See some of Horace Brazelton’s portraits (like this one) at the exhibit. | Photo provided by Ruby Falls
This summer, Ruby Falls will host a public exhibition showcasing the remarkable life + contributions of the first African American to open a professional photography studio in Chattanooga.
“Through the Lens: The Life and Legacy of Horace Brazelton” tells the story of Horace Brazelton, a trailblazing business owner + prominent civic leader during the first half of the 20th century. Horace had a prolific, award-winning career photographing middle-class Black communities in Chattanooga and across the region at a time when access to photography was limited.
In addition to his successful business efforts, Horace was also an active civic leader who worked towards empowering the Black community amid Jim Crow laws in the South. Notably, Horace supported Black Chattanoogans’ economic mobility + the growth of commerce in the Black business district of East 9th Street — now known as MLK Boulevard.
Here’s a newspaper advertisement for Horace Brazelton’s photography studio in Chattanooga.
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Photo provided by Ruby Falls
The exhibit was curated by historian Stefanie Haire, who extensively researched Horace’s legacy for several years. Stefanie partnered with several organizations for her research including Picnooga (Chattanooga Historical Society) + received contributions from the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Chattanooga Public Library, River City Co.
The exhibit will feature a re-creation of Horace’s photography studio, a portrait gallery featuring his work, early 20th-century photo-enlarging equipment + audio from the 1917 speech Horace Brazelton gave at the annual conference of the 18th Annual Session of the National Negro Business League held in Chattanooga.
“These photos capture more than just simple moments in time, but rather represent hundreds of lives who helped build Chattanooga, and the memory of their legacies.” — Stefanie Haire
The exhibit opens to the public with free admission on Wednesday, June 7, and will be available to view through Friday, Sept. 15. Note: tickets to Ruby Falls are not required to view the exhibit.
Community Park Walking | Wednesday, May 24 | 5-6 p.m. | Mountain Creek Road Park, 1102 Mountain Creek Rd., Chattanooga | Free | This week, community members are invited to participate in a mindful walk through Mountain Creek Road Park.
Bird Bingo | Wednesday, May 24 | 5-8 p.m. | The Greenhouse Barrel + Taproom, 336 E. MLK Blvd., Chattanooga | Price of purchase | Play bird-themed bingo with Nova Conservation’s Laura Marsh + 10% of the proceeds will benefit Chattanooga Audubon Society — cards are a suggested $5 donation.
Thursday, May 25
“Secrets of the Sea 3D” An Evening with Jonathan Bird | Thursday, May 25 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, 201 Chestnut St., Chattanooga | $10-$20 | Enjoy a special screening of “Secrets of the Sea 3D” on the big screen and enjoy a talk with award-winning cinematographer Johnathan Bird.
Mixology 101: Rum | Thursday, May 25 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | $35 | Learn about the history and culture of rum + how to create delicious cocktails using the spirit.
Friday, May 26
Shakespeare in the Park | Friday, May 26-Saturday, May 27 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Greenway Farm Park, 5051 Gann Store Rd., Hixson | $0-$120 | Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to watch a local production of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.”
Oweda and Easy Honey | Friday, May 26 | 9 p.m. | The Barrelhouse Ballroom, 1501 Long St., Chattanooga | $12 | Enjoy a night of rock and roll with local bands Oweda + Easy Honey from Charleston, SC.
Saturday, May 27
Little Owl Fairy House Festival | Saturday, May 27 | 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Audubon Acres, 900 N. Sanctuary Rd., Chattanooga | $3-$15 | This whimsical-themed event will feature a Little Owl 5K, vendors, local music, and activities.
Creekside Flower Farm U-Pick | Saturday, May 27 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Creekside Flower Farm, 5549 N. Marble Top Rd., Chickamauga | $10-$25 | Pick a jar full of seasonal blooms — all materials provided.
Sunday, May 28
Street Food Festival | Sunday, May 28 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd., Chattanooga | Free+ | Come hungry to enjoy a mixture of cultural foods from local food trucks, vendor carts, and eateries.
The Velvet Chair Experience | Sunday, May 28 | 6-9 p.m. | The Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. MLK Blvd., Chattanooga | $40 | Listen to a “fusion of jazz and uptown soul” music over food and libations.
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The Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition will host an educational conference on Tuesday, June 27-Thursday, June 29 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Attendees will hear from different state + national representatives to learn best practices for ending homelessness. Get tickets.
Announced
Chattanooga Airport CEO Terry Hart recently announced he will retire this summer after 12 years of service. Airport Authority has chosen April Cameron to succeed the position of CEO + president beginning Tuesday, Aug. 1. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Transit
In observance of Memorial Day, CARTA’s fixed route, downtown, Northshore, and St. Elmo Incline shuttle bus services will operate on Saturday schedules on Monday, May 29. The Care-a-Van will operate on a holiday schedule. See routes + schedules.
Tech
ChaTech will host its 2023 Scenic City Summit event on Friday, June 2 at UTC’s University Center. This conference will showcase emerging technologies, connect industries + businesses, and more. Get tickets.
Arts
ArtsBuild will host its InterMission event on Thursday, Sept. 14. This fundraising event will celebrate Chattanooga’s art community + will feature actor Alan Cumming. Note: tickets will be limited, sign up to be notified when pre-sale tickets go live on Monday, May 29.
The Hunter Museum of American Art has joined the Blue Star Museums initiative — a nationwide program allowing free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families. The program is in effect now through Labor Day + folks must show their military ID.
Biz
Hutton & Smith Brewing Co. will host an Anniversary Party to celebrate eight years of brewing. Head to the production brewery site (3108 Riverside Dr.) on Saturday, June 24 for live music, games, and new can + draft releases.
Kids
Applications are now open for the Creative Discovery Museum’s Museum Apprentice Program (MAP). This program will give teens the opportunity to learn more about + work with the exhibits in the museum. Apply by Wednesday, May 31.
Pull out those hard hats. The Construction Career Center will host its first Construction Camp from Monday, June 26-Friday, June 30. Rising eighth graders will get hands-on experience with light construction projects. Register online.
Home
Don’t throw your money out the window (literally). The average home loses 30% of its conditioned air through its windows — but there are things you can do to keep the cool air in. See these window-efficiency tips to make your bill a little less pane-ful this summer.*
Shop
We’re excited to announce that our online shop (Six & Main) features Mocky Top, a Chattanooga-based clothing brand that not only represents UTC but also gives a nod to our scenic city. Products include trendy + contemporary styles of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more. Start shopping.
Join the community on Friday nights in the heart of Chattanooga’s downtown. | Photo provided by Chattanooga Tourism Co.
This Friday, May 27 is the first Nightfall concert of the 2023 season. Every Friday night through Sept. 1, there will be live music performances at Miller Plaza + plenty of fun for folks throughout Miller Park.
Here’s what you can expect from opening night:
The opening performance by local band Symatree kicks off at 7 p.m.
The headlining performance by Kaleta & Super Yamba Band starts at 8 p.m.
More local food trucks than ever before, offering food, wine, beer, and cocktails — no outside food or beverages are allowed inside Nightfall grounds.
Local artisan + maker vendors.
Lawn games + activities for the whole family.
Note: Various road closures from Cherry Street, MLK Boulevard, and Market Street will be in place every Friday night for the concert series.
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