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.

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.

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.”