Remembering Bob Booker

By Mike Steely

Senior Writer

steelym@knoxfocus.com

One of the first people I met after I moved to Knoxville about 30 years ago was Bob Booker. I got to know him somewhat from his history within the community and as the first African American from Knoxville to be elected as a state representative.

I found it fitting that last week’s memorial for Bob was Monday, April 14, which would have been his birthday, and the afternoon event was held at Vine Middle School, which used to be Austin High School, where he graduated.

Bob and I were both military veterans, and that was a starting point for conversation. Beyond that, we became friends, talking now and then at events about the civil rights movement, each of us sharing stories. He had taken part in sit-ins at restaurants, integrating the Tennessee Theater, etc., and I shared with him stories of when my school opened its doors to all students.

I found him to be a strong voice, literally and figuratively, and he once sent me a CD of the songs he loved to sing. We also shared a love of history, and he was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge of the “Bottom” area of East Knoxville and detailed that information in his book.

Bob’s experience stretched from time in the Army, his days at Knoxville College, and his service as an administrative assistant to Mayor Kyle Testerman. He served on the city council and the Tennessee Civil Service Commission and was director of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center.

He and I often chatted and shared stories before and during various meetings, often moving off by ourselves to talk. Sometimes Bob would seek me out at events, and we’d talk “off the record” about things.

Bob and I were never close friends, but more like allies on topics, events, East Tennessee racial history, and occasionally about music. He was a friendly face to see at any event or when running into one another on the streets downtown. I always knew that if I had a question about Knoxville history, Bob probably had the answers or knew where I should look.

I’ll miss Bob Booker, but not as much as Knoxville will. He provided guidance for the community without any hatred or regrets.