Angela Dennis

10 Year Vision for Knoxville To have a more equitable and economically sustainable city for Black people and minorities in Knoxville. I would like to see our city attract and retain more Black professionals by way of good paying jobs, social opportunities, and quality public education. I also envision revitalization for East Knoxville that doesn’t include pushing people out, but rather giving them better opportunities in their community where they can stay and thrive. My vision is also to have more minorities in key positions of leadership where they can have more than just a seat at the table, but a voice and ability to be decision makers that produce systemic and long lasting change. What is Knoxville's Best Kept Secret? The many grassroots organizations and people who are working everyday to make a difference in our city. What would you do to strengthen Knoxville? I would work to elect more leaders and place those in positions of power who want to see an equitable city, reduction of poverty, and who want to work to improve our communities and neighborhoods that have historically been left out. I would place people in charge who are ready to implement change in a way that has not been seen before and who will push the envelope for social and economic change. What is your favorite Knoxville memory? When I was a little girl, visiting my grandma in East Knoxville going to church and playing outside in her yard, swimming days at the old Chilhowee Holston pool, and watching my dad play baseball at Bill Meyer stadium with the K-Jays. What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand? My favorite book would be anything by James Baldwin or The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley. What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor? Not to second guess myself so much, that I can do this, and I am ready right now for this work. From my editor Joel Christopher. My late grandmother is also someone whose love of Jesus Christ was instilled into me at a young age and whose advice stays with me. What advice would you give to your 16 year old self? That you don’t have to have it all figured out before 25.