Deborah Levine
DL Opinion columns

Remembering Chattanooga’s Fallen Five – by Deborah Levine

Originally published in The Chattanooga Times Free Press

It’s been 10 years since the domestic terrorism attack by Mohammad Abdulazeez who was inspired by terrorist propaganda according to the FBI. After shooting at a recruiting center, he opened fire on a Navy Reserve Center, killing a total of four marines and one navy sailor. Chattanooga has responded in several remarkable ways including last week’s ceremony at the Wreath of Honor Memorial. 

Not long after the terrorist attack, there was an inclusive, and high-profile interfaith service that should be remembered, too. Chattanooga’s flocked to Mount Olivet Baptist Church which has become one of the city’s largest African-American churches. The church was overflowing with elected officials, police officers and FBI, military veterans, and media among the diverse crowd of Black & White, Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Together, we prayed over the loss of four marines and a wounded sailor, who would die just hours later. We prayed over the trauma to our entire community inflicted by the lone gunman.

In the tradition of African-American churches, the service was rousing with inspiring sermons, eulogies, and amazing music. Following the color guard from Ringgold High School, Pastor Kevin Adams offered a prayer for the public officials present: TN Governor Bill Haslam, Mayor Andy Berke, Senator Bob Corker, and Senator Lamar Alexander. Mayor Berke set the tone saying, “The sense of violation can only be alleviated together.” 

The church resounded with applause as each official tried to make sense of the tragedy including a deafening ovation for the words of Chattanooga’s Police Chief, Fred Fletcher: “We can speak about courage all day. Now, it’s time to talk about faith. The officers have faith that their actions will save lives.”

A cadre of faith leaders moved us to tears, to shouts of affirmation, and to our feet. They came from diverse denominations and multi-lingual churches, from the military and the university. When Dr. Mohsin Ali of Chattanooga’s Islamic Society came to the microphone, the crowd leaned forward in their seats. There was a tense silence as we held our breath. Dr. Ali, an immigrant to this country, shared his deep awareness of what happens when the rule of law is lost to violence. Pledging allegiance to Chattanooga, he cried out against the cowardly and disgraceful killer who had spread hate and division. Beautiful!

Holding hands, the service concluded with the iconic gospel song, “This Little Light of Mine.” We understood that unity was fragile and that clashes over religion, national security, and international policies were inevitable. Yet, we were encouraged to build bridges and continue to seek higher truths together through dialogue. Our success relied on us going forward together, not being the same, but being unified.”

Online misinformation, threats and angry e-mails divided us then, as they do today. Isolation from diverse groups fostered assumptions and stereotypes that led to hate, vengeance and violence. The faithful tried to reach out with dialogue and stories. That helped connect us, but much more was needed. 

So Mayor Berke established Chattanooga’s Council Against Hate. The Council’s mission was to advise public and private sectors on policies and strategies for counteracting extreme hate and creating a more civil, safe, and welcoming community. The Council’s multiple teams gathered volunteers from across the city’s geographic areas and our various sectors: business, government, healthcare, education, religion, arts & culture, age groups, technology, nonprofits and media. 

The Council no longer exists, but we created a how-to manual that would enable its re-creation if needed. Given the hate and divisiveness surrounding us these days, I think it’s definitely needed again. If you agree, please do speak up. And if a new Council is formed, please do volunteer.   

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