The Chattanooga Way
Chattanooga is known for a few things at this point. The fastest internet, beautiful bluffs and cliffs to climb, a river to kayak and paddleboard on, and most notably, “The Chattanooga Way.” Many have chosen to define The Chattanooga Way as the motivating spirit that guided us to be one of the first cities to embrace and push public/private partnerships. However, I would honestly have to describe my beloved hometown as having a culture of nepotism. How can I criticize our city so harshly? Why is it particularly important to discuss our current cities culture? The world is changing, and we must change to remain competitive and at the forefront of more than superficial innovation.
Talent in America is waning, and Chattanooga is no different. We long for the past’s safety as we accelerate towards a new age of technological enlightenment and advancement. Covid-19 has sped up the inevitable closing of small businesses, shopping malls, and even big box stores. Many of the jobs we find comfort in today will cease to exist in the next 15–20 years due to robotics and artificial intelligence. How is Chattanooga preparing for this future? Frankly and honestly, it isn’t, and part of that is because of an entrenched system of nepotism. What the heck is that?
nep·o·tism | \ ˈne-pə-ˌti-zəm \
Definition of nepotism
The practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.
The qualifier for an opportunity in this city rarely is based on your educational level, intellect, experience, or drive. Have you heard these any of the following questions?
Who are you related to?
Where do you go to church?
What high school did you graduate from?
Doors seem to unlock more when you meet specific criteria like graduating from GPS or McCallie, worship at a local mega-church, or have the right relatives. This toxic culture of nepotism has elevated many to positions that have created intentional barriers that are more primitive than the social construct of popularity. Is this perhaps why Chattanooga was the 4th worst ran city in the nation in 2019? The 7th in the year prior? Is this perhaps why we have some of the fastest gentrified zip codes nationally and the most massive displacement of black residents? Is this why we have to import talent and skilled laborers?
One of the things I talked about in a recent live stream on Facebook is that real leaders identify talent and groom them. Talent can come from anywhere; it’s not homogeneous or exclusive. One of the things that fuel so many of my friends is that many of us had no doors open to us because of a fancy high school or prominent last name. We’ve had to get it out of the mud and create opportunities in food, education, and opportunity deserts. If Chattanooga is to be the shining Emerald City of the South, we have no choice but to break down walls and invite others to the table and respect their voice and contribution. It’s time dismantle the Chattanooga Way and give way to a new Chattanooga Way that affirms all.
“Lack of opportunity is the new Jim Crow.”
― My Mentor
