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FEBRUARY Black History

Robin Smith
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FEBRUARY Black History

Begin Black History Month, noting a few significant dates throughout the month of February!

Feb. 1 – In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson introduced Negro History and launched Negro History week to bring national attention to contributions of Black people throughout history. This effort became a month-long celebration in 1976 as designated by US President Gerald Ford.

Feb. 2 – Alfred L. Cralle observed the difficulty in serving ice cream while working in Pittsburgh. Cralle invented the device now known as the ice cream scoop and was granted U.S. Patent #576395 on February 2, 1897.

Feb. 4 – Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks was born 2/4/1913, and Tony Dungy became the first African American NFL Coach to win a Super Bowl on 2/4/2007.

Feb. 5 – Baseball Hall of Famer renowned for surpassing the homerun record of Babe Ruth, Henry “Hank” Aaron was born in 1934 in Mobile, Alabama. In 1994, Ku Klux Klan member Byron De La Beckwith was finally convicted of the 1963 murder in Mississippi of Medgar Evers, civil rights leader.

Feb. 6 – Grammy Award Winner Natalie Cole was born to jazz singer and pianist Nat King Cole in 1950.

Feb. 9 – In 1995, Bernard Harris became the first African American to walk in space.

Feb. 11 – After spending 27 years as a political prisoner of the South African government, Nelson Mandela was released in 1990. Four years later, Mandela would become the country’s first black President.

Feb. 12 – Henry Highland Garnet, an orator and abolitionist, became the first Black permitted to speak in the US Capitol as he preached before the US House of Representatives in 1865, on the 56th birthday of US President Abraham Lincoln.

In 1990, the lyrics for “Lift Every Voice and Sing” were written by James Weldon Johnson.

Feb. 14 – Renowned orator, abolitionist, editor, author, and statesman, Frederick Douglass was born in 1818 in Cordova, Maryland. Enslaved until September 3, 1838, Douglass escaped to become a licensed preacher in 1839.

Feb. 17 – One of the NBA’s greatest players, Michael Jordan, was born in 1963 in Brookly, New York.

Feb. 18 – Morehouse College was founded in Augusta, Georgia in 1867 before moving to Atlanta in 1879.

Feb. 20 – In 1927, Sidney Portier was born and later became the first Black actor to win an Academy Award in a leading role. NBA great and sports analyst Charles Barkley was born in 1963.

Feb. 21 – In 1965, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, or Malcom X, was assassinated in Harlem.

Feb. 24 – In 1864, Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first Black to earn an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) by the New England Female Medical College.

Feb. 25 – In 1870, Hiram R. Revels of Mississippi was the first Black sworn in the serve in the US Senate becoming the first Black to serve in the United States Congress.

Feb. 27 – In 1872, Charlotte Ray graduated from Howard Law School and became the first African American female lawyer.

Feb. 28 – Michael Jackson won 8 Grammy Awards for the still record-setting album, Thriller.

Community Unites to Reject Racist KKK Fliers in Highland Park

Camm Ashford
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Community Unites to Reject Racist KKK Fliers in Highland Park
A community-organized cleanup at Highland Park Commons on Saturday, Feb. 1, brought together volunteers in neon vests to collect discarded KKK fliers. The event
was organized through a Facebook group.

By Camm Ashford

Ku Klux Klan fliers spreading hateful messages targeting immigrants appeared in Highland Park on Monday, Jan. 27, demanding recipients “Leave now” and “Self-deport.”

In response, 30-40 community volunteers organized a cleanup at Highland Park Commons on Saturday, Feb. 1. Wearing neon vests, they collected trash and discarded fliers, demonstrating community solidarity and rejection of hate.

According to Chattanooga Police Department (CPD), officers initially responded to reports from community members at 2000 Duncan Ave. around 9 p.m. on Jan. 27. Upon arrival, they collected the materials and spoke with residents alarmed by the divisive messages distributed in their neighborhood. The fliers were labeled with the name “Trinity White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.”

 Police have identified the fliers as originating from a KKK group based in Kentucky, which has reportedly distributed similar materials in Chattanooga and surrounding cities, including Cleveland, Athens, Sweetwater, Knoxville, and others. Some fliers promoted membership in the group and invited recipients to an event in Kentucky.

 City officials and local leaders have denounced the act. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly released a statement condemning the fliers and the ideology they represent.

