Bob Booker Recalls Entertainment Venues in Segregated Knoxville
To say that Robert J. “Bob” Booker is busy in February is an understatement.
The author, historian, Knoxville College graduate, military veteran, former state legislator and co-founder of the Beck Cultural Center is a priceless resource for stories and details of Knoxville history, especially the history of the African-American residents who have shaped our city. It stands to reason that his calendar is booked solid during Black History Month with interviews, speaking engagements, and book signings—all on top of the deadlines for his regular columns published in the News Sentinel.
When Booker generously granted some of his time to talk with the City’s Communications staff, he answered our questions about a variety of city government-related figures, places and events. He shared memories of living in segregated Knoxville, when African-American residents were required by law and convention to use separate entrances to businesses—if they were permitted to patronize those businesses at all.
Booker recalled that, when he was a child, his neighborhood included both black and white families, and he and his playmates didn’t much differentiate when it came to playing in the yards and streets. But a difference was notable when they went to see a movie downtown. .
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Listen to Bob Booker Talk About Live Music at Chilhowee Park
Historian Robert J. "Bob" Booker spoke to City of Knoxville communications staff about seeing live music at the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park, when audiences were racially segregated.
Listen to Bob Booker Talk About Seeing Movies in Segregated Knoxville
Historian Robert J. "Bob" Booker spoke to City of Knoxville communications staff about going to the Bijou Theatre as a boy to see a movie with his white friends and using different entrances.
In His Own Words: Robert 'Bob' Booker's journey of activism, service in Knoxville
His mother was a maid and his father worked on cars. But Booker would grow up to become an activist, an author, and Knoxville's first black TN State Representative.
Watch the Video on WBIR.com
Booker Honored by Knoxville History Project
The Knoxville History Project honored Robert J. Booker on April 17, 2018 for his significant contributions to recording and preserving the history and culture of Knoxville.
Booker grew up in the “Bottom” area of East Knoxville, and graduated from Austin High School in 1953. Following a three year stint in the U.S. Army, stationed in France and England, Booker returned to his hometown to study at Knoxville College on the G.I. Bill, graduating in 1962 with a B.S. in Education. At Knoxville College, as a two-term president of the student body, Booker became involved in Knoxville’s Civil Rights movement, organizing sit-ins to advance desegregation.
In 1966 he was elected as Knoxville’s first black Tennessee State Representative. In the 1970’s he served as administrative assistant to Mayor Kyle Testerman, and on the Tennessee Civil Service Commission. Later he served on Knoxville City Council. For 11 years, he was the executive director for the Beck Cultural Exchange Center.
Read More | Listen to Q&A with KHP's Jack Neely [MP3]
Listen to Historian & Civil Rights Activist Robert J. "Bob" Booker Talk About Cal Johnson
Booker's New Book Traces Black Experience in Knoxville
Booker's book titled "An Encyclopedia: Experiences of Black People in Knoxville, Tennessee 1844-1974," goes into detail on various subjects of Knoxville's history.
The book is available for $20 at the Beck Cultural Center, 1927 Dandridge Ave. and the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St.
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The Lost World of East Knoxville: A Walk with Bob Booker
Video by TAMIS