The Colored Hotel Heritage Foundation

Discovering the Past, Defining the present and Designing the Future

The Colored Hotel Heritage Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization whose goal is to restore/rehabilitate “The Colored Hotel,” 202 Nash Street in Union City, Tennessee.

The building has been donated to the Foundation by Earnest Cooper Daniels. It will be secured by a preservation easement/covenant that encumbers the property for 50 or more years for public use for educational and cultural purposes. On August 11, 2008 the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a significant building for African-American social history in Union City: 1945-1975.

The Tennessee Historical Commission states in it’s nomination of the building for the Register. “Built in circa 1945, the Colored Hotel stands as a monument to the history of segregation and a symbol of a community that actively resisted oppression by finding a way to take part in the growing nation trend of automobile travel.”

The hotel catered to ‘colored’ travelers along US Hwy. 51. The hotel also provided housing for African American construction workers helping build America’s interstate highways through the South.

The Hotel contributed to the social fiber of the African-American Community in Union City, hosting well-known entertainers like the Ike and Tina Turner Revue, Rufus Thomas and his daughter Carla. It was the site of holiday soirees sponsored by the Holiday Club, a local African American social organization.

Why are we trying to save The Hotel?

Carter G. Woodson, Father of Black History said “Those who have no record of what their forbearers have accomplished lose inspiration which come from teaching biography and history.” The History and Culture Center will help the community link the spirit of previous generations to the present.

Just as the Hotel provided lodging for African Americans, the restored Hotel will be a place to preserve the history of African Americans in Union City/Obion County. It is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, by acknowledging and appreciating the contributions African Americans have made to every aspect of community life.

How will the restored building be used?

The restored building will house the African- American History Museum and Cultural Center. The building will be a place to recognize African-American contributions in business, education, politics, , recreation and community life in Union City and Obion County. It will:

• Serve as a repository to catalog and preserve a collection of artifacts that document the history and life of African Americans

• Host educational , historical, art exhibit from other museums across the US

• Develop educational programs consistent with the TN Dept. of Education Curriculum

• Provide a resource for historical, cultural and genealogical researchers

How will this goal be accomplished?

The Foundation will develop partnerships with local,state and national entities

• Local business community

• Municipal government

• The Tennessee Historical Commission

• State and National Trust for Historic Preservation

• Area colleges and universities

• The Smithsonian Museum’s African American Museum

• National museum associations

How will this project be financed?

The most important support for this project is that provided by the local community and other stakeholders. Local funding will provide seed money and the leverage necessary to compete for grant funds from public and private grantors.

How will the building serve the community?

Local organizations have committed to using the Center for their programmatic needs:

• Lions Club

• Boys and Girls Club

• Obion County Ministerial Alliance

The building will have a multipurpose room available for rental to the community at large;.

How will the Colored Hotel Restoration benefit Union City?

• Eliminates and restores use of an unsightly property

• Creates jobs

• Interfaces with other local efforts, such as Discovery Park, to increase tourism

• Provides a platform for former Union City natives to return and share their success, inspire and educate youth

• Helps newcomers, especially minorities acclimate to the community

• Increases appreciation for how diverse cultures cooperatively build a community

• Provide a valuable tool for employers to use in attracting new employees

Who should support this project?

The success of this project depends on the investment of time, energy, expertise and money by the entire community, including:

• Municipal and County Government

• Local business and industry

• Civic Organizations

• Tourism groups

• Historic groups

• Local schools

• Area Churches

• You!!!

For more information contact: Earnest Cooper Daniels, Chairman, 731-571-9154 or Joan Blackmon, Project Facilitator by phone 731-885-3455, e-mail joan_blackmon@ymail.com