In response to the distribution of KKK fliers in Highland Park on Jan. 27, community members are posting signs declaring “Chattanooga Loves Immigrants,” rejecting the hateful message.

 “I want to make something absolutely clear–hate has no place in Chattanooga,” the mayor said, emphasizing that the city’s strength lies in its unity and diversity. He encouraged residents to assist in the investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

 City Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod, whose constituents were directly affected, issued a strongly worded condemnation of the fliers.

 “As a representative of Chattanooga District 9 and a steadfast advocate for justice and equality, I am horrified and infuriated by the repugnant fliers recently distributed in Highland Park,” she said. “These documents, steeped in racism and xenophobia, strike at the very heart of what we hold dear in our diverse communities. Please make no mistake, there is utterly no place for such vile hate-filled rhetoric in Chattanooga or anywhere else in our county.”

 The Chattanooga News Chronicle tried calling the number on the fliers listed for the KKK “Realm of Kentucky,” (606) 301-8149, but was sent to voicemail and got this message: “You have reached the Realm of Kentucky’s Trinity White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. If you would like more information on becoming a member, send one dollar for postage to Post Office Box 72, Maysville, Kentucky, 41056. Come stand with us and help fight against illegal immigration, homosexuality, and every other form of wickedness and lawlessness. We hope to hear from you soon. You have a great White day,and White power. The mailbox is full and cannot accept any messages at this time. Goodbye.”

 CPD is collecting evidence, including potential surveillance footage, to track the individuals responsible for disseminating the KKK fliers. They have encouraged anyone encountering similar propaganda to report it immediately at (423) 698-2525.

TRIBUTE to Coach Jennings

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TRIBUTE to Coach Jennings
“Coach” Lurone Jennings, Sr.–Sunday, April 11, 1954-Saturday, January 25, 2025.

Mr. Jennings’ passing is a great loss to this community. His service, dedication, and passion for the personal development of people in Chattanooga’s most underserved neighborhoods, particularly the youth, were unmatched.

Coach has been a friend of my family for several decades, and when he asked me to succeed him as executive director of the Mary Walker Foundation—founded by my grandfather, the late Rev. John L. Edwards Sr.—I was honored and a little intimidated, but ready for the task. I had big shoes to fill and a legacy of influential leaders of the organization to uphold.

His leadership, along with the guidance and opportunities he provided to me and this organization, was invaluable. He will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.” Adrian J. Edwards, Executive Director, Mary Walker Historical & Educational Foundation – Adrian Edwards, Executive Director, Mary Walker Foundation (MWF)

               TRIBUTE to Coach Jennings

I’m not exactly certain when I met Coach, I’m thinking it was after he became director of the Bethlehem Center.  But I am real certain the purpose of our meeting involved several organizations working to teach and create opportunities for young people.  When Coach talked, you could feel the sincerity in his voice and his commitment to helping young people. 

As the relationship grew and progressed, Coach added his support and admiration to the Mary Walker Historical & Educational Foundation (MWF) as well as to Veterans.  At the Bethlehem Center, he utilized various MWF historical exhibits to teach as well as to help our youth realize their innate brilliance because of their rich heritage. 

When Lurone met my father, the Reverend J. Loyd Edwards, Jr. (Civil Right leader and Nashville native), founder of MWF, they became immediate friends as they vigorously engaged in talks of history, Nashville where Lurone went to college, and, of course, religion. Lurone rose quickly in the ranks of the lineup of ‘adopted and favorite’ sons.

Decades later, as Lurone ended various illustrious career choices and was looking forward to retirement, my father and I asked him (jokingly) to consider taking the position of executive director at MWF. We were hesitant in the ‘Ask’……but hopeful he might have a ‘weak moment’! His response was not what we expected and more valuable than we could have imagined!  Lurone ‘ Coach’ Jennings used his talents and resources to make possible for a third-generation Edwards, my son Adrian, to be trained and educated to take the helm and successfully run a local, non-profit organization, the Mary Walker Historical & Educational Foundation.  My father used to say “I DON’T GIVE UNTIL IT HURTS; I GIVE UNTIL IT FEELS GOOD”!  Lurone ‘Coach Jennings LIVED THOSE WORDS and his legacy is evidence of the thousands of lives he impacted. – John L. Edwards, III. Publisher, Chattanooga News Chronicle and former Executive Director, MWF.

