that the business environment is constantly changing and developing, and we want to foster change that will benefit the African American community. We are creating a comprehensive plan to accomplish this. This area has so much rich history and cultural significance—we want to further the art, the music, the food, and the dancing! TP: Do you have any advice for people who are interested in learning more about African American culture? RM: Come visit the Bessie Smith Cultural Center! We encourage students, teachers, and families to join us for
free enrichment. This place is an incredible resource with information that you will not find anywhere else. Human beings are all different, but we all have shared interests and so many similarities. I think that the main thing is, in terms of any culture, the more you know, the more comfortable you are. The BSCC is featuring the exhibition “Bright Ideas: African American Inventors” from now until Aug. 30. On Sept. 5, an exhibition by the Zuri Quilting Guild opens, with a gallery talk with the quilters on Sept. 11. For more information, visit bessiesmithcc.org chattanoogapulse.com • STATE OF THE ARTS 2014 • The Pulse • 29