Resurrection of Valor: Honoring Black Union Soldiers and Reclaiming Pulaski’s Legacy

In this powerful episode of World Footprints, Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick take listeners on a deeply personal and historic journey to Pulaski, Tennessee—a town known as the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan but now undergoing a transformation. Their guest, Miss Vivian Leigh Battle Sims (96), an educator, artist, and community leader, has dedicated her life to uplifting the stories of marginalized voices, including the unsung Black Union soldiers who fought bravely during the Civil War.

At 87 years old, Miss Sims discovered the existence of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) while living in Pulaski. This revelation ignited a mission to honor their courage and sacrifice through a self-funded statue called Resurrection of Valor. Positioned as a beacon of hope and resilience, the statue challenges Pulaski’s dark history and inspires future generations by showcasing the valor and strength of Black soldiers.

“How can I have lived to be 87 years old and not ever heard of anything like this? How could it happen?”

–Vivian Sims

During this heartfelt conversation, Miss Sims shares her experiences as an educator, her struggles against systemic racism, and her innovative mentorship program for young Black men. These efforts profoundly impacted her community and improved academic outcomes for countless students. Tonya and Ian also reveal a surprising family connection to Miss Sims, adding an emotional depth to their dialogue about identity, legacy, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Through this episode, you’ll discover how Miss Sims turned obstacles into opportunities, reshaped a town’s narrative, and preserved the memory of heroes who were nearly erased from history. Resurrection of Valor is not just a monument but a symbol of pride, unity, and the enduring legacy of Black Americans who fought for freedom and justice.

Hosts: Tonya & Ian Fitzpatrick
Guest: Miss Vivian Leigh Battle Sims, Educator, Community Leader, and Advocate
Location: Pulaski, Tennessee – A town with a complex history, now reclaiming its legacy.

PODCAST TRANSCRIPTS BELOW AUDIO PLAYER

Key Topics Covered:

• The Story of Pulaski, Tennessee: From the birthplace of the KKK to a beacon of change.
• Miss Sims’ Journey of Discovery: Learning about Black Union soldiers at age 87.
• Resurrection of Valor: The statue commemorating the bravery of Black soldiers in the Civil War.
• Mentorship Programs: Miss Sims’ impactful work with young Black men.
• A Personal Connection: Discovering Miss Sims’ family ties to Ian Fitzpatrick.
• A Town’s Transformation: Pulaski’s efforts to reckon with its history and foster unity.

Key Timestamps

• [00:00:10] – Welcome by Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick
• [00:00:14] – Introduction to Pulaski and Miss Sims’ story
• [00:01:12] – Miss Sims discusses Pulaski’s history and her discovery of Black Union soldiers
• [00:02:59] – The surprising way Miss Sims learned about the US Colored Troops
• [00:07:20] – Miss Sims’ passion for honoring Black soldiers’ contributions
• [00:09:30] – Miss Sims’ mentorship program and its profound impact on students
• [00:14:02] – Inspiration behind the Resurrection of Valor statue design
• [00:18:12] – Challenges faced by Miss Sims in her advocacy and education career
• [00:23:06] – Reflections on the importance of the Resurrection of Valor statue
• [00:26:23] – Symbolism of the statue’s design and its impact on Pulaski
• [00:27:38] – The enduring legacy of Black Union soldiers and Miss Sims’ advocacy
• [00:29:04] – Tonya and Ian reflect on Miss Sims’ personal and historical significance

Episode Highlights

1. Pulaski’s Transformation: Learn how the community is using symbols like the Resurrection of Valor statue to bridge racial divides and honor overlooked history.
2. Discovering Untold Stories: Miss Sims reveals how her unexpected discovery of Black Union soldiers reshaped her mission in life.
3. Family Connection: A surprising twist as Ian Fitzpatrick uncovers his distant relation to Miss Sims, making her advocacy even more personal.
4. Mentorship Legacy: Hear about Miss Sims’ groundbreaking program for young Black men and its lasting impact.

Links and Resources

• Learn more about the Resurrection of Valor: Pulaski Tourism Website
• Read more about the US Colored Troops: National Archives
• Explore more stories like this on WorldFootprints.com.

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Production Note:
This episode of the World Footprints podcast was recorded on location in Pulaski, Tennessee. Thank you to our guest, Miss Vivian Leigh Battle Sims, for sharing her story and her legacy.

 

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