Chattanooga Prepares for First-Ever Bessie Smith Legacy Gala Awards to Honor Community Champions

Chattanooga Gears Up for the Inaugural Bessie Smith Legacy Gala Awards

Chattanooga is getting ready to roll out the red carpet as it prepares for its very first Bessie Smith Legacy Gala Awards, set to take place on October 19 at the stunning Chattanooga Convention Center. Named after the legendary blues singer, this gala aims to pay tribute to extraordinary individuals who have played a significant role in fostering growth and cultural diversity within the community.

A Celebration of Community Champions

The air is buzzing with excitement as the Bessie Smith Cultural Center gets ready to recognize those unsung heroes who have uplifted Chattanooga. Elijah Cameron, the center’s Director of Community Relations & Development, expressed the center’s intentions beautifully: “We wanted to be able to recognize these people to ensure that the work they have done is not ever forgotten.”

This year, a special committee sifted through an impressive 25 submissions to select the inaugural class of honorees for the gala. Originally searching for 10 inductees, the committee felt so passionately about the nominees that they honored 11 remarkable individuals. Talk about a hard choice!

Meet the Honorees

The first-ever class of inductees includes:

• Dr. Tommie Brown
• Dr. Roland Carter
• Ms. JoAnne Favors
• Mr. John P. Franklin Sr.
• Mr. Moses Freeman
• Ms. Vicky Gregg
• Mr. Franklin McCallie
• Rev. Paul McDaniel
• Mr. Irvin Overton
• Dr. Edna Varner
• Judge Walter Williams

A Touch of Artistry

Each inductee will receive a unique award, handcrafted by local sculpture artist Alex Paulo Loza. This award is no ordinary plaque; it’s an 11-inch-tall bust of Bessie Smith! Cameron praised Loza’s work, sharing, “Alex has done some work for us before,” highlighting the heartfelt connection between the artist and the cultural center.

Loza shared his emotions about taking on this project, saying, “It was a sense of honor but also one of big responsibility.” Inspired by the enthusiasm from the center’s staff, he poured his heart into creating the awards. The talented artist hails from Peru and has been living in Chattanooga since 2010, where he has become an important advocate for civil rights and cultural inclusion.

Creative Inspirations

From his beautiful murals to sculptures, Loza’s art tells the stories of his community. His desire to inspire is evident in projects like the “Little Debby” sculpture, unveiled in 2023, and his mural “Dreaming Forward.” The mural, featuring his daughters, illustrates his aim to provide children with knowledge beyond just finishing school, unveiling a world of opportunities through art.

A Broader Mission

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center started as the Chattanooga African American Museum in 1983, thanks to ten forward-thinking visionaries. Over the years, it evolved to embrace a wider narrative, incorporating the stories of everyone who has contributed significantly to Chattanooga’s growth, including its indigenous communities.

Cameron emphasized this mission, stating, “We must tell that story to get to where we are today.” The museum’s dedication to honoring significant cultural figures like Bessie Smith, as well as modern entertainers, showcases its commitment to recognizing all voices in Chattanooga’s rich tapestry, from the legendary singer to current artists shaping the scene.

Join the Celebration!

Set for 6 p.m., the Bessie Smith Legacy Gala Awards promises to be a spectacular black-tie affair filled with delicious food, entertainment, and heartfelt tributes to the inductees by their family and friends. Cameron encouragingly invites everyone, “Hopefully people will come out and help us celebrate those who changed the dynamics of Chattanooga.”

This gala isn’t just an event; it’s a heartfelt celebration of community spirit and the vibrant cultural heritage that shapes Chattanooga today. Let’s come together to honor those who have made a difference!