Vivian Sims’ Bold Tribute: Honoring Black Soldiers in the Birthplace of the KKK

Vivian Lee Battle Sims may not be a widely known name, but her impact on Pulaski, Tennessee, is profound. At 96, this retired educator and community activist has redefined the legacy of a town once infamous as the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan. Through her vision and personal funds, Sims commissioned the Resurrection of Valor, a statue honoring the United States Colored Troops (USCT) who fought for the Union during the Civil War.

Recently, we discovered a family connection, learning that she is both a cousin to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and a distant relative of my husband, Ian (on the Battle side). Sitting together with Ms. Sims, we pieced through family photos and histories, feeling the depth of these shared roots and their role in her mission.

A Journey of Discovery and Service

The Resurrection of Valor began as a deeply personal journey for Ms. Sims. In her eighties, she first learned about the US Colored Troops at a Civil War reenactment in Pulaski, where Black men dressed in Union uniforms portrayed the often-overlooked USCT soldiers. “I was shocked,” she shared. “I couldn’t believe I had lived this long and never heard of the US Colored Troops.” This revelation became even more meaningful when she discovered that her own great-great-grandfather had served with the USCT, using his mustering-out pay to buy land and build an AME church in the area.

From that moment, Ms. Sims knew she had to bring this history to light in Pulaski. “If it belongs to me, then it belongs to these young folks, too,” she said, recognizing the importance of preserving this heritage for future generations in her hometown. This understanding sparked her vision for the Resurrection of Valor, a monument honoring these soldiers and ensuring their contributions would be remembered.

A Bold Proposal for a Complicated History

Approaching the town council to propose a statue honoring Black soldiers was a bold move, especially in a town long associated with the founding of the Ku Klux Klan. Yet Ms. Sims was determined. “If you stand up for your rights, you’d be surprised how many people will stand with you,” she said, and, indeed, her passion and persistence won the council’s support. The town’s current mayor, a former student of hers, was among her earliest advocates, a testament to her lasting impact as an educator.

Face of the Black Union Soldier. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick
The Resurrection of Valor statue in Cave Springs Park, Pulaski, Tennessee, depicts a US Colored Troops soldier reaching down to a young Black boy, symbolizing a passing of courage and strength across generations. The statue bears the inscription: “You are the descendant of brave warriors who fought and died for your freedom. God created you free and equal to all Americans.”

For the statue’s design, Sims collaborated with a Black female sculptor to bring her vision to life. The result is a powerful depiction of a USCT soldier standing with his hand on the shoulder of a young Black boy, symbolizing mentorship, pride, and courage passed from one generation to the next. “I didn’t want it to be about war,” she explained. “I wanted it to be about pride, about passing on courage.” She aimed to offer young Black men a legacy they could look up to, something that would inspire them beyond the confines of history’s erasures.

Choosing not to wait for donations, Ms. Sims funded the project herself, covering the $82,000 cost from a property sale. “I thought, I’m in my 90s now, and I want to see this happen,” she said. Her commitment to this monument reflects her dedication to a legacy that transcends generations.

Vivian Sims looking upon the the Resurrection of Valor monument. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick

Transforming Pulaski’s Legacy

Since its unveiling in 2023, the Resurrection of Valor has become a symbol of pride in Pulaski. During our visit, we saw local residents proudly guiding out-of-town guests to the statue, eager to share its story and meaning. Where the town was once known primarily for its connection to the Klan, it is now recognized for honoring Black soldiers who fought for freedom and justice. “They’re not calling Pulaski the birthplace of the KKK anymore,” Sims noted. “Now, it’s a town that honors Black soldiers.”

For young Black boys especially, the statue has become a source of pride and belonging. “They can look at that statue and see themselves,” she said. “They can know they’re part of something big, that they have a history of courage.” Decades earlier, Ms. Sims created a mentorship program for young Black boys in her school, pairing them with community role models who helped instill confidence and purpose. Her former student, now the town’s mayor, is one of many young men whose lives she touched through these efforts.

Plaque about the USCT. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick

Family Roots and Shared Legacy

Sifting through family photos with Ms. Sims, we uncovered her connection to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. This family bond underscores a lineage of strength and activism. “Our family has always believed in standing up,” she shared, “and that’s what I hope this statue inspires.” Like her cousin, Ms. Sims has spent her life advocating for justice and visibility, ensuring that important stories and contributions are never forgotten.

The same dedication that led her to a career in education and community work is evident in her approach to honoring the US Colored Troops. Her family’s commitment to justice and service shines through, revealing a shared legacy of resilience and courage that echoes through generations. (Vivian and Ian’s relative, McKinley Battle was Kinston, North Carolina’s first Black lawyer and his wife, Georgia Battle, was the first Black public health nurse in North Carolina’s eastern region.)

The house was once the headquarters of the Black Union soldiers. It is owned by Vivian Sims. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick

A Legacy of Quiet Power

Today, the Resurrection of Valor stands as both a tribute to Black soldiers and as a testament to Ms. Sims’ lifelong dedication to honoring and preserving history. “I wanted it to be something people remember,” she said. “Something that would make people stop and think.” And it does. The statue has transformed Pulaski, reminding residents and visitors alike of a history that is both fuller and more inclusive.

Her life’s work is reflected in the lives of those she’s mentored and in the community she continues to shape. “These are things that outlive us,” she said thoughtfully. “They’ll be here long after I’m gone, telling a story, reminding people who we are.”

For Pulaski, the Resurrection of Valor represents more than a shift in scenery. It’s a powerful reminder of resilience, visibility, and recognition. Vivian Sims has turned a painful chapter in the town’s history into a message of strength and unity, giving Pulaski a story to be proud of.

As we said our goodbyes, Ms. Sims left us with a final thought. “If you stand up for what’s right, you’ll find people stand with you,” she said. In Pulaski, her truth now shines brightly, embodied in the statue and in the lives of those she’s touched. For future generations, the Resurrection of Valor is both a tribute and a promise—a lasting legacy of courage, honor, and the power of one woman’s determination to reshape her world.

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