The late Otis L. Martin and Virginia Martin-Hatcher, whose legacy weaves through the fabric of the City of Clarksville, are now honored at the corner of College and Poston streets. These venerated local figures who contributed significantly to the civil rights movement, along with the well-being of their community, were honored in a dedication ceremony that saw their names etched into history with the unveiling of a commemorative marker.
Held at Burt-Cobb Recreation Center on Franklin Street, Friday’s event was a spirited homage that brought together family, friends, and city officials. Notable among the attendees, according to a Clarksville official release, were the couple's daughter, Clarksville Mayor Pro Tem and Ward 6 City Councilperson Wanda Smith, and Mayor Joe Pitts, who played pivotal roles in the ceremony. In an expression dripping with historical resonance, Mayor Pitts said, "In the Old Testament, stones were used to mark occasions, special events and to memorialize people, so today we are putting a stone in our City to honor two people who’ve given so much to the history of our City."
Mayor Pro Tem Smith, joined by other family members at the podium for the unveiling, expressed her gratitude towards the community and the city's leadership for facilitating the tribute to her parents. "I want to thank everyone who came out to celebrate and pay tribute to my mother and father, and to everyone who came forward to share the gift of words, thoughts, songs, prayers … whatever you did, we are grateful," Mayor Pro Tem Smith told Clarksville's news post. "Moreover, we want to thank the City of Clarksville for making this happen today ... for bringing forth the ordinance that was approved. This marks a milestone in Clarksville, Tennessee."
The celebration, characterized by heartfelt remarks, prayers, scripture readings, and music, also featured contributions from various other family members and friends, highlighting the couple’s influence. The city's Designations Committee, on application received, and subsequent approval by the City Council, allowed the family of Otis L. Martin and Virginia Martin-Hatcher to put forth the sign for these very outstanding individuals in Clarksville history, was very pleased by Mayor Pitts in the day's proceedings.
