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A resolution honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Charles Kimbrough.
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WHEREAS, Nashville civil rights activist, veteran, veterinarian, and minister Dr. Charles Edward Kimbrough passed away at the age of 97 98 on March 1, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Kimbrough was born in 1927 1928 and raised in Giles County, Tennessee during the height of the Jim Crow era; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Kimbrough enlisted in the U.S. Army and served six years, a portion of which was during the Korean War, earning a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, Combat Medal Badge, and a Korean Service Medal; and
WHEREAS, after receiving an honorable discharge, Dr. Kimbrough enrolled at what is now Tennessee State University and earned a degree in biology with honors; and
WHEREAS, he later earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree doctorate in veterinary medicine at what is now Tuskegee University; becoming one of the first African-American veterinarians licensed in the state of Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Kimbrough became become politically active during his studies, leading him to become more aware of discriminatory policies and to build a strong resolve towards eliminating racial injustice; and
WHEREAS, he organized NAACP branches in Illinois and Tennessee, participated in the second Selma mMarch and the March on Washington, and had a role in local protests including the Tennessee State University sit-ins in 1990 organized and led by Student Government President Jeff Carr; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Kimbrough served as president of the Nashville bBranch of the NAACP from 1973 to 1980, as he advocated for the African-American community and broadened the reach of the local branch chapter; and
WHEREAS, he also served as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Sparta, Illinois and Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Watertown, Tennessee and later as an associate minister at Spruce Street Baptist Church in Nashville; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Kimbrough is survived by his wife of 33 years, Dr. Blondell Strong Kimbrough, and his two children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council honors the life of Dr. Charles Edward Kimbrough and his decades of service to Nashville and Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the life of Dr. Charles Edward Kimbrough and the legacy he has left in Nashville and Davidson County.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.