Tennessee has 14 locations along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. The state is home to famous writers, music legends and talented photographers. Learn their stories at these 10 places to celebrate Black history year-round in Tennessee.Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga.
The Bessie Smith Cultural Center, founded by empowering visionary leaders from Chattanooga, pays homage to the late “Empress of the Blues” Bessie Smith. The center preserves and celebrates African American history and culture through art, education, research and entertainment. Exhibits incorporate technology, interactive kiosks and a children’s education corner. The new exhibit “Chattanooga’s Black Soundtrack” highlights local artists, like Usher Kane Brown and The Impressions.
Visit black-owned businesses and restaurants in Chattanooga.Beck Cultural Exchange Center in KnoxvilleThe Beck Cultural Exchange Center is a historic community treasure dedicated to collecting, preserving and exhibiting artifacts and evidence of contributions relating to history and culture of African Americans in East Tennessee and America. The center creates immersive educational experiences to promote learning for present and future generations.seum of African American Music in NashvilleThe National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) in the heart of Music City is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the music genres created, inspired or influenced by African Americans. Interactive exhibits allow guests to write a blues song
