Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum — Attraction in Chattanooga

Whuz up guys ! I had to come back , and mention the Annual 🎵🎶 Musical Festival. This is held here second or third weekend in April on Sat and Sunday. ✅ For confirmation. It's now called "The Bessie Smith's Big 9". This is Black History at its finest ! Guess what ? It's Free. R&B music Sat. ,and gospel music on Sunday. Food 🥑, and drinks. You know how we do it. Its safe , and sound featuring local talents as well as international. I am just happy ☺️ to have such a facility that honors Black Americans. This is not just doing Black History Month. This is year round it is opened to the Public here in our Scenic City. This is great for school field trips. Believe me your students will come away with more Education. They will have a more outlook on diversity agenda in their life.Of course you knew it was name after one of Americans most talented Blues Singers Bessie Smith ? She was a worldwide entertainer from Chattanooga.There are more things to ✅ out ! I'm so excited to share with you. Yesss ! The Chatt. Town's own "The Impressions" Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.Say What ? You didn't know Chattanooga's own "Usher Raymond". I have to okay 👍 mention Sports ! Reggie White Howard High School, and UT- K. NFL Hall of Famer. I could on , but you need to come see for yourself. It will change you 😜, and Inspire you. You will be Proud, Motivational, and more Compassionate about Black History. Come check them out ! No reservations required . I love 💕 Chatt...

While on a research trip I included the Bessie Smith Cultural Center as I passed through Chattanooga. I was so pleasantly surprised at the overall high quality of this exhibit. The timeline, layout, and flow is superb. You start with the Indians on the Trail of Tears accompanied by African Americans and end with Critical Race Theory. You can not get more inclusive than that. The flow of the timeline is logical and natural. The quantity and quality of the displays are great. I took several pics of “learn more” opportunities which I’ve already begun to research. Bring the kids, there is an interactive children area. There is also ample area to sit as you pass through and several video displays to watch. My chance to rest a moment, awesome. At the end there is an African tribal mask display and video as a bonus. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Parking is free but there isn’t a ton of it. Pay street parking is all around. I recommend a walk down MLK to enjoy the many murals. The staff was superb and informative. BSCC could be a destination for your family...

This cultural center has much to offer. Perceptions may vary based on how much of it you see on a visit. But it is a facility full of things to enjoy.

There is the museum, which is pretty small. But very educational. Full of material from Black American history, African statues and a nice video about African history.

The main lobby area, has a gift shop, plus an area devoted to Bessie Smith. The local Blues legend. And also a display of a piano from her performances.

After going into the main entrance, if you turn left, there is a concert room. Where various artists go to perform. It is a full sized room, like the size of many jazz clubs.

Another feature of the cultural center. Which many never see. Is the very large banquet hall, that is a level under the main part of the cultural center. The banquet hall, can be reserved/rented for very large gatherings. Such as wedding receptions.

In total, this cultural center offers a lot for the community. It should not be judged solely on it's...