CLARKSVILLE, TN − The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators (TBCSL) will continue its statewide listening tour this month with a visit to Clarksville.

TBCSL Chairman Rep. Jesse Chism says the purpose of the tour is to inform Tennesseans about current Black Caucus initiatives and to gather ideas for the upcoming 2026 legislative session. The visit will include a town hall meeting, as well as a service project.

TBCSL Vice-Chair Sen. Charlane Oliver of Nashville says, “It’s important that when we descend upon cities we do more than just town hall meetings. As a caucus, we have a responsibility to back up our legislative efforts at the Capitol with concrete actions to serve our communities and spread goodwill across the state.”

In Clarksville, TBCSL members will take part in a tribute titled Legacy and Service: The Black Military Heritage Experience. The tribute will include a “Stories of Service” Living History Circle with veterans, active duty military, and community members discussing how military service has shaped Black leadership in Tennessee and the transition from military to civilian advocacy.

The lawmakers will also join with the Equity Alliance to prepare care packages for veterans, witness musical and spoken word performances, and will culminate in a march to the Jimi Hendrix Tennessee Music Pathway Marker led by an ROTC and JROTC color guard.

Clarksville House Rep. Ronnie Glynn says he’s hoping for a big turnout in his host city: “It is an honor to welcome the TBCSL to Clarksville. We have prepared a great program and look forward to hearing from the community and sharing updates from the state. I’m urging everyone to come out and to also grab a young person and bring them with you. Getting young folks involved in the political process early is critical to shaping the society and country they want to live in.”

Details on Wednesday, Aug. 20, Clarksville visit are as follows:

Clarksville Community Service, 1:30 to 4:15 p.m.

Locations:

  • Clarksville Equity Alliance meeting, Strawberry Alley Ale Works, 103 Strawberry Alley
  • Jimi Hendrix Tennessee Music Pathway Marker, near 215 Legion St., at Third and Legion streets

Itinerary:

  • 1:30 to 1:40 p.m.: Equity Alliance and TBCSL members assemble care packages for veteran coalition.
  • 1:40 to 1:55 p.m.: Arrival of guests of honor – Buffalo Soldiers, Women Veterans of America Chapter 47, Fort Campbell representation including current 101st Airborne personnel, Vietnam/Korean VFW, community members and leaders.
  • 1:55 to 2:10 p.m.: Culture and Resistance Tribute – spoken word performance and overview of military service as a pathway to civil rights leadership.
  • 2:10 to 3 p.m.: “Stories of Service” Living History Circle.
  • 3 to 3:15 p.m.: Presentation of gifts and care package distribution.
  • 3:15 to 3:35 p.m.: “Continuing the March” procession to Jimi Hendrix Tennessee Music Pathway Marker led by ROTC/JROTC honor guard.
  • 3:35 to 4 p.m.: Musical tribute at Jimi Hendrix marker.
  • 4 to 4:15 p.m.: Closing elements, including brief media photo op.

Clarksville Town Hall, 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: Montgomery County Public Library, 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 501