Community

Scenic Roots

"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

Remembering Chattanooga's Rev. Paul A. McDaniel

WUTC | By Ray Bassett

Published August 28, 2021 at 4:01 PM EDT

Here in Chattanooga, he served - for decades as pastor at Second Missionary Baptist Church, as a leader for civil rights and as a Hamilton County Commissioner.

The Rev. Paul A. McDaniel died this past weekend at the age of 91.

Earlier this year, he spoke with us here on “Scenic Roots” during our series of conversations about Ed Johnson, who was lynched on the Walnut Street Bridge in 1906.

Rev. McDaniel recounted Johnson’s baptism at the Hamilton County Jail.

Listen to the rest of our conversation with him here.

Next month, the Ed Johnson Memorial will be dedicated here in Chattanooga, near the Walnut Street Bridge.