The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) has released a special Black History Month episode of its Court Talk podcast, featuring a conversation with Tennessee Court of Appeals Judge John McClarty and host Nick Morgan as they discuss McClarty's autobiography, "The Dreamer: John W. McClarty." Their discussion ranges from Chattanooga in the 1950s to a lifetime spanning two careers, as a lawyer and an appellate judge.

To commemorate Black History Month, Judge Curtis Collier, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, and three of his law clerks — Carrie Brown Stefaniak, Erienne Reniajal Lewis and Rachel Elaine Noveroske — wrote an op-ed for the Chattanooga Times Free Press highlighting historical cases that demonstrate some of the ways African American history is inextricably intertwined with American legal history. 

The Beck Cultural Exchange Center in Knoxville will host a panel discussion at 6 p.m. EDT tomorrow on policing and police encounters as part of their Black History Month events and ongoing conversations on racial justice. The event name —"The Talk" — comes from the conversation that generations of Black parents have had with their children about what to do if they are stopped or questioned by police officers. According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, 10 speakers are scheduled, including retired Knoxville Police Department Chief Nathaniel Allen, former NAACP President Dewey Roberts, former Knox County Commissioner Diane Jordan and attorney Dillon Zinser. In addition, Knox News Executive Editor Joel Christopher and reporter Angela Dennis will join a panel to discuss what their reporting has revealed about the effects of policing in the community. Nzinga Amani, a police reform activist, and community member Nahshon Bain-Greenidge also will share their experiences with local officers.

The American Bar Association (ABA) will offer a special Black History Month program on Feb. 29 at 2 p.m. CST. "The Business of Democracy" will feature special advisors to the ABA Task Force for American Democracy, former Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier, former American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault and past ABA President Paulette Brown, the first women of color to serve in that role. Topics will include corporate and social activism, the impact of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action decision on the business community, how lawyers can pursue a career path in the corporate sector, and more. Login to watch the program here.

Don’t miss the Black Heritage in Racing Exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville, now through Feb. 26. This exhibit, which originated at the Kentucky Derby Museum, explores the significant contributions of Black Americans to the early success of the Kentucky Derby. The exhibit also addresses the impact of segregation and Jim Crow, which led to the exclusion of African Americans from the racing industry. The display also narrates the stories of Black individuals who served as primary caretakers for horses in the 20th century. The exhibit is free with the purchase of a ticket to Belle Meade Historic Site.

Kevin G. Ritz, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, recently issued a video message in honor of Black History Month saying this “is a time to reflect on the people who have taken a stand for civil rights in our nation." One of those people, he continues, is “Ida B. Wells … the daughter of formerly enslaved parents, [who] became a leader for racial justice and gender equality here in Memphis. Her contributions help to shape the work my team and I do every day. Please join me in celebrating Black History Month and the countless achievements of Black Americans.”

In honor of Black History Month, the Tennessean is featuring profiles of 16 Black Americans who helped shape the arts, politics and culture of Nashville. Highlights include musician and early Grand Ole Opry star DeFord Bailey, surgeon Dorothy Lavinia Brown, attorney Z. Alexander Looby and attorney Avon N. Williams Jr., who became the first Black American elected to the state senate, where he served from 1968-1990. Read more from the Tennessean.

In addition to the opportunity to view the first episode of Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s history series in Chattanooga, a free watch party is scheduled for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville. The event will take place Monday from 6-9 p.m. CST at the museum, located at 510 Broadway, Nashville 37203. A panel discussion will follow the screening. Sponsored by the museum and Nashville Public Radio, the event will feature the first installment of a four-part series that takes a deep dive into the origin story of Black spirituality through sermon and song. RSVP here.

The Napier-Looby Bar Association (NLBA) has a number of programs and events scheduled throughout the month in honor of Black History Month. These include the inaugural NLBA Day on the Hill on Feb. 20, a program for pre-law students on Feb. 21 and a program on banned books on Feb. 27. The Day on the Hill will include a discussion with state Sen. Rameush Akbari, D-Memphis, attending committee meetings and experiencing a mock legislative session. Sign up here to participate or email napierlooby@gmail.com with any questions. In addition, the Napier-Looby Bar Foundation will hold its 17th Annual Barristers’ Banquet and Awards Program on Feb. 22 at 14 Tenn in Nashville. The reception, which will take place before the banquet, will honor the late Judge Richard Dinkins. Tickets are available for purchase. Questions about the event can be directed to napierloobybarfoundation@gmail.com.

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga will host a screening of the new film "Gospel" this Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. EST. Hosted by acclaimed scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr., "Gospel" explores Black spirituality in sermon and song. The screening will be followed by a community discussion on the evolution of the film. Registration is free but required.