JESSE EUGENE RUSSELL IMPROVEMENTS IN CELLPHONE TECHNOLOGY

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JESSE EUGENE RUSSELL IMPROVEMENTS IN CELLPHONE TECHNOLOGY

Jesse Russell was born on April 26, 1948, in Nashville, Tennessee. His family lived in a very poor and socially deprived part of Nashville. Fortunately, he got the opportunity to attend a summer education program at Fisk University and he did exceptional. Then, he moved on to study electrical engineering at Tennessee State University in Nashville. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE). In 1973, Russell went further in his academic achievements to obtain a master’s degree in electrical engineering (MSEE) from Standford University.

 While Russell was working as an engineer at AT&T-Bell Laboratories in 1988, he created the concept for the wireless digital phone and communication. At the time, mobile devices were mainly used in vehicles, so Russell designed a cell phone that could transmit signals between handsets and cell phone towers. Doing so would make mobile phones more handy and also more affordable. In a statement, Russell once said, “Most of the time people are not in their cars. I said, ‘Well that seems like an easy problem to solve, right? Why don’t we just take the phones out of the car and put them on the people.’”

 He has over 100 patents granted and thirty years of experience in Research and Development in pioneering technologies, such as the invention of the first digital cellular base station and fiber optic microcell utilizing high-power linear amplifier technology and digital modulation techniques.

What was Jesse Russell known for? 

Russell is known for his invention of the digital cellular base station and the fiber optic microcell utilizing high power linear amplifier technology and digital modulation techniques, which enabled new digital services for cellular mobile users.  Jesse Russell, the inventor of the first digital cell phone.

Russell is responsible for other innovations in the field of wireless communications systems. He also created a company based in New Jersey called incNETWORKS Inc, a broadband wireless communication system that focuses on 4G broadband wireless communications technologies, networks and services.

Mr. Lurone Jennings, Beloved Educator and Coach, Passes Away at 70

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Mr. Lurone Jennings, Beloved Educator and Coach, Passes Away at 70
‘Coach’ Jennings’ recognizes student’s for their achievements during the Mary Walker Foundation’s summer program Camp REACH June of 2023 at Hope City Church.

By CNC Staff

Mr. Lurone Jennings, a beloved educator, coach, and former city administrator, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the age of 70.

Known affectionately as “Coach” to many, Mr. Jennings dedicated his life to serving the youth of Chattanooga. His full obituary is published beginning on Page 8 and you can share in his life-long gift of sharing and service to others.

Coach Jennings will always be remembered for his unwavering support and love for youth through his affiliation with numerous organizations as well as the Mary Walker Historical & Educational Foundation (MWF).

Following his retirement from city government, Mr. Jennings served as Board Chair of the MWF. This literacy-focused organization honors Mary Hardway Walker, who achieved literacy at the remarkable age of 114. The Foundation also sponsors Camp REACH, a six-week summer program that exposes high school students to diverse career paths in media, painting, cosmetology, and logistics. The acronym REACH embodies the program’s core values: Respect, Earn, Achieve, Citizenship, and Hard Work.

The MWF’s current Executive Director, Adrian Edwards and former Executive Director John L. Edwards, III shared tributes to “Coach” and will be forever grateful for the guidance, leadership, strategic planning, and laughter that Coach Jennings brought into their lives and their visions for serving others.

Visitation for Coach Jennings will be held on Friday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon at Hope City Church, 7 North Tuxedo Ave. A funeral service will follow at noon, with interment at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, 5351 TN 153 in Hixson. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

Coach Jennings’ Words of Wisdom:

“I love you enough not to let you hang yourself and think the world is going to accept (bad) behavior.”

“My DNA is such that I want to make a difference and help people as long as I have an opportunity.”

“It may sound tough, but following instruction is basic to job readiness.”

“If we’re not preparing them for the world of work and how to function and to work with people, then street life is going to suck them up.”

“God blessed me to have a dream and a strong desire to overcome poverty through sports, education, hard work and people who believed in me,” he said. “I want young people to know it doesn’t matter the color of your skin or what neighborhood you grow up in. If you have faith in your dream and keep working hard for what you want you can achieve your goals.”

“Coach” Lurone Jennings, Sr. (center – right) with Camp REACH staff, camp participants,
and guest speaker Greg Funderburg in summer of 2023.

Chattanooga Residents to Vote on Updating Residency Requirements for Essential Workers

Camm Ashford
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Chattanooga Residents to Vote on Updating Residency Requirements for Essential Workers

Chattanooga residents will decide the fate of City Ordinance 14168, a proposed amendment to the city’s residency requirements for essential workers, in the upcoming March elections. The ordinance would allow first responders, including firefighters and police officers, to live outside Tennessee while still working for the city.

The proposed referendum, brought to the ballot by the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) and other city officials, aims to address challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified first responders, a problem exacerbated by current residency rules.

Captain Damien Vinson, the CFD’s Community Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator, emphasizes that the existing rule is hindering efforts to fill crucial positions.

“Currently, a police officer or firefighter can legally commute over five hours from Memphis, Nashville, or Knoxville but cannot commute five minutes from Rossville, Georgia, or nearby Alabama cities,” Vinson explained. “This arbitrary restriction limits our ability to attract and retain qualified first responders, directly impacting public safety.”

Staffing concerns are especially pressing, with an estimated 150 of Chattanooga’s 437 firefighters eligible to retire within the next five years. The CFD is advocating for an expanded applicant pool to address these looming shortages.

The proposed change would allow individuals living within Chattanooga’s Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes parts of Georgia and Alabama, to serve in the city’s emergency services. These candidates would still need to meet the same rigorous hiring standards as their Tennessee-based counterparts.

“We’re not compromising on quality,” Vinson assured. “Every recruit will pass the same tests, meet the same attendance requirements, and maintain the same high standards of service. By removing this geographic restriction, we can bolster staffing levels, reduce training costs, and ensure consistent public safety services for Chattanooga residents.”

Captain Vinson pointed out that many individuals living just outside Tennessee already contribute to Chattanooga’s economy and community. Yet, they remain ineligible to serve as first responders due to where they reside.

“Tens of thousands of individuals living in our surrounding areas work in Chattanooga, spend money in the city, and contribute to our community every day,” he said. “These individuals, part of our legally defined Metropolitan Statistical Area, often consider themselves Chattanoogans. However, they are currently prohibited from serving as first responders simply because of where they sleep at night.”

Captain Vinson reiterated that the department’s goal is still to prioritize local recruitment, but believes removing outdated barriers will help attract top-tier talent from neighboring areas.

“Your vote in favor of this referendum will allow us to recruit the best-qualified candidates for these critical roles, ensure public safety and build a stronger Chattanooga Fire and Police Department,” he said. “Help us make this necessary change to protect and serve our growing community. However, to be clear, the objective will always be to recruit locally.”

Early voting for Chattanooga residents begins on Feb. 12 and continues through Feb. 27. Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4.

March 4, 2025 City Elections Results

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March 4, 2025 City Elections Results

Compiled – Voting Turnout was light for the March 4th City elections. With 58 of 58 precincts reporting (100%), there were 20,631 Ballots Cast of the 115,074 total Registered Voters.

Congratulations to Mayor Tim Kelly who won reelection as Mayor of Chattanooga with 17,356 (85.4%) Votes! Districts 2, 4, and 7 had only one candidate running. District 5 had 4 candidates running and District 6 had a total of 5 candidates. Victories were declared for some districts; incumbents retained or lost their seats in some districts, and there will be runoff elections for Districts 6 and 8.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

(Photos: Tasha Rowe & Herman Prater, Sr.)

Holloway hopes to revive PUSH Excel and inspire youth

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Holloway hopes to revive PUSH Excel and inspire youth

By Yolanda Putman

Young people seek an education to provide for and protect their families, but few aspire to use their education to advance the African-American community, said Johnny Holloway.  The local civil rights leader wants to reactivate the Push Excel program in Chattanooga to instill in youth the need to advance the race.

“Providing for the family is what education is supposed to do,” said Holloway, “But for black people, it’s also supposed to educate you to do something for the group.”

PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) Excelwas a program that promoted education and it taught youth the importance of using their talents and skills to help their community.

Holloway spoke at the ”Gateway To Freedom” Exhibit opening on January 20 -Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.  The “Gateway to Freedom” Exhibit is currently housed at the Chattanooga African American Education and Heritage Museum and will be on display throughout the month of February 2025.

Alton Park Development Corporation President Dr. Elenora Woods led a short tour of the site, now called the Chattanooga Convention Center at Mountainside.

“Take a browse through our African American history at the museum,” she said. “We have a model slave ship with a list of all the ships that sold slaves from Africa to America.”

Model slave ships, pictures of African Kings and Queens, black inventors and depictions of black civil war soldiers are among the exhibits at the museum.

Holloway spoke about reviving PUSH Excel after attending Nation of Islam Leader Kevin Muhammad’s Youth Rally earlier this month  where Holloway heard college students speak about how they planned to use their education. Holloway said students at the rally meant well. They talked about providing for and protecting their families and achieving their success,  but not many of them spoke of plans to help the community.

“They are individuals,” said Holloway. “They are good individuals, but they have no knowledge of group.”

Holloway said PUSH Excel can promote education and instill in youth to consider working for the good of their community.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson started PUSH Excel in 1975. It was established across the country as part of his broader efforts with the organization Operation PUSH (now Rainbow PUSH Coalition) to encourage educational achievement and inspire young people to excel academically, socially, and morally. The goal locally was to create a community-wide effort to educate youth. The initiative called for churches, businesses, the media, parents, teachers and students to make a commitment to improve education. Locally some churches and businesses provided scholarships, mentoring or  tutoring to students. The media highlighted program achievements, parents committed to visiting the school and students committed to studying for two hours a night. The program focused everyone’s attention on education and student scores improved.

 Holloway and the Rev. H.H. Wright helped the program secure an annual budget of $300,000 in the late 1970’s to operate in 10 schools for three years. It was effective until the  Rev. Jackson twice ran for president and led in votes in Hamilton County and Chattanooga during both elections. Then funders for the program started withdrawing funds, said Holloway. The program operated for a total of about six years..

African American History Curator and Chattanooga News Chronicle Publisher John Edwards recognizes that there aren’t many local civil rights leaders from the 1960’s and he wants those who are alive to know that they are appreciated.

“He was the head of Chattanooga PUSH EXCEL program,” said Edwards. “He was a leader and he spent a lot of time with the Rev. Jesse Jackson. So, before he’s gone, I’d like to hear him talk about that time and the things he accomplished.”

Holloway fought for the rights of minority workers at Erlanger, Hamilton County School teachers, and at other businesses and organizations throughout the city.

At age 88 a slower stride keeps Holloway from marching and protesting for poor and oppressed people as he did in the past. He said his latest focus is on sharing his knowledge in hopes that it may inspire others

“What are we going to do beyond ourselves?” was the school motto when Holloway graduated from Howard High School in 1955. His hope is to put that motto in the hearts and minds of youth today.

“That was our whole goal. Be successful, but also advance your race,” said Holloway. “We have lost that and we’ve got to find it back again.”

UTC to host MLK Day commemorative brunch with Dr. Michael Williams and Elijah Cameron

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UTC to host MLK Day commemorative brunch with Dr. Michael Williams and Elijah Cameron

By Peyton Schultz
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Office of Multicultural Affairs, in partnership with Student and Family Engagement and Mocs Dining, will host a commemorative brunch to celebrate the 12th UTC MLK Day celebration, “Remembering the Past and Embracing the Future.” 

Panelists Dr. Michael Williams and Elijah Cameron will reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his lasting impact on the Chattanooga community at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, in the University Center Tennessee Room.

Producer and community advocate Nicole Brown will serve as the event moderator.

Williams, who joined UTC in August 2024, is the director of the UTC Africana Studies program, which is offered as a minor. He also teaches courses in the Department of History. 

Before coming to UTC, Williams was a history professor and director of the African American Studies program at the University of Texas at El Paso. He previously served as dean of the Division of Social Sciences at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, and was on the history faculty at Mississippi State University. 

Williams earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in history from the University of Mississippi. 

Cameron has spent his career working to support community development and engagement. His experience includes roles as executive director of the M L King Development Corporation and business development manager for Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise. He has also served in leadership roles for the River City March of Dimes, the Chattanooga Multicultural Chamber of Commerce and the UTC Chancellor’s Roundtable. 

A graduate of Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas, he also pursued a business administration degree at East Texas State University—now known as Texas A&M University-Commerce. 

Chris Stokes, assistant director of Multicultural Affairs at UTC, said the brunch will open meaningful dialogue about King’s local legacy. 

“Both panelists are encouraged to share historical perspectives academically and anecdotally about his presence, influence and connections he had in the Chattanooga area,” he said. “Hopefully, this will shed light on the legacy and future impact his work does and will have on our community.”  All guests are required to RSVP. 

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