Chattanooga City Councilman Moses Freeman is one of the people featured on the new M.L. King Mural, and in this interview, he remembers the rich history of the surrounding neighborhood. He also talks about events coming up on January 18th. The city is seeking volunteers to participate in service projects that day, and the mural will be officially dedicated.
From a media release:
City of Chattanooga Calls for Volunteers on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Service Projects List Grows, Website Opens for All MLK Day Events
Chattanooga, Tenn. (Dec. 28, 2015) – Hundreds of Chattanoogans will be putting service into action on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in honor of Dr. King’s legacy. For the city’s third year of “A Day On, Not a Day Off,” the Office of Multicultural Affairs is leveraging the strength of local citizens, businesses, and organizations to help tackle local needs and advance Dr. King’s dream of opportunity for all.
“Giving back to others is the ultimate tribute to Dr. King, who called on all of us to serve,” said James McKissic, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “Through a dedicated day of service, we are showing our neighbors that we care, no matter what your age is or where you come from, and we are building stronger neighborhoods by helping those in need.”
This year, volunteers will canvas Chattanooga’s historic M.L. King Neighborhood to serve the community in a variety of ways, including planting daffodil bulbs, clearing out alleyways and covering graffiti. In recognition of the neighborhood’s rich musical history, Jazzanooga will be delighting volunteers and participants throughout the morning with live performances from several local acts.
“King advocated for economic advancement for everyone, and the M.L. King Neighborhood is a place where many people, businesses and organizations are working together toward revitalization,” said McKissic. “Focusing our day of service in the M.L. King Neighborhood will only add to that transformation.”
Following the service projects, the public is invited to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center for the dedication of the M.L. King Mural. Much of the imagery in the mural was inspired by Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, such as the images of “a stone of hope” and a “rise to the majestic heights.” The M.L. King Mural is a monumental, painted testament to one of Chattanooga’s most important neighborhoods, and represents its rich past, present, and vision for the future.
MLK DAY SCHEDULE
Service Projects 8:30 a.m.
M.L. King Mural Dedication 12 p.m.
The Making of the M.L. King Mural: Artist Presentation 1 p.m.
Music Presented by Jazzanooga Continuous
Location: Bessie Smith Cultural Center
Volunteers for service projects will receive free lunch and a T-shirt and must sign up at http://bit.ly/MLKihelpchattanooga. For more information and to see more M.L. King Day events, visit www.mlkcha.org. From neighborhoods to schools, churches, or organizations, everyone is welcome and encouraged to submit events online at www.mlkcha.org for a MLK Day calendar of events.
