Democracy Speaks Image Gallery
The Project
More than an exhibit, Democracy Speaks: A Civic Poetry Pathway at Renaissance Park invites park visitors to submit poetry of their own for the opportunity to be included in future rollouts of poetry along the pathway.
Installed throughout Renaissance Park, the public civic poetry pathway celebrates the poetic voices of our city through the original works of 16 local poets that explore democracy and freedom, identity and justice, belonging and hope. Each poem is accessible by scanning unique QR codes on the permanent signage that allows visitors to read and hear the poet perform their original work.
The Program
Democracy Speaks was created to commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary while demonstrating that democracy is strongest when every voice has the opportunity to be heard.
The project intentionally brings together poets representing different generations, cultures, professions, experiences, and perspectives.
Together, their voices create a literary portrait of Chattanooga—one that invites reflection, dialogue, understanding, and hope.
“As Project Manager for Democracy Speaks, I’ve had the honor of working with an incredible group of poets whose diversity of age, race, and lived experience makes this installation especially powerful. This is more than poetry—it’s a living reflection of community and a meaningful contribution to Chattanooga’s America250 observance.”
-Marsha Mills, project manager
The Process
In the Fall of 2025, there was a call for poets to submit their best poetic work for consideration for this project. A selection panel reviewed the submissions and the top 16 poets were contacted, commissioned and paid to create original work. On June 28, 2026, the Democracy Speaks: A Civic Poetry Trail at Renaissance Park was officially launched for the community to visit and engage with.
The People
Democracy Speaks transforms public space into a place of conversation. The public poetry exhibit encourages residents to:
- slow down,
- listen deeply,
- consider perspectives beyond their own,
- celebrate creativity,
- and strengthen civic connections.
Thanks for everyone who helped make this happen for our city and community!
Front Row: N’nako Kande’, Mirabelle Soufer, Kelly “Stormy” Williams, Amber Hickey, CJ Diakhate, Cody Simon
Back Row: Marcus Lee, Sylvia Greene, Kenneth Basham, III, Philip Luckey, Logan Vanderwaal, R. N. Letterman, Desiree’ Green, Chemika Tunstall, Peggy Douglas
Not Pictured: Naomi Setliffe
Pictured Left to Right:
Marsha Mills (Project Manager – Rhyme N Chatt), Ian Seaton, Laura Brown, Carmen Elliott (Project Manager – City of Chattanooga Department of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy);
Not pictured: Linda Moss-Mines
poetry pathway chattanooga 