Discover the Beck Cultural Corridor
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: Alex Haley Heritage Statue
Discover the Alex Haley Heritage Site, home to a 13-foot bronze statue honoring the Roots author. Learn about Haley’s life, his deep connection to Tennessee, and how his storytelling continues to inspire generations.
Destination: The Beck House
Uncover the history of the Beck House — from the families who once called it home to its transformation into the Beck Cultural Exchange Center. Learn how James and Ethel Beck’s legacy helped shape this landmark into a center for preserving Knoxville’s African American heritage.
Destination: The Delaneys
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Destination: Smokies Baseball Stadium
Explore the captivating history of baseball, commonly known as America's pastime, at the Tennessee Smokies Baseball Stadium in the Bottom. Baseball holds a crucial role in the cultural and social history of our country, especially viewed through the lens of the Negro Leagues. The influence of baseball and the Negro Leagues reaches beyond the field; they represent the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of African Americans to society.
Destination: Carnegie Library
Learn how Charles W. Cansler’s vision led to the creation of Carnegie Library, providing Knoxville’s African American community with access to knowledge and opportunity. Discover its history, its impact as a vital learning and gathering place, and the legacy it left behind before it was taken by Urban Renewal.
Destination: Gem Theatre
Step into the story of the Gem Theatre, once a lively entertainment hub for Knoxville’s African American community. Discover how this beloved venue brought people together through music, film, and culture.
Destination: Green School
Established in 1909, Green School was built to educate young Black children in Knoxville and named in honor of prominent physician Dr. Henry Morgan Green. Originally built on Payne Avenue, the school still educates elementary aged children in the East Knoxville community at 801 Lula Powell Drive.
Destination: Nikki Giovanni & Mulvaney Street
Explore the legacy of renowned poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, whose Knoxville roots trace back to Mulvaney Street. Discover how this neighborhood influenced Giovanni's powerful voice, and learn about the historical significance of Mulvaney Street within Knoxville's vibrant Black community.
Destination: Cal Johnson & Cal Johnson Recreation Center
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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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