NASHVILLE, TN — Community members, elected officials, business leaders and supporters gathered on Jefferson Street to celebrate the legacy of The Tennessee Tribune and its founder, the late Rosetta Miller-Perry, known as the “Queen Mother of the Black Press,” a title bestowed by National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.
A historical marker was unveiled Saturday, Oct. 24, in front of the Tribune building at 1501 Jefferson St., recognizing the newspaper’s enduring presence and contributions to Jefferson Street and the broader Nashville community. The marker also honors Miller-Perry, whose vision, determination and commitment to the Black press helped establish the Tribune as an important voice in Tennessee.
Miller-Perry founded The Tennessee Tribune in 1991, following the launch of Contempora Magazine in 1990. Both publications became part of the cultural and historical fabric of Jefferson Street, a community she loved and worked tirelessly to see recognized and respected. She believed Jefferson Street was an economic engine with the potential to thrive alongside any other part of Nashville. She understood its historical significance, cultural contributions and economic promise and advocated for its businesses and institutions throughout her life.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell reflected on his relationship with Miller-Perry and her impact on the city. “I met Mrs. Perry years ago when I moved to a neighborhood a few blocks from her beloved Jefferson Street,” O’Connell said. “Through the years, as she and I got to know one another, I learned so much more about her lifelong impact and reach.”
He recalled receiving what he called a “Rosettagram” when she believed he had made a mistake on an issue important to her. “Every now and then, as an elected official, I would be the recipient of a Rosettagram—a stinging screech about something important to her where she judged that I had erred. And then one of us would pick up the phone, and somehow, it seemed like things would get sorted out with the power of her passion intact and the point of her pen less severe.”
Miller-Perry died June 26, 2026, at age 91. Her daughter, Wanda Miller-Benson, said the marker represents the values and determination that defined her mother’s life.
“This marker reflects my Mother’s lifetime of hard work, sacrifice, courage, and faith that will be reflected for generations to come, not only in our family but to her beloved Tennessee community,” Miller-Benson said.
The marker was approved by the Metropolitan Nashville Historical Commission, following a project led by Davidson County Assessor of Property Vivian Wilhoite, who worked to fulfill Miller-Perry’s wish to have Jefferson Street’s history recognized and preserved. Wilhoite explained that the marker came about because Miller-Perry herself had asked for it.
“This historical marker came to be because Mrs. Perry asked that it be done. She wanted this history recognized and preserved, and once she shared that desire with me on more than one late night and in the wee early morning hour, there was one moment when I felt like I must get to work on this,” said Wilhoite.
She concluded her comments sharing, “Mrs. Perry, your request was heard. Your words were respected. Your wishes were honored. And as Jessica Fitzpatrick of the Metro Historical Commission observed that “of all the markers established on Jefferson street, honor amazing men, you Mrs. Perry are the only one honoring an amazing woman.”
Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk described Miller-Perry as a powerful advocate for Tennesseans. “Rosetta Miller-Perry was one of Tennessee’s greatest natural resources. She was the conscience of our state. She voiced the concerns of people to community leaders and convinced elected officials to make necessary changes. Nashville.”
The dedication brought together a broad cross-section of Nashville’s civic and cultural community, including Mayor O’Connell, former Mayor Bill Purcell, Council Member-at-Large Zulfat Suara, Davidson County District Atty. Glenn Funk and song stylist Patrick Dailey, with Dr. June Michaux serving as emcee. Miller-Benson spoke on behalf of the family, while elected officials, business owners, clergy, civil rights advocates and longtime supporters joined in the celebration.
Emcee Dr. June Michaux stated “Mrs. Miller-Perry enriched my life as a friend and mentor with many lifelong lessons and wisdom.”
The historical marker serves as a lasting recognition of The Tennessee Tribune’s place in Nashville’s history and the legacy of the woman who founded it. Through the newspaper, Miller-Perry helped preserve the stories, amplify the concerns and champion the aspirations of Black communities across Tennessee.
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