What began in the mid-80s as a grassroots effort to raise scholarship money for a Black college football classic, has grown into an entertainment extravaganza that attracts 4,500 people each year and has raised more than $4 million dollars to help cultivate the young minds of Chattanooga children.
Gerald Mason, a business owner and financial manager, as well as TVA manager in energy conservation, organized the football classic in 1985. The TVA-sponsored Black college classic provided financial support to Chattanooga’s African American youth, but far from what was needed.
During that same time, Gerald’s best friend Reuben Lawrence worked for Anheuser Busch Company’s Beasley Distributing Co. Victor Julian, who in 1985 was vice president of corporate affairs at Anheuser Busch, joked with Gerald and Reuben, “It’ll take a hundred years to educate a hundred kids if we continue to raise money at this rate. Time for a joining of hands.”
Busch had success in other cities with events similar to A Night to Remember, so it made sense that the trio try it in Chattanooga. The first gala featured Nancy Wilson, Billy Paul and Ramsey Lewis, and did so well; it outsold a similar event in Atlanta. “Chattanooga had never had that level of entertainment,” said Reuben.
Following their success, part of Reuben’s tasks at Beasley was A Night to Remember. “It was part of my job, but not a burden,” said Reuben. “Helping with the event is a delight because you know what the end result is – making Chattanooga a better place.” “In the beginning we wore out a lot of shoe leather; Reuben and I were the committee,” Gerald added. “Now we have corporate support and a socially integrated event – one of the first in Chattanooga – that is branded in the community as an effort that benefits kids.”
Today, the event is a fixture in Chattanooga. Audiences have outgrown the Choo-Choo convention facilities, so the extravaganza is held in two ballrooms at the trade center. More than 4,000 students have directly benefited from A Night to Remember through scholarships, intervention programs and cultural enrichment. “We always kept our focus on the kids and the community,” said Gerald. “And we’re so proud of the kids – especially the ones who come back to Chattanooga and make contributions to our community today.” “We love this event so much; it’s a privilege, a blessing and a joy for us to see the children benefit,” said Reuben. “We want our grandchildren to still be going long after we’re gone.” “The education will be carried on,” added Gerald.
While Reuben and Gerald have a matchless passion for the programs and A Night to Remember, these visionaries have let others share the responsibilities and take on leadership roles. Thirty to forty core volunteers give their time and talents, and pay for their own tickets. In addition to corporate support, A Night to Remember is sponsored by minority businesses. A dedicated and committed new leadership team, including Irvin Oerton, Sherrie Gilchrist and James Miller, are expanding A Night to Remember. “It’s all about impact and passion,” said Irvin Overton, board chairman. “Just witness children who blossom into talented, empowered and bold individuals and you’ll see why we have such a passion for getting at the heart of what youth in our community need.”
Who benefits from A Night to Remember?
Over the last 19 years, contributions to A Night to Remember have exceeded $4 million dollars and have provided aid to youth through various organizations, including Girls Incorporated of Chattanooga, 100 Black Men and the African American Museum.
· Girls, Inc.
Strong, smart and bold -- Girls Incorporated® of Chattanooga inspires all girls by educating them to take risks, to speak their minds, to advocate healthy lifestyle choices, to protect their rights and to strive for academic excellence.
Girls Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides a healthy and positive environment for girls. Enriching programs advocate an equitable society, and nurture their capacity for personal achievement, confident adulthood and economic independence.
Since 1961, Girl’s Inc. has served nearly 22,000 girls ages 6 - 18.
Through programs, academies and camps, every leadership position is filled by a girl. Girls interact with women role models, from diverse and dynamic occupations, who provide support and community service training. Advocacy projects teach girls to act vigorously on their own behalf and for the rights of others. The atmosphere fosters self confidence and celebrates achievement.
“We learned we can perform just as well as our male counterparts,” said Markesha Dunham. “All it takes is opening yourself up to use the tools available.”
“Girls Inc. made me feel more empowered in my life, but also in the community,” added Sasha Saldi. “I gained so much confidence.”
Maxine Biley, president and CEO of Girls Inc., said: “We prepare girls to work and live in a multicultural world with an appreciation for the heritage of others. We connect girls with role models, and host summer, after-school and community programs to encourage and inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold. We provide a learning environment so girls can learn about issues and become advocates for themselves. It’s all about empowerment.”
· 100 Black Men
Mentoring is the cornerstone of what 100 Black Men brings to the community. Established in 1992, 100 Black Men began with a genuine concern to improve opportunities for black youth, particularly young black males. As a result of the vision, the 25th chapter of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., was launched in Chattanooga.
100 Black Men, in partnership with The Hamilton County Department of Education, established mentoring programs and character education classes throughout public schools. With the goal of decreasing drop-out rates among 9th-grade males at Howard School of Academics and Technology, students were mentored on positive character, education and career goals. Statistics from the 2005/2006 school year indicate an 82 percent retention rate, a significant improvement from previous years.
At the college level, the University of Tennessee serves as a campus affiliate for 100 Black Men of Chattanooga. Here, African American youth are nurtured to enhance their growth, development and opportunities. The sanctioned university program provides mentoring to local elementary students. In addition, thousands of dollars are awarded in scholarships to aspiring college students.
100 Black Men also trains additional mentors from other organizations who work with various mentoring programs within city communities. It hosts the Chattanooga Leadership Academy and facilitates free medical screenings through various community partners. The organization also offers free financial and literacy classes to high school economics students, college students, and the general public.
· Chattanooga African American History Museum
Memphis can claim the “King,” but in the 1920s Chattanooga's “Empress of the Blues” ruled.
Although she lived in a one-room shack on the outskirts of downtown Chattanooga and began her career singing on the streets, Bessie Smith became a legendary figure. Her unique ability to combine the sounds of blues and jazz secured her place as one of the most important woman in the history of American music. The “Empress of the Blues” became the highest paid African-American singer in the land.
In the same way Bessie Smith and her soulful performances helped grow her legendary career,
Chattanooga’s African-American History Museum has helped Chattanooga African-American youth become leading citizens in our community. In a renovated warehouse on the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Lindsay Street, Bessie Smith and other Chattanooga-area African-Americans come to life in the hearts and minds of Chattanooga’s youth.
The African American History Museum boasts a unique collection of multi-media presentations, rare artifacts, African art, original sculptures, paintings, musical recordings and local Black newspapers. At the time of its founding in 1983, curricula, historical references, creative works and media about the identity of African Americans, were limited and inaccessible to the average student or individual.
Much of Chattanooga’s rich history is attributed to the efforts of African-Americans who lived, worked, learned and entertained here. The museum’s exhibits begin with a “Wall of Respect,” dedicated to African-Americans who were leaders in their professions.
After passing the “Wall of Respect,” the visitor travels through an authentic African dwelling and a section displaying statuettes, tools and artifacts depicting the life, work, art and worship of Africans before they came to America. Visitors pass through other exhibits highlighting the life and times of African-Americans in Chattanooga. Striking displays of the Civil War and the achievements of African Americans can be seen. Exhibits proudly depicting the involvement of African Americans in sports, the performing arts, family and professional life are seen. A stirring exhibit of the Civil Rights movement moves you.
The museum emphasizes the benefits enjoyed by African-Americans in Chattanooga, where railways and the river provided economic and industrial opportunities, not offered in many other places. It now serves as an educational institution committed to community service and outreach.
Vilma Fields, former director of the museum, said “A Night to Remember, Allied Arts, the city and county help the museum broaden Chattanooga’s social and civic life; allow youth to thrive and grow, and make positive contributions to our community.” People helping people and in the process changing lives forever.