Chattanooga Honors Ed Johnson with Day of Remembrance

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga community members gathered Tuesday to honor the legacy of Ed Johnson, a Black man wrongfully lynched in 1906, with a Day of Remembrance.

The day began at the Hamilton County Courthouse, where attendees reflected on Johnson’s life and the injustice he faced, before walking down to the Ed Johnson Memorial at Walnut Street Plaza. The memorial commemorates not only Johnson but also attorneys Noah Parden and Styles Hutchins, who fought his case all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

Mayor Tim Kelly addressed the crowd, saying, “It’s worthy of our time to remember that tragedy, but I think ultimately the lesson is about the rule of law and how important the rule of law is to this country. Of course this was before the civil rights era, but it remains a really important memorial for us to remember in Chattanooga every year on this day.”

Organizers said the walk and gathering are meant to symbolize remembrance, unity, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.

The evening program continues at 5:30 p.m. at the Ed Johnson Memorial in Walnut Street Plaza.