The Bottom: Reclaiming Knoxville's Black Heritage
Community Spotlight:
The Bottom:
Reclaiming Knoxville's Black Heritage
(The Bottom. 2025. Retrieved from https://www.thebottomknox.com)
Building community, celebrating culture, and engaging creativity
Reviving Knoxville's Historic Black Neighborhood
In the heart of Knoxville, a vibrant cultural renaissance is underway, led by The Bottom, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering Black community and creativity. Named after Knoxville’s first Black neighborhood, which was demolished in the 1950’s due to urban renewal and systemic racism, The Bottom serves as a living testament to resilience and cultural reclamation.
The Inception of The Bottom
Dr. Enkeshi El-Amin, a sociologist specializing in race, place, and Black communities, founded The Bottom to address the profound sense of displacement experienced by Knoxville’s Black residents. Through extensive interviews and archival research, Dr. El-Amin unearthed deep-seated feelings of loss among both elders and youth. Determined to transform research into action, she collaborated with community activists, including Brandi Augustus, Pumpkin Starr, Ty Murray of Black Mama’s Bail Out, and Jazmin Witherspoon, to create a space that embodies Black culture and togetherness.
A Hub for Culture and Creativity
Since its inception in 2019, The Bottom has evolved from a youth sewing and entrepreneurial program into a multifaceted cultural hub. The space now features:
Tea Room: A communal area fostering conversation and connection
Podcast Studio: A platform amplifying Black voices and stories
Expanded Sewing Studio: A creative space for skill-building and entrepreneurship.
Bookstore: A curated collection emphasizing Black authors and narratives.
These spaces collectively support The Bottom’s mission to cultivate a sense of belonging, safety, and dynamic cultural expression for Knoxville’s Black community.
Mission and Vision
Rooted in place justice, The Bottom strives to:
Build Community: Creating spaces where Black individuals can connect and thrive.
Celebrate Culture: Honoring and preserving the rich heritage of Knoxville’s Black residents.
Engage Creativity: Providing resources and opportunities for artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors.
By embracing the fluid and relational nature of Blackness, The Bottom challenges static representations and fosters an environment of growth and transformation.
How to Support The Bottom
Community involvement is vital to The Bottom’s continued success. Here are ways you can contribute:
Visit the Bookstore: Explore literature that centers Black experiences and supports Black authors.
Participate in Programs: Engage in workshops, discussions, and events designed to empower and educate
Volunteer or donate: Offer your time or financial resources to sustain and expand The Bottom’s initiatives
Learn more about The Bottom here.
Thank You, The Bottom
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Bottom for its unwavering dedication to enriching Knoxville’s cultural landscape. Your commitment to community-building, cultural celebration, and creative engagement not only honors the legacy of Knoxville’s original Black neighborhood but also paves a way for a more inclusive and vibrant future.
To read more Connecting Knox Community Spotlight features visit here.
Article Sources
The Bottom. (2025). Our Story. Retrieved from https://www.thebottomknox.com/our-story
The Bottom. (2025). Home. Retrieved from https://www.thebottomknox.com/
The Bottom. (2025). Logo of The Bottom. Retrieved fromhttps://www.thebottomknox.com
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