Beck Cultural Corridor
Reclaiming African American History & Culture

Beck Cultural Corridor

Gone But Not Forgotten
Caldonia Fackler Johnson (1855-1925)
Marble Alley Downtown Knoxville
Marker Dedication April 7, 2017

Reclaiming African American related historical and cultural edifices 
that once stood as monuments to the struggles of early leaders

Alex Haley (1921-1992)
Bronze Miniature Stature
Beck Cultural Exchange Center

The Beck Cultural Corridor

PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

PAST


Beck was established as a result of Knoxville’s Urban Renewal projects. Urban Renewal destroyed shacks and stately homes alike, businesses and churches. Much of the heritage of the Black community was erased from the map. 


PRESENT


Beck is reclaiming that history. How? We are putting the monuments back on the map; we are reclaiming history and culture one monument at a time.


FUTURE


Edifices that once stood as monuments to the struggles of early leaders no longer exist. We are identifying and recognizing African American related historical and cultural monuments that were located throughout the region beginning with the area commonly known as Urban Renewal.

GATEWAY
Alex Haley Statue & Haley Heritage Square 
The gateway to the Cultural Corridor and a short walk from Beck inside Haley Heritage Square, sits the only 13-foot-high bronze statue of author and Pulitzer prize winner Alex Haley. Designed by sculptress Tina Allen and first dedicated in April of 1998, this sculpture is one of the largest dedicated to an African American in the country. Two bronze miniature replicas of the statue are on permanent display at Beck.

The Goal

An interactive excursion where people journey to learn, discover and experience the rich legacy of 
African Americans inside a vibrant Cultural Corridor.

Walking, Biking & Driving Tours

Using technology and personal mobile devices, explore our community viewing historical maps overlaid on modern maps. Discover an African American community with grocery stores, movie theaters, hotels, restaurants, barber shops, gas stations, clothing stores and more. Learn about extraordinary people who made important contributions in the field of math and science, English and literature, medicine and healthcare, aviation, sports, entertainment and more.

Join Us In Crafting a Cultural Corridor

People, Places & Things

Bringing to life the African American historical narrative of people, places and things. 

Learning & Growing

Opportunities for our local neighbors and, our tourist friends who are in search of meaning and understanding from a cultural and historical context. 

Discovering & Experiencing

A framework that helps to create a sense of the people, who they were and where they have been. 

More To Come

The Beck Cultural Corridor
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