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On Saturday, April 18, 2026, WTCI PBS is bringing “Be My Neighbor Day”, a family-friendly community celebration, to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center from 10am to 2pm. The event features activities for kids of all ages, and an opportunity to meet the PBS KIDS characters: Carl the Collector, Lyla from Lyla in the Loop, and Daniel Tiger. Chattanooga Lookouts are proud sponsors of this event for families.
“So many of us have fond memories of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and the lessons we learned