Robert J. Booker, civil rights icon, gets honorary doctorate from University of Tennessee

Robert J. Booker, Knoxville's esteemed and legendary historian and civil rights leader, was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree from the University of Tennessee on Feb. 10.

Booker is being recognized by Chancellor Donde Plowman and the University for his influential career, most notably for his preservation of Knoxville's Black history, being elected as the first Black state representative in Tennessee's history and for his fearless work in integrating lunch counters and the historic Tennessee Theatre during the Civil Rights Movement.

"I am delighted that my mentor and friend, Robert J. Booker, has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from the prestigious University of Tennessee, Knoxville," Reneé Kesler, president of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, said in a written statement. "This well-deserved recognition is a testament to his unwavering efforts in researching and preserving the rich history and culture of African Americans in East Tennessee. Dr. Robert Booker's exceptional contributions to society have made a significant impact, and we are incredibly fortunate to have such an outstanding individual among us. His achievements are truly inspiring, and this honor is a fitting acknowledgment of his remarkable accomplishments."

Booker was born in 1935 and grew up in the historic African-American community known as "The Bottom" in Knoxville, and began his success during a pivotal period in American history: the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

He is a proud graduate of historic Austin High's class of 1953. After serving a stint in the United States Army, he enrolled at Knoxville College, where he was elected student body president of the historically Black college. There he helped to lead the lunch counter sit-ins in Knoxville and was a key leader during the push to integrate the historic Tennessee Theatre, during which he was jailed. He has continued to fight for equity throughout his storied career.

In 1966, Booker became the first Black state representative in Tennessee history, serving in the legislature for three terms. Throughout the 1970s, he served as the executive director of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center and administrative assistant to Mayor Kyle Testerman, and contributed his expertise to the Tennessee Civil Service Commission. Later, Booker became a respected member of the Knoxville City Council.

Booker is also a prolific writer, publishing numerous books on Knoxville's Black history, and has been a columnist for the Knoxville News Sentinel since 2003.

Angela Dennis is the Knox News race, justice and equity reporter. Email angela.dennis@knoxnews.com. X formerly called Twitter @AngeladWrites. Instagram @angeladenniswrites. Facebook at Angela Dennis Journalist.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Civil rights icon Robert Booker awarded honorary doctorate by UT