The Beck Cultural Corridor
Reclaiming Knoxville's Black History, one landmark at a time.
Discover the Beck Cultural Corridor
Connecting Black History and Culture Across East Tennessee
Welcome to the Beck Cultural Corridor, an immersive journey connecting Knoxville’s past, present, and future. Here, you’ll uncover the powerful legacy of Knoxville’s African American community, once obscured by Urban Renewal. Today, we’re reclaiming and reviving this vital history through interactive storytelling, preserving the memories of people, places, and moments that shaped our community.
Explore historical landmarks digitally restored to their rightful places on Knoxville’s map, rediscover vibrant neighborhoods, Black owned businesses and establishments, and inspirational individuals who contributed significantly to our city’s heritage. Engage with history through an innovative blend of technology and tradition, experiencing firsthand how yesterday’s stories continue to influence tomorrow’s dreams.
Step into the Beck Cultural Corridor and witness a rich tapestry of resilience, creativity, and triumph. Welcome to a living history—welcome to the Beck Cultural Corridor.
Begin Your Journey
How to Explore the Corridor
Discover the Beck Cultural Corridor at your own pace. Using your mobile device, you can explore historical landmarks, uncover hidden stories, and see Knoxville’s African American history come to life. Follow the steps below to navigate the Corridor and connect with the rich legacy of our community.
The Trail
The Beck Cultural Corridor is a rapidly growing and developing historical trail highlighting sites of significant historical importance in the area. This trail offers a rich narrative that connects past events to contemporary culture, making it a journey through history and a celebration of community heritage.
As the Beck Cultural Corridor continues to grow and evolve, educating the public about the region's history is vital while fostering a sense of community and belonging. By connecting the past with the present, the trail preserves historical narratives and encourages dialogue and collaboration among diverse cultural groups. This focus on inclusivity and representation transforms the trail into a living testament to the community's shared journey.
Destination: Green School
Established in 1909, Green School became a cornerstone of education for Black students inKnoxville. It expanded in 1916 to serve as Knoxville Colored High School. Named forrenowned physician and community leader, Dr. Henry Morgan Green, it reflects a legacy ofscholarship, leadership, and community resilience.
Destination: The Delaney Family Home Site
At 815 East Vine Ave., Rev. John Samuel and Delia Delaney reared their children, includingartists Beauford and Joseph Delaney. Lost to Urban Renewal, this home gave rise to a globalartistic legacy. Today, The Delaney stands just behind this site in tribute, while Beck advancesthe Delaney Museum to preserve this family’s enduring place in history.
Destination: Nikki Giovanni & Mulvaney Street
At 400 Mulvaney Street (now Hall of Fame Drive), Knoxville native Nikki Giovanni wasshaped in her grandparents’ home. From these roots, she emerged as an internationallyacclaimed poet, writer, and educator. Though lost to Urban Renewal, this place nurtured alegacy of truth, resilience, and enduring literary power that continues beyond her life and work.
Destination: Cal F. Johnson
Born into slavery in 1844, Cal F. Johnson rose to become one of Knoxville’s most prominentbusinessmen and philanthropists. In 1922, this park was dedicated in his honor for Blackcitizens, with Johnson funding its development and care. This space stands as a lasting testamentto his generosity, vision, and commitment to community life.
Destination: The Gem Theatre
For decades, the Gem Theatre, located in Knoxville’s own “Little Harlem,” stood as a vital hubof Black business and cultural life. More than just a movie house, it was a gathering placewhere films, live performances, and community converged. Seating 1,400 in the 1920s, itembodied resilience, creativity, and collective pride.
Destination: Covenant Health Park│ Knoxville Smokies Stadium
This site, now home to Covenant Health Park and the Knoxville Smokies, wasonce “The Bottom,” a thriving Black neighborhood rooted in family, faith, andenterprise. Urban Renewal displaced this community and altered its landscape.Today, this place invites remembrance, honoring lives and legacy throughenduring community history and tributes to Black baseball.
Destination: Carnegie Library
At 405 East Vine Avenue stood Knoxville’s Carnegie Library for Black residents, opened in1917 through the leadership of Charles W. Cansler and support from the Carnegie Foundation.More than a library, it was a gateway to knowledge, a place of learning and possibility, wheregenerations encountered knowledge, imagination, and the power of the written word.
Destination: Jarnigan & Sons Mortuary
Founded in 1886, Jarnigan & Son Mortuary is Knoxville’s oldest Black-owned business andamong the oldest continuously operating businesses in East Tennessee. Through generations, ithas served families with dignity and care. Surviving Urban Renewal, it remains in operationtoday, a lasting testament to resilience, continuity, and generations of care.
Destination: Heiskell School
At 903 Campbell Street in “The Bottom,” Heiskell School opened in 1897 as Knoxville’s firstnewly built public school for Black students. Named for Mayor Samuel G. Heiskell, it became aplace where dedicated educators and generations of students carried forward a legacy oflearning that endures beyond this place.
Destination: Mount Calvary Baptist Church
Founded in 1913 as an outgrowth of Corinthian Baptist Church, Mount Calvary began at 911East Jackson Avenue before displacement by Urban Renewal. Reestablished on DandridgeAvenue in 1975, the church continues its legacy of faith and service. This congregation reflectsa history of perseverance, spiritual grounding, and enduring commitment to community.
History Just A Scan Away
At each destination stop along the Beck Cultural Corridor, visitors will find QR codes placed at key locations. Scanning these QR codes with a mobile device will direct visitors to a dedicated landing page featuring historical information, photographs, and archival materials related to that specific site. These landing pages will provide deeper context about the site’s history, the people connected to it, and its significance within Knoxville’s Black community. This interactive experience allows visitors to engage with the local history and culture in a meaningful and accessible way.
With Gratitude
Our Partners and Supports
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support and collaboration of our partners and sponsors. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to preserving and sharing the rich history of Knoxville’s Black community.
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