title
A resolution honoring the life and legacy of Rosetta Miller-Perry.
body
WHEREAS, Rosetta Miller-Perry, known as “Queen Mother of the Black Press,” passed away on June 26, 2026. During her extraordinary life, she was a United States Navy veteran, businesswoman, educator, journalist, mortician, she was a distinguished and influential community leader in Nashville, having dedicated her life to fighting against institutional racism and the disparate impact of poverty; and
WHEREAS, born on July 7, 1934, in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania to Anderson and Mary Hall Irvin, Mrs. Miller-Perry was encouraged early in life to seek truth and speak up and speak out, a calling she fulfilled throughout her lifetime; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Miller-Perry received a bachelor's degree from the University of Memphis, a Mortuary Science degree from John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science, and matriculated at Tennessee State University, Herzl Junior College, and the University School of Law at Howard University; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Miller-Perry dedicated her life to the betterment of others. Mrs. Miller-Perry was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement, working as a federal observer during the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-bearing witness and advocating for justice at great personal risk; and
WHEREAS, as Director of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Nashville from 1975, she faithfully investigated workplace discrimination and championed accountability and opportunity for marginalized individuals; and
WHEREAS, after retiring from government service, she invested $70,000 of her own money to found Perry & Perry Associates and launched Contempora magazine in 1990, followed by The Tennessee Tribune in 1991-statewide publications that elevated Black voices and experiences for more than three decades; and
WHEREAS, The Tennessee Tribune newspaper, headquartered on the historic Jefferson Street Corridor, serves as a vital voice for African Americans state-wide, provides a platform for news, events, and perspectives that reflect the concerns of its readers; and
WHEREAS, in 1996, Mrs. Miller-Perry established the Anthony J. Cebrun Journalism Center for High School Students under the umbrella of the newspaper; and
WHEREAS, in 1998, Mrs. Miller-Perry founded the first Black Chamber of Commerce in Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Miller-Perry was a founding member of the Nashville Chapter of Les Gemmes, Inc., a social and civic group with a focus on promoting the humanities among the youth; and
WHEREAS, her leadership and influence in journalism earned Rosetta Miller-Perry the title “Queen Mother of the Black Press” and, in 2019, the NNPA Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring her tireless advocacy for truth, equity, and representation; and
WHEREAS, Rosetta Miller-Perry’s life exemplified integrity, courage, and a steadfast commitment to service, as she built enduring institutions, confronted injustice in all its forms, and uplifted Nashville's Black community through her vision and perseverance; and
WHEREAS, her indelible legacy continues through the institutions, scholarships, civic infrastructure, and the innumerable lives she touched and empowered.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as honoring the life and legacy of Rosetta Miller-Perry and recognizing her steadfast commitment to justice, truth, equality, and community institutions.
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.