East Knoxville has historically been a vibrant hub of African American culture, memory, and community civic engagement. Stories of the many people, landmarks, and joyful memories ring proudly from any native that you are fortunate to chat with. Similar to many Black communities in the American South, the geographical location was ripped through by urban renewal, a systemically racist policy to destroy and remove thriving black communities in the late 1940s. One of the most notable black communities in Knoxville destroyed during that time was affectionately known as, “The Bottom”. The Bottom was a dynamic community with memorable people and places. Unfortunately, it is only in relation to its destruction that the story of the Bottom is told. Although the physical destruction of The Bottom was a pillar in the community, the essence of The Bottom was in the relationships. Relationships among fellow community members such as friends, family, and neighbors helped maintain the positive relationship between the people and their surroundings. The places that held personal and collective memories which defined the space. Dr. Enkeshi El-Amin gathered with elders from The Bottom community to hear their recollections of fond memories, loved ones, and unique individuals who defined the neighborhood, preserving and amplifying the story of a beloved community. What started as research to fulfill her PhD at UTK, soon turned into a mission to reclaim space in East Knoxville for community to feel welcomed, heard, and appreciated. 6 years later, The Bottom is still grounded in those relationships, stories, memories, and connections to East Knoxville’s past, present, and future.
When I joined The Bottom in summer 2022, I saw a space catered to enhancing the culture, creativity and community of East Knoxville through Black art and literature. My inner Black child was elated to see a space that was unapologetically Black and something I wish I had in my community growing up. A space that doesn’t just consume Blackness, but honors the roots of it, invests in the community that contributes to it, and provides opportunities for everyone to celebrate it in its fullness. Working at The Bottom has shown me firsthand how powerful arts and literature can be used as tools for community building, cultural preservation, and social change. Through our Art Department we run programs like Arts in Movement (AIM) , our Community AIM exhibitions, Sewing Series, Ceramics Soul Collective, and Tiny Bookshop Concerts. I have watched local artists, musicians, writers, and creatives share their work that celebrates the richness of Black culture and lived experiences. Providing opportunities for local artists to have their first solo exhibition, workshops, musical productions, or art sold in East Knoxville. These programs provide opportunities for artists to showcase their talents while creating meaningful experiences for residents to connect with one another, engage with important issues, and see their stories reflected and valued. By centering local voices, we challenge the narratives that are often imposed on communities like East Knoxville and instead highlight the creativity, resilience, and cultural wealth that have always existed here.
One of the most rewarding parts of this work is witnessing the transformative impact these opportunities can have on individual artists. Through our partnership with Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg TN , we were able to support artist Margo Miller’s participation in the 2025 Windgate Fellowship. Reflecting on the experience, Margo shared, “This workshop gave me so many ideas. I’m leaving with renewed excitement for how these techniques can expand and connect my work. But perhaps the biggest gift was the reminder that community is where creativity truly flourishes.” She described learning alongside fellow artists, exchanging techniques, sharing stories, and building relationships that continue beyond the workshop itself. Margo credits The Bottom’s support not only with helping her access a new artistic opportunity, but with placing her in a space where meaningful connections could take root. Inspired by the experience, she has already hosted an indigo dye workshop and begun conversations about bringing future indigo programming to The Bottom. Stories like Margo’s remind me that our role extends beyond providing programming.
As one of the only Black-owned independent bookstores in East Tennessee, it is critical to our mission that Black literature is always at the forefront of our work. At a time when book bans continue to threaten access to diverse perspectives across the nation, we intentionally create spaces that encourage intellectual freedom and critical dialogue. In spaces like our Banned Book Club, I have watched community members come together to read, discuss, and wrestle with ideas that are often excluded from mainstream conversations. One participant reflected that after attending a discussion of Danielle Evans’ The Office of Historical Corrections, they left with “a deeper appreciation for the social commentary in the short stories as well as connections to new people in my community.” They went on to share that, “we take collective action to advocate for unrestricted access to life-changing literature.” Feedback like this reminds me that these gatherings allow us to ensure that Black and banned literature remains accessible in our community by uplifting Black authors, amplifying underrepresented voices, and allowing for deeper connections in community over shared reflections.
Our commitment to access also extends to ensuring that children and families have opportunities to engage with diverse and culturally relevant literature through our Lit Kidz program. I am always overjoyed to see how meaningful it can be for young readers to encounter stories and characters that reflect the richness of the world around them. One parent shared that being able to walk into our bookstore and easily find books representing different races, cultures, and belief systems has been invaluable for their family. They noted that exposing their son to diverse literature has helped teach important lessons about equality, justice, and the ongoing struggle to achieve both. Reflecting on their experience with Lit Kidz, they described it as “the highest quality entertainment,” adding that even as an adult they thoroughly enjoyed the program. I have seen firsthand how a book can spark conversations, strengthen community connections, support local creatives and authors, and help build a more vibrant and thriving future for East Knoxville.
Community partnerships are also central to how we serve our community. Working alongside local organizations, educators, artists, and community leaders allows us to expand our impact and transform our space into something much larger than a traditional arts center or bookstore. One partnership that has been especially meaningful is our collaboration with Rooted East Knox Collective, a community led organization committed to addressing food apartheid in East Knoxville. Through this relationship, I have seen The Bottom evolve into a true third space where people gather not only for arts and literature programming, but also to learn, share resources, and engage with issues that directly affect their lives. Together, we have hosted bartering markets, food preparation and gardening workshops, public forums, and community conversations that examine challenges such as food sovereignty, economic inequity, and community health.
Some of the most meaningful moments I have experienced at The Bottom have come through these educational gatherings. I have listened to neighbors discuss topics like the Red Summer, the Civil Rights Movement, local Black history, music, Black culture, and civic participation while drawing connections between historical events and the realities our community faces today. These conversations create opportunities for people to learn from one another, deepen their understanding of the systems that shape our lives, and imagine collective solutions. What I value most about this work is that it reminds me that culture, education, and community action are deeply connected. Every exhibition, concert, book discussion, workshop, and public forum contributes to building a stronger, more informed, and more connected East Knoxville where people feel empowered to tell their stories, shape their future, and thrive.
Kalil White is originally from Leesville, Louisiana and is the eldest daughter of 10 children. She realized at an early age that she had a passion for nature and community development. She received her Bachelors of Science in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Sustainability from Georgia Southern University in 2018 and her Masters of Science in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications from University of Tennessee in 2021. During her grad program she was recognized for her academic achievements by being inducted into the Gamma Sigma Delta Agriculture Honor Society in Spring 2020. Her experience includes serving within several nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to environmental sustainability, community outreach, and serving marginalized communities. Kalil’s lifetime goal is to earn a Noble Peace Prize in Environmental Sustainability throughout global marginalized communities. She always prides herself on being the person she needed in her community growing up.