Chattanooga Football Club has been celebrating Black History Month throughout February by highlighting outstanding members of the community.
Today, February 12, 2024, the club made a special presentation at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center of an exclusive merchandise collaboration with local Black artist Dominique Pruitt.
In collaboration with the Hart Gallery and the AIM Center, CFC chose Pruitt to paint Lookout Mountain as a way to symbolize the importance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
Pruitt opened up to her struggles and how the therapeutic process of painting has helped her truly find her voice and how it has empowered her.
“I am going to push myself because too many people believe in me and it’s time for me to believe in myself," said Pruitt. "And because I’ve gotten to know Chattanooga Football Club thanks to (the Hart Gallery) and the AIM Center, I’m getting a new support system, and that’s what I’ve been searching for all my life as I struggle with depression."
The entire Chattanooga Football Club men's roster and technical staff were all on hand for the special presentation, along with CFC CEO Alton Byrd, who gave a speech before Pruitt shared her story. Byrd then presented Pruitt with a framed version of the final design.
All players, technical staff and front office were given a tour of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum after the presentation.
Proceeds from sales will go directly to Pruitt.
