This post was authored by Boden Wilson, a student assistant in the Library’s Special Collections unit. Boden is the student assistant for the processing project: “‘One of the Black Legislators’: Providing Access to the Tommie F. Brown Papers.”
I am a history and classics double major. Along with being interested in classical literature and history, I have a strong interest in intellectual, political, and cultural history. I am a student working here at UTC and started working on the Tommie F. Brown papers at Special Collections in August, 2024. This collection contains vast documentation of Dr. Tommie F. Brown’s time as both a Professor here at UTC as well as her time spent as a legislator in the Tennessee State government.
One of the very interesting aspects of this collection is the campaign records and ephemera compiled during Dr. Tommie F. Brown’s long political career. The contents of this series range from district maps to more personal work done by Dr. Tommie F. Brown in her campaign like canvassing and community outreach. These zoning maps offer a breakdown of Chattanooga in terms of its voting districts. Volunteer records show the sheer amount of work required for community outreach in a political campaign. Canvassing from neighborhood to neighborhood as well as running phonebanks were the most common and all-encompassing forms of outreach. Furthermore, the immense financial and administrative work involved in running a political campaign can also be seen in these records.
Beyond the interesting nature that these documents hold, they highlight the important role of community engagement and support within American politics. A vast number of volunteers worked tirelessly, knocking on doors or calling phones in order to bring attention to the campaign and sway voters. Moreover, many trusted groups and organizations in the Chattanooga region stood behind and endorsed Dr. Tommie Brown in her many election bids.
Postcard created by the Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters Association endorsing Representative Tommie F. Brown
Just as important as the time and effort that Chattanoogans volunteered, donations were crucial in providing the financial capability to successfully run for office. Dr. Tommie Brown did much herself to earn the trust and support of her constituency. She often sent congratulation letters to those who registered to vote as well as letters encouraging constituents to exercise that right. In addition, Dr. Tommie Brown went from door to door herself canvassing with her many volunteers and held many community events where those in her district could make their voices heard.
In all, the compiled campaign records and ephemera part of the Tommie F. Brown collection offers a fun and introspective look into local American politics, in both the administrative requirements of a political campaign and the community driven work needed for such an endeavor.
Support for “‘One of the Black Legislators’: Providing Access to the Tommie F. Brown Papers” is provided by an Archival Projects grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.