Former Knoxville mayor and ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe reflects on his time serving in the state House of Representatives with Bob Booker from 1968 to 1972. Ashe was elected at the age of 23, while Booker was one of six African Americans in the House and the first from Knox County. Despite being elected as a Democrat, Booker voted independently, always putting Knox County and East Tennessee first.
One significant moment Ashe recalls is when the House was evenly split between Democrats and Republicans in 1969, with one independent who would be the deciding vote for the House speaker. Booker surprised many by voting for the GOP nominee, Bill Jenkins, over the Democratic nominee. This act of independence made Jenkins the first Republican speaker of the House since the Civil War.
Ashe describes Booker as a man of his own, always making decisions based on what he believed was best for his constituents. Booker’s dedication to serving his community is exemplified in his work on creating a civilian review board for Knoxville. Ashe also praises Booker’s book, “The Heat of a Red Summer: Race Mixing, Race Rioting in 1919 Knoxville,” which shed light on injustices faced by African Americans in the judicial system.
Ashe calls on Governor Bill Lee to exonerate or pardon Maurice Mays, an African American who was wrongfully convicted in 1919, as highlighted in Booker’s book. He believes that acknowledging the injustices of the past is crucial for moving forward. Ashe’s personal anecdotes and reflections showcase the lasting impact of Bob Booker’s legacy in Tennessee politics.
Source
Photo credit www.knoxnews.com