The Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga will honor Judge Curtis Collier, among others, at the Second Annual Bessie Smith Legacy Gala on Nov. 8. The gala "celebrates those whose contributions have not only uplifted the community but have also fostered a spirit of resilience and unity," according to the center's website. Appointed in 1995, Collier made history as the first African American U.S. district judge in the Eastern District of Tennessee. Center officials told Chattanoogan.com that "proceeds from the gala will directly benefit the Bessie Smith Cultural Center Education Program, which provides dynamic learning opportunities for students, educators and the community through exhibitions, field trips, lectures and outreach initiatives." Read more about this year's honorees under the "Events" tab and get ticket information.

The TBA’s General, Solo & Small Firm Section will host networking events in Johnson City and Nashville next month. The first will be held Oct. 2 from 4:30–6:30 p.m. EDT at Wellington’s in Johnson City, followed by a gathering Oct. 8 from 5–7 p.m. CDT at Monday Night Brewing in Nashville. Section members, as well as any TBA member interested in learning more about the section, are invited to attend. Register for the Johnson City event or the Nashville event to help TBA plan for the gatherings. Thanks to Crystal Cole with CRC Legal Group for sponsoring the Nashville event.

The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) is seeking attorney volunteers to help commemorate Constitution Day by leading one-hour classroom programs on the U.S. Constitution at three Knoxville elementary schools. The programs will be held Sept. 19 at Fountain City Elementary from 8 to 9 a.m. and South Knox Elementary from 1 to 2 p.m., and Sept. 26 at Dogwood Elementary from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. All times EDT. Organized by the KBA Barristers School Outreach Committee, the interactive sessions will include videos, activities and Q&A opportunities with students. No prior teaching experience is required, and all materials will be provided. Attorneys interested in volunteering can reach out to co-chairs Grace Ewell or Hannah Clyde.

The American Bar Association (ABA) and American University Washington College of Law will host a virtual program, “On the Docket: Looking Ahead at the New Supreme Court Term,” on Sept. 25 from noon to 1:20 p.m. EDT. Panelists will preview major issues before the court when it reconvenes in October, including state bans on transgender athletes in sports, voting rights, campaign finance laws, the death penalty, state regulatory authority, challenges to conversion therapy and redistricting in Louisiana. The event will feature Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the University of California Berkeley School of Law; Gregory G. Garre, partner at Latham & Watkins; William W. Berry III, professor at the University of Mississippi Law School; and Boston Globe columnist Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Stephen Wermiel, a professor at American University Washington College of Law, will moderate. Register here.

A news item in yesterday's issue of TBA Today had the incorrect date for the Sevier County Bar Association's 11th Annual Sevier County Juvenile Seminar. The event will take place on Oct. 14. Register for the program and view the agenda. All proceeds will benefit the Women’s Recovery Home.

The Sevier County Bar Association is sponsoring the 11th Annual Sevier County Juvenile Seminar on Oct. 14, with all proceeds benefiting the Women’s Recovery Home. The virtual program will cover juvenile law topics applicable statewide. Register for the program and view the agenda. For those who register, the training will remain available through Nov. 30.

The Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP) will host a free suicide prevention training using the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) method this Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT. Participants will learn to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help, similar to how CPR or the Heimlich Maneuver can save lives. The free session, limited to 20 participants, will include lunch and provide guidance on identifying common causes of suicidal behavior, helping someone in crisis and accessing support for oneself. For more information and to register, visit the TBA website.

The Spence Wilson Center for Interdisciplinary Humanities at Rhodes College will host a free public lecture on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. CDT by Harvard University professor and Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation Director Dr. Danielle Allen. Pre-registration is required. Allen will talk about her award-winning book "Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality," which revisits the founding document. View a flyer for the event. In advance of the declaration's 250th anniversary in 2026, Allen also is compiling resources to mark the milestone. Check those out on her lab's website.

The Knoxville Bar Association and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, in partnership with Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET), will hold a Debt Relief Clinic on Sept. 13 to provide pro bono legal services to income-eligible consumer debtors. The clinic will begin at 9 a.m. EDT at the Knox County Public Defender's Community Law Office, 1101 Liberty St., Knoxville 37919. Judge Suzanne Bauknight will present a short overview of the bankruptcy system and then volunteer lawyers will conduct initial meetings with the clients to discuss their situations and options. Those interested in helping should register online. Clients seeking advice should call 865-637-0484.

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee will host a public reading of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 12 to celebrate Constitution Day. The event will be held on the steps of the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building, 900 Georgia Ave., Chattanooga 37402, from 11:30 a.m. to approximately 12:45 p.m. EDT. The public is invited to join the court and local bar associations to read the Constitution in segments of one minute or less. Those interested in participating should check in at the bottom of the courthouse steps upon arrival. Readings primarily will be assigned on a first-come, first-filled basis. For more information, email Russell Eslinger.