Bessie Smith Cultural Center Announces 2026 Bessie Smith Legacy Gala Honoring Seven Distinguished Community Leaders

CHATTANOOGA, TN — September 16, 2026 — The Bessie Smith Cultural Center will host the 2026 Bessie Smith Legacy Gala on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at The Westin Chattanooga, celebrating seven distinguished individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on Chattanooga and the surrounding community.

The Bessie Smith Legacy Gala is an evening of elegance featuring fine dining and award presentations recognizing individuals who have helped enhance the quality of life in Chattanooga. The annual event celebrates community leaders whose contributions reflect the enduring spirit of Bessie Smith and the mission of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.

The 2026 Bessie Smith Legacy Gala honorees are:

• Dr. Eleanor Cooper, recognized for a lifetime of civic engagement and community-building work, including her leadership with Chattanooga Venture, Chattanooga Connected, and efforts supporting the creation of the Ed Johnson Memorial.

• Mrs. Patricia Shackelford-Gray, whose more than four decades of professional and community service include a 43-year career with the Chattanooga Police Department, where she became the department's first African American civilian female Police Information Center Manager.

• Mr. Larry “Bear” High, a longtime Chattanooga barber, entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader who became the first African American barber instructor at Chattanooga Barber College and the first African American appointed to the Tennessee State Barber Board.

• Dr. Everlena Holmes, a lifelong educator, healthcare leader, social justice advocate, and community organizer whose career has focused on expanding opportunities and strengthening communities.

• Mr. George Ricks, whose decades of service span education, healthcare, local history preservation, public service, and more than 40 years of volunteer support for Howard High School.

• Mrs. Maria Ricks, who has dedicated more than five decades to supporting Chattanooga's youth and public education while also building a long professional career in healthcare.

• Dr. LeAndrea Ware, an educator and community leader whose more than three decades in public education included transformative leadership at The Howard School and who now serves as CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga.

  
  

“The Bessie Smith Legacy Gala gives us an opportunity to recognize people whose lives and work demonstrate what it means to serve a community with purpose,” said Paula Wilkes, President of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. “Each of this year's honorees has contributed to Chattanooga in a meaningful and lasting way. Their stories represent leadership, perseverance, service, education, advocacy, and a deep commitment to making our community stronger.”

The Bessie Smith Legacy Gala also provides an opportunity for businesses, organizations, and individuals to support the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and its mission. Sponsorship opportunities begin at $1,500 for a Table Sponsorship and increase from there, while individual tickets are available for $150 per person. Guests and sponsors alike are invited to join us for an evening of celebration, recognition, and community impact.

Proceeds from the event support the Bessie Smith Cultural Center's continued work to preserve, celebrate, and share African American history and culture through exhibitions, educational programming, research, community engagement, and special events.

Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, honoree information, and additional Gala details are available at www.bessiesmithcc.org/gala.

2026 Bessie Smith Legacy Gala

Saturday, November 14, 2026

The Westin Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TennesseeInformation & Tickets: www.bessiesmithcc.org/gala

About the Bessie Smith Cultural Center

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center preserves and celebrates African American history and culture in Chattanooga through art, education, research, and entertainment. Through its museum exhibitions, educational initiatives, cultural programming, and community partnerships, the Center works to ensure that the stories and contributions of African Americans in Chattanooga and the surrounding region are preserved and shared with future generations.