tie Event. For More Information, contact: Event Coordinator at (423) 503-5965, (423) 331-8878, (423) 316-5727 or email: ewfamilydentistry@yahoo.com and cc to: info@apdc98.org – Together We Win!

East Lake Principal Dr. Jasmine Farrow Celebrated for Her Leadership and Community Focus

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East Lake Principal Dr. Jasmine Farrow Celebrated for Her Leadership and Community Focus

In celebration of Principals Appreciation Month, Hamilton County Schools is recognizing Dr. Jasmine Farrow. The principal of East Lake Elementary School has been transforming her school community since 2021 through a philosophy of care, growth and joy.

A Chattanooga native and graduate of 21st Century Academy, Dr. Farrow’s journey in education has deep local roots. Her impressive academic career includes multiple degrees from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she earned her bachelors in Human Ecology, masters in Teaching Leadership, and Ed.S. in School Leadership and Administration. She later completed her doctorate at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville.

“When I was a kid, I thought I wanted to be a pediatrician,” Dr. Farrow reflected.

But as she got older, she realized her heart wanted to serve children in a different way.

“I’ve always loved this age,” she explained. “They’re so willing to learn. They value relationships. They’re like little sponges. It’s really easy to connect with them.”

Dr. Farrow’s career in Hamilton County Schools began at Woodmore Elementary, followed by teaching positions at East Brainerd Elementary. Before assuming her current role at East Lake, she served as assistant principal at East Side Elementary.

Her leadership journey includes participation in several development programs, including the 2021 Aspiring Principal L.E.A.D. program, the Principal Leadership Academy (2018-2019), and Leadership Fellows (2011-2012).

Dr. Farrow takes immense pride in her school and the East Lake community.

“A lot of people don’t know about many of the awesome things we have to offer, from music, to art, to the Sculpture Fields, murals, and celebrations,” she pointed out. “The community is awesome.”

Dr. Farrow has dedicated herself to creating a positive and supportive learning environment for both students and staff. This year, her priority is fostering a culture of collaboration and interdependence.

“We want to focus on elevating each other’s strengths, but also thinking about how we can all connect with those strengths,” she explained. “My goal for the end of the year is for our teachers to understand who they are in the building with, and the resources and relationships that are available right here in our school.”

Known for her energetic approach, Dr. Farrow combines educational excellence with genuine enjoyment.

“The biggest part of my day is spent with instructional leadership,” she noted. “I’m very present with collaborative planning, classroom observations, and love to lead professional development. But beyond that, I’m also a mom, counselor, nurse, friend and anything else that is needed. I try my best to be myself and choose laughter.”

One of the school’s standout events is its Multicultural Night, which exemplifies Dr. Farrow’s commitment to celebrating diversity.

“We really pride ourselves on recognizing the cultures within our school,” she shared. “We have lots of teachers from all over. They’ll bring their parents, cook food, everything. All of our teachers love to represent their culture.”

Dr. Farrow’s leadership at East Lake Elementary continues to uphold her motto #CommunityCaringGrowth. As we celebrate National Principals Month this October, Dr. Farrow’s work reminds us that principals are indeed the cornerstone of educational success, working tirelessly to create positive, enriching environments where learning flourishes and communities grow stronger.

Tradition-Rich Speedway In Lights Partners With Regional Grocery Retailer Food City In Multi-Year Agreement To Spread Holiday Cheer

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Tradition-Rich Speedway In Lights Partners With Regional Grocery Retailer Food City In Multi-Year Agreement To Spread Holiday Cheer

BRISTOL, Tenn. (Oct. 28, 2024) – Grocery retailer Food City will partner with the tradition-rich Speedway in Lights presented by TVA at Bristol Motor Speedway in a multi-year agreement, it was announced today by officials from the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.

The Food City Speedway In Lights presented by TVA will open for its 28th season of spreading holiday cheer across the Appalachian Highlands Region on Friday, Nov. 15, and will run until Sunday, Jan. 4, 2025.

The dazzling holiday light display showcases more than 3 million lights spread across 300 displays in a five-mile route that winds through the property alongside historic Bristol Dragway and is highlighted by a festive lap around the half-mile Bristol Motor Speedway. The popular light show operates from 6-10 p.m. each night, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The seven-week holiday extravaganza is the major fundraiser for the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities and since its inception in 1997 has helped SCC-Bristol raise more than $20 million for the nearly 100 local children’s-based organizations throughout the 18-county region surrounding BMS in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Longtime BMS partner Food City has been involved with Speedway In Lights and the BMS Winter Events in past years as a presenting sponsor of various activities, but this is the first time that the popular supermarket chain will headline the main event.

