Chattanooga. The city that birthed my resilience, hard work, and dedication. The home of the underdog who somehow became the big dog. Martin Luther King Street to some, and 9th Street to others. Bi-Lo to some, and Food City to others. Chattanooga City College/Zion College to some, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to others. Touba Mini Mall to some and—well, you get the point. No matter what changes around us, one thing remains true—it’s still us. We survive. We adapt. And above all, we find ways to thrive.
My name is Deonte Jackson, and this is home. It’s the place that taught me everything I know about being strong, proud, and determined. It’s the community that inspired me, shaped me, and made me believe in the power of storytelling. That’s exactly why I’m launching Soul of Chattanooga—a news and media platform created to amplify the voices and stories of our city.
But before we step into this new chapter, I want to honor someone whose dedication and vision laid the foundation for everything we’re about to do. Leslie Smith, a native Chattanoogan, spent over a decade carefully nurturing and building this company from the ground up. Her vision, creativity, and passion provided the blueprint. Through the grace of God, I inherited this remarkable gift and responsibility from her. Leslie entrusted me with her “baby,” and I promise to carry it forward with the integrity, care, and respect it deserves.
Growing up here, I learned early that Chattanooga is special because it’s layered with history, culture, and character. From the airbrushed t-shirts at Eastgate Mall to the 2-for-$50 Air Force Ones from Keepin’ It Real—each memory connects the old Chattanooga to the new. Each moment is a thread in the larger fabric that makes this city unique, vibrant, and deeply authentic.
Soul of Chattanooga is my way of giving back—of shining a spotlight on the stories that often go unheard, but that are essential to understanding who we truly are. We’re here to highlight our history, our now, our future, and our culture. We’re here to celebrate our successes and reflect honestly on our struggles. And most importantly, we’re here to elevate all the voices of Chattanooga, no matter the neighborhood or the zip code.
Our city is changing—no doubt about it. New developments, new businesses, new faces. But the heart of Chattanooga remains. Whether you’re wearing a pair of retro Jordans or Polo Ralph Lauren leather wingtips, we all fill our shoes the same way: strong, proud, and rooted deeply in this city’s history. Soul of Chattanooga is a reflection of that pride, a recognition of our past, and an unwavering belief in our future.
Our platform welcomes community voices—artists, writers, historians, and anyone else who loves our city and has a story to share. Through guest submissions and community contributions, we’re building something that belongs not just to me, but to all of us. As we grow, we’ll seek partnerships with local businesses, creatives, and established media outlets to expand our reach and impact.
Innovation matters deeply to us too. We’re embracing cutting-edge technology, including AI-assisted tools like ChatGPT, to help bring our community’s stories to life. This means better storytelling, richer content, and deeper connections. It allows us to create authentic experiences that are accessible and engaging, ensuring everyone in Chattanooga feels heard, represented, and inspired.
At its heart, Soul of Chattanooga is more than a media platform—it’s a celebration of who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re headed together. It’s a commitment to showcasing our collective strength, resilience, and creativity. It’s an invitation for all of us to reflect, connect, and thrive through our shared stories.
I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and even more grateful to share this journey with you—my Chattanooga family. The stories we’re about to tell, the voices we’re about to uplift, and the memories we’re about to honor will help define the next chapter of our city’s narrative. Together, let’s show everyone exactly why we’re proud to call Chattanooga home.
Leslie, thank you for trusting me with your vision. Chattanooga, thank you for trusting me with your stories. This is just the beginning.
Welcome to Soul of Chattanooga. It’s our story—let’s tell it together.