Pulaski, Tennessee, is often remembered as the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan, but in this powerful interview, Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick of World Footprints uncover a different narrative. Joined by the extraordinary Miss Vivian Leigh Battle Sims, this episode explores her lifelong dedication to education, community service, and preserving the legacy of Black Union soldiers who fought during the Civil War.

Miss Sims shares her remarkable journey of discovering the United States Colored Troops (USCT) at the age of 87, a revelation that led her to commission the Resurrection of Valor statue—a self-funded monument that honors the bravery and sacrifice of these unsung heroes. This deeply personal conversation also reveals a surprising family connection between Ian Fitzpatrick and Miss Sims, making this dialogue about identity and resilience even more impactful.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Video:

• The history and legacy of the United States Colored Troops in the Civil War
• Miss Sims’ vision behind the Resurrection of Valor statue
• Pulaski’s transformation from a place of division to one of healing
• The challenges Miss Sims faced as an educator and community leader
• How mentorship programs can transform young Black lives
• Tonya and Ian’s reflections on family, resilience, and historical justice

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

Featured Quotes from the Video:

🔊 “How could I have lived to be 87 years old and never known about the Black Union soldiers?” – Miss Vivian Sims
🔊 “This statue isn’t just a memorial—it’s a beacon of hope and a resurrection of forgotten valor.” – Ian Fitzpatrick
🔊 “Pulaski is turning the page on its history, and this monument is sparking conversations we need to have.” – Tonya Fitzpatrick

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