Bristol council unanimously backs 'Souls of Bristol' project to mark Black Bottom history

The Bristol, Virginia City Council voted unanimously on June 9 to adopt a resolution expressing support for the Souls of Bristol’s Black Bottom public history initiative, a community-led effort to research, preserve and commemorate the city’s historic Black Bottom business district.

Council members said the project fills gaps in the city’s recorded history. The presiding official, speaking as the mayor’s understudy, said the resolution would “bring back” parts of Bristol’s history that “shouldn’t have been lost.” Councilmember Pard praised the initiative and called it “informative,” and another councilmember noted prior local projects that preserved historic contributions, including monuments and memorials.

Project lead Tina McDaniel told council the initiative is community‑informed and intends to use archival research, oral history collection, public education and interpretive signage and artwork in the area historically known as Black Bottom. McDaniel said the project has philanthropic support and named funding from the Ann and Jean Whirl Foundation and Virginia Humanities; she said the organizers expect signage to be installed by the end of the year.

The resolution, read in full at the meeting and adopted by roll call, directs that a copy be provided to the project’s organizers and supporters as an expression of the city’s appreciation and support. Council discussion emphasized the value of preserving stories tied to entrepreneurship, faith institutions and civic life that were lost through urban renewal, and members welcomed community participation in the initiative.

The resolution text describes the initiative’s goals as research, preservation, interpretation and public commemoration and cites plans for archival work, oral histories and interpretive signage. The council’s action does not itself commit city funds; staff recommended approval and the motion to adopt passed unanimously.