 A Legacy of Resilience and Leadership
Black history is Knoxville’s history.
From civil rights pioneers to cultural icons, the contributions of Black leaders, activists, and visionaries have shaped our city.
This Black History Month, we reflect on their legacies and continue to celebrate their impact on our community.
Here is some of the social media content that we have shared throughout the month.
|
| Breaking Barriers in Leadership |
Knoxville has been home to many trailblazers who paved the way in politics, government, and civic leadership.
Did You Know?
In 2017, Gwen McKenzie became the first Black woman elected to Knoxville’s City Council, representing the 6th District. She later made history again as the first African American woman to serve as Vice Mayor from 2019 to 2021.
A lifelong East Knoxville resident, she continues to advocate for economic development, education, and social equity.
|
True or False?
Bob Booker was once arrested for attempting to integrate a segregated movie theater in Knoxville.
True – As a Knoxville College student, he was arrested while attempting to enter the all-white Tennessee Theatre, directly challenging segregation.
Known for his wit, he later joked about the irony of being forced to share a paddy wagon with white prisoners despite the city’s racial barriers.
|
| Knoxville’s First Responders Who Paved the Way |
The Knoxville Fire and Police Departments have seen historic firsts that changed the landscape for Black officers and firefighters.
Did You Know?
In 1952, KFD hired its first Black firefighters; Robert J. “Bob” Nelson, James Edward Reese, and John E. Stigall Sr.
They were assigned to Fire Station No. 5, Knoxville’s first station fully staffed by Black firefighters.
|
Did You Know?
In 1955, Mrs. William Henderson became Knoxville’s first Black female police officer.
She attended Knoxville College and was the wife of a Knoxville firefighter, breaking barriers for women in law enforcement.
|
| Knoxville’s Black Business and Cultural Legacy |
 Entrepreneurship and culture have long been pillars of Knoxville’s Black history.
Did You Know?
Cal Johnson, born into slavery, became one of Knoxville’s most successful businessmen, owning racetracks, saloons, and real estate that shaped the city’s economy.
Did You Know?
WJBE, originally owned by James Brown, was Knoxville’s first Black-owned radio station, amplifying Black voices and culture in East Tennessee.
|
Did You Know?
The Knoxville Giants were the city’s Negro League baseball team in the 1920s and won the league’s first championship in Atlanta.
|
| Building a More Equitable Future |
Established in 2021, the African American Equity Restoration Task Force was created to address historical inequities and expand opportunities in housing, business, education, and workforce development for Knoxville’s Black communities.
This initiative seeks to create long-term, systemic change by reinvesting in areas disproportionately affected by urban renewal and economic disparities.
By focusing on affordable housing, Black entrepreneurship, and job training, the task force is working to build a stronger, more equitable future for all residents. Through strategic partnerships and community-driven efforts, the task force is helping to rebuild and empower Knoxville’s Black neighborhoods, continuing a legacy of resilience and advocacy that has shaped the city’s history.
Watch this video to learn more about the task force’s mission and the impact it is making in Knoxville.
|