MLK Day in Chattanooga

In 1970, the Unity Group organized a march supporting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a national holiday, a vision that grew into today’s annual MLK Celebration. Through community gatherings and a commemorative march, the celebration continues to honor Dr. King’s legacy of unity, service, and hope.

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Dawn Hjelseth
Downtown Chattanooga Food: Bluegrass Festival Edition

On September 19th and 20th, the IBMA Bluegrass Live! festival comes to Downtown Chattanooga! Whether you're a visitor looking for a place to take a break from the festivities or a local with a craving for an old favorite, you're sure to find some good eats downtown. These restaurants are all conveniently located beside the festival footprint.

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Dawn Hjelseth
Picking on the River: Inside Chattanooga’s Bluegrass Community with Randy Steele

In Chattanooga, bluegrass isn’t just a sound—it’s a weekly ritual, a front-porch handshake, and a reason to pull up a chair. From casual “pickin’ circles” to festivals, the Scenic City has quietly grown a scene that welcomes newcomers and challenges veterans to keep stretching. Randy Steele—songwriter, flatpicker, and tireless champion of the craft—talks community, craft, and why this town keeps him inspired.

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Dawn Hjelseth
Remembering the Chattanooga Five: Courage in the Face of Hate

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and reflect on the incredible legacies of women who have shaped our world, it's important to look locally. Viola Ellison, Lela Mae Evans, Opal Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Fannie Mae Crumsey—known as the Chattanooga Five—may not be household names everywhere, but their courage and resilience changed history.

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Dawn Hjelseth