All aboard! Today’s story is about high-speed rail travel in Chattanooga. Like all good stories, let us start from the beginning.
Meet Horace Benson: historian, writer, farmer, Vietnam veteran, and community organizer. Horace is Chattanooga through-and-through—strong, resilient, and determined. Just like our city itself, he’s faced setbacks and challenges, yet always finds ways to thrive.
Horace has been advocating for high-speed rail between Chattanooga and Atlanta for decades. This vision isn’t just transportation; it’s transformation. It’s about bringing opportunities closer, connecting people, and ensuring Chattanooga’s seat at the table of America’s future. His commitment runs deep—so deep, in fact, that it drew recognition from former President Barack Obama in 2010. But the story didn’t stop there.
Fast forward to 2025, and this dream is still alive—still picking up speed. Like Chattanooga itself, it’s a vision built from resilience. High-speed rail isn’t a new concept. It’s already thriving overseas, stitching together cities in Japan, Germany, China, and France, where passengers move quickly and efficiently, leaving behind crowded highways and congested airports. Chattanooga, the city that birthed the underdog who became the big dog, deserves to be part of this global future.
Imagine getting on a train in Chattanooga and stepping into Atlanta in under an hour—no highway congestion, fewer emissions, less stress. Imagine the possibilities for our local economy, tourism, and jobs. Horace has imagined this every single day, and he’s devoted his life to making sure it happens.
His advocacy isn’t just political or practical—it’s deeply personal. Horace has expressed this vision through powerful stories, including “Rainbow Rail Dreamers,” written in collaboration with myself, Deonte Jackson. This work brings to life Chattanooga’s future through the eyes of local children—brothers Tyrese, Jawaun, and Chuncky, and their friend Aaron—who advocate tirelessly for the rail project. These stories echo Chattanooga’s past of overcoming barriers, and they chart a course toward a more vibrant future.
But Horace didn’t stop with the boys. He continued the journey with “Girls Like Trains, Too!”—introducing Chattanooga to two inspiring fifth-grade girls, Maliyah and De’Kota, whose voices amplify the message that rail travel is about everyone. Their passion and creativity showcase the spirit of a new generation committed to making their city—and world—better.
This mission stretches even further. From Chattanooga all the way to Lawton, Oklahoma, where young advocate Jussiah Lucas connects with California’s “I WILL RIDE” campaign, the call for innovative transportation crosses state lines. It’s a modern-day railroad, moving forward through youthful dreams, hopes, and aspirations.
At its heart, Horace’s mission is about equity and accessibility—bridging gaps, building connections, and creating opportunity. This isn’t just about faster trains; it’s about better futures. He sees clearly how high-speed rail can uplift our communities—especially those historically left behind. For Horace, high-speed rail symbolizes more than tracks and stations; it represents social justice, economic progress, and environmental responsibility.
Today, Horace and I continue pushing forward, reaching out to national platforms like Higher Ground Productions and Tyler Perry Studios to bring these narratives to a wider audience. It’s not only about bringing attention to Chattanooga—it’s about putting our stories, our challenges, and our triumphs on the national stage.
Chattanooga is standing at an intersection of past, present, and future. With leaders and visionaries like Horace Benson guiding us, we have a chance to step boldly into tomorrow. Just like the Air Jordans and Polo wingtips we wear proudly, Chattanooga has shoes to fill—shoes that must step forward with strength, confidence, and vision.
All aboard, Chattanooga! Thanks to dreamers like Horace Benson, our destination is clear, our tracks laid, and our story ready to be told. It’s time to move forward—fast.
Welcome to our shared future. The journey starts here.