“We have been blessed here to have some amazing partners over the years that have elevated our ‘little light show’ from back in 1997 to the wonderful status that it enjoys today,” said Claudia Byrd, executive director of the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. “But today we are so proud and thankful to make this announcement that our friends at Food City are going to sign on as our new entitlement partner moving forward and help us take Speedway In Lights to the next level.”

Through Food City’s involvement, a host of new attractions will greet Speedway In Lights visitors this season:

•             More than 40 new Santa’s Safari festive LED displays will be unveiled along the route

•             The Bristol Turbo Tube Slide presented by State Water Heaters will energize the HSN Christmas Village

•             Guests will get to explore Snow-Mazing, a 2,000-square-foot inflatable maze, also in the Christmas Village

Food City has been a prolific partner with BMS for more than three decades and their association is anchored by their 34-year racing entitlements, the Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race, April 13, 2025, and the Food City 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series Round of 12 Playoff race, Sept. 12, 2025.

“We’ve always admired the tremendous job that Bristol’s chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities does in our region to assist children in need, it’s quite remarkable,” said Steve Smith, President and CEO of Food City. “Speedway In Lights is such a treasured event in our community that has passed the Christmas spirit along to visitors from all across the United States and from around the world, really. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Food City Speedway In Lights presented by TVA to help amplify the overall effort, which at the end of the day, is for the children.”

Byrd is energized by the hundreds of dedicated staff and volunteers who make the Food City Speedway In Lights come alive each year. She also continues to be humbled by the primary mission of the event.

“The most wonderful thing about the Food City Speedway In Lights is the opportunities it creates for families and friends to get together and enjoy a night out during each holiday season to create some amazing memories,” Byrd said. “And also watching a child’s face light up as they gaze upon the beautiful lights or visit with Santa Claus.”

In addition to the new displays being introduced this year, the route will continue to offer many of its longtime favorites, including The Twelve Days of Christmas, Ripley’s Sea of Illumination, Mycroft Signs Race to Space, NASCAR Pit Stop, Dinosaur Land, the beautiful Candelabra, Drag Cars, Victorian Village, the Nativity Scene presented by Visit My Smokies and Toy Land.

Several Food City Speedway In Lights partners also have custom light displays, including ETSU, Ballad Health, Hardee’s Restaurants, Barter Theatre, and BTES. Five new sponsors are joining the route this year, including Beech Mountain Resort, which is sponsoring the Snowman Maker display, Brightspeed, State Water Heaters and Wendy’s. The holiday festivities will officially kick off at BMS with the 14th annual Speedway in Lights 5K presented by Fleet Feet on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. All participants who pre-register before October 31st will receive an event t-shirt and there will be free snacks and drinks for all participants who cross the Home Trust Bank Finish Line. To register, please visit the SCC-Bristol website.

Divine Nine Organizations Lead ‘Stroll to the Polls’ Voting Initiative in Chattanooga

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Divine Nine Organizations Lead ‘Stroll to the Polls’ Voting Initiative in Chattanooga
Reginald Smith III, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) of Chattanooga.

Early voting gets a rhythmic boost as the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) brings together Black Greek organizations and community members for a “Stroll to the Polls” on Sat., Oct. 26.

The event is open to residents of all backgrounds and affiliations. 

Participants are encouraged to arrive at Brainerd High School, located at 1020 N. Moore Rd., by 9:30 a.m. The gathering, which will take place at 10 a.m., aims to combine cultural tradition with civic engagement as participants “stroll”–a synchronized walking style popular among Black Greek organizations–their way to casting their ballots.

“We believe in the power of voting and the strength of our community when we come together,” said Reginald Smith III, president of NPHC Chattanooga. “This event is about more than just casting a ballot–it’s about standing in solidarity and making an impact for the future of our city, state and country.”

The initiative comes as Hamilton County reports strong early voting numbers, with more than 8,800 voters participating on the first day, including absentee ballots–a 10% increase from the previous record set in 2020. The early voting period, which began on Oct. 16, continues through Oct. 31.

NPHC Chattanooga, also known as the Divine Nine, represents nine historically African American fraternities and sororities that trace their roots back to 1906: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

The organization emphasizes that while its roots are in higher education, its mission extends far beyond campus boundaries.

“Nationally, there’s a big push to make sure our community is both educated about the processes and the various jurisdictions in which people vote, as well as pushing people to exercise their right as American people to actually vote,” Smith explained.

Voters are reminded to bring valid photo identification. Acceptable forms include a Tennessee driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state government, or the federal government. Student IDs are not accepted under Tennessee law.
For more information about the “Stroll to the Polls” event, interested participants can contact NPHCChatt@gmail.com.

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