News Summary

A new mural at the Cal Johnson Recreation Center in Knoxville honors the city’s first millionaire, Cal Johnson. Created by a father-son team, it reflects Johnson’s legacy through artistic imagery showcasing his contributions and community roots. The mural aims to inspire local youth by connecting them with history while enhancing community engagement at the recreation center.

Knoxville Mural Honors City’s First Millionaire

Knoxville’s Cal Johnson Recreation Center has become the canvas for a new mural that pays tribute to Cal Johnson, Knoxville’s first millionaire and one of Tennessee’s wealthiest African-American businessmen. The mural was created through the collaboration of a father-son duo, Adam Henry “The Elder” and Adam Henry “The Younger.” This artwork celebrates Johnson’s significant contributions to the community, originating from his humble beginnings as an individual born into slavery.

The City of Knoxville recently released a video showcasing both the mural and the artistic talents behind it. The Henrys shared their commitment to honoring Johnson’s legacy by incorporating research about his life into the mural’s imagery, which reflects his extensive contributions to the local community.

The mural features numerous historical elements, including a reproduction of an old photograph of Johnson extracted from a business card dating back to the 1800s. It also depicts imagery related to notable aspects of Johnson’s life, such as his race track, Cal Johnson Park, and a significant tree that he preserved from his days owning a saloon. This tree, which died but was never cut down by Johnson, has come to symbolize his deep roots within the Knoxville community and is artistically presented in a grown form in the mural.

Also prominent in the mural is a map of Speedway Circle, the site of Johnson’s horse racing track. Historically significant, this location is noted as the place where the Wright brothers’ first airplane landed in Knoxville, highlighting the area’s connection to advancements in aviation.

The mural is more than just a piece of art; it aims to inspire local children by introducing them to the life and legacy of Cal Johnson. The Henrys hope their work will encourage future artists in Knoxville, fostering a sense of pride and knowledge about local history among younger generations. Feedback from children recognizing elements of the mural suggests this goal has begun to take shape.

Cal Johnson is a remembered figure in Knoxville for his philanthropic efforts, which include key investments in Cal Johnson Park and notable contributions to a children’s orphanage, further solidifying his status as a beloved community member.

The City of Knoxville initiated the mural project by seeking artists in October 2024, outlining plans for a site-specific artwork projected to measure approximately 45 feet wide by 12 feet high, with a budget of $25,000. This mural forms part of a larger initiative aimed at renovating the Cal Johnson Recreation Center, which has recently received funding aimed at improving accessibility and overall upgrades to the facility.

Community engagement played a pivotal role in this project, with participation from local residents in the mural painting process. Organized by Project Backboard, the community involvement reflects a broader goal to enhance connections among residents and strengthen their relationship with the recreation center. The completed mural and center improvements were celebrated as a vibrant addition to the local landscape, imbuing the space with color and life while paying homage to historical figures like Cal Johnson.

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Additional Resources

• WATE: Father-Son Duo Paint Mural at Knoxville’s Cal Johnson Recreation Center
• Wikipedia: Cal Johnson
• WBIR: Knoxville Officials Ribbon Cutting for Cal Johnson Community Center Upgrades
• Google Search: Cal Johnson Recreation Center
• Inside of Knoxville: Cal Johnson Park Basketball Court – A Splash of Color for the City
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville
• Knox Focus: Knoxville Celebrates Re-opening Cal Johnson Recreation Center
• Google News: Cal Johnson Mural

Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.