While February is Black History Month, I find myself troubled with limiting the celebration of great Black Americans to only one month. As I was gathering my thoughts for this article, name after name of significant Black Americans and Black Chattanoogans came to mind. Eager to share my thoughts about these individuals and their profound impact upon society, I wondered if I would live to see a time when we do not need a calendar reminder for such an occasion. Instead, my hope is for the celebration and appreciation of not only black history and Black Americans, but all individuals that serve to inspire and educate to be our constant. I hope the following inspiring individuals mentioned in this brief article can ignite a deeper curiosity in what we can and should celebrate every day.
As a Realtor, I’ve had the privilege of working with buyers and sellers of many different backgrounds. Even before becoming a Realtor, I crossed paths with people from all walks of life and it was while living in Mississippi that I was fortunate enough to meet and hear James Meredith, a man who broke down the state's culture of racial segregation, speak at the 40th Anniversary of his integration at the University of Mississippi. Through my time spent in Mississippi and my studies, I found a fondness for the Blues. As a native Chattanoogan, I would be remiss to not mention Chattanooga’s own Bessie Smith, the “Empress of the Blues” and her significance to many and the entire music industry.
Bessie Smith was no stranger to difficulties, but her talent and grit propelled her to stardom. In 1923 she signed a record deal with Columbia Records and recorded the company’s first major hit, “Down Hearted Blues” which inspired the label to begin serving the African American market, a groundbreaking move.
I have to confess my recent knowledge of a few notable Black Chattanoogans is partly owed to Linda Moss Mines. I had invited Linda to speak at the Greater Chattanooga Realtors leadership orientation about Chattanooga’s history as part of an effort to educate up and coming leaders within our Association. Her immense knowledge and passion for Chattanooga history mesmerized her audience and myself. Through Linda, I learned about the impressive lives of Emma Wheeler and Mary Walker.
Emma Rochelle was born in 1882 to a prominent African American family in Florida. At the age of 17 she completed her undergraduate degree in Jacksonville and shortly thereafter married only to become a widow one year later. She and her newborn relocated to Nashville where she enrolled in medical school. She later married Dr. John N. Wheeler and the couple moved to segregated Chattanooga where they both practiced medicine. During this time African Americans in need of medical care were treated in the basements of existing hospitals and often suffered higher mortality due to lack of supplies and poor conditions. After saving money for years, Dr. Emma Wheeler purchased two lots on the corner of East Eighth and Douglas Streets. In 1915, she dedicated the first Chattanooga hospital owned, operated, and staffed by African Americans for the care of African Americans.
Mary Walker’s story is quite different than Dr. Wheeler’s, but nonetheless inspiring. Mary was born into slavery and was just 15 years old when the Emancipation Proclamation declared all slaves were free. She moved to Chattanooga in 1917 where she worked as a domestic helper. In 1963 when she was 115 years old, Mary decided to enroll in the Chattanooga Area Literacy Movement. By 1964 she learned to read, write, and solve basic math problems. She was certified as the “nation’s oldest student” and her retirement center was renamed after her. Mary Walker died at the age of 121 in 1969 and to memorialize her life and commitment to never stop learning, the Tennessee Historical commission dedicated a marker in her memory at 3031 Wilcox Blvd.
In downtown Chattanooga at the Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center, a Recipient by the name of Sgt. George Jordan is memorialized for his patriotism. A former slave born in Williamson County, Tennessee in 1847, Jordan volunteered to serve his country in 1866 on Christmas Day. Jordan received his Medal of Honor for actions on two different occasions. Despite being ineligible to vote, Jordan continued to serve his country faithfully and his story remains an inspiration to many.
Later this month, author Jason Riley, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and columnist for the Wall Street Journal will speak here in Chattanooga on “Why Thomas Sowell Matters.” Riley, like Sowell, is renowned for his writings on inequality, race, school choice and social justice. I have found myself drawn to their works and hope that other Chattanoogans find time to reflect upon the treasure trove of notable, inspiring Black Americans such as these. Moreover, I hope that we’ll all take the time to talk with our young people about individuals who have provided us with wisdom and inspiration that we may apply to our own lives.
The list of contributors to our nation’s history is lengthy and in my research of a handful of individuals one fact stood out to me. Not one person rose alone. In fact, every leader cites the help and support of many and that’s what I want us to walk away with as we celebrate Black History Month. Let us each take responsibility for the continuous celebration of Black Americans like Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Henry Highland Garnet, Hiram Rhodes Revels, Condoleezza Rice, Ben Carson, Shelby Steele, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, and many others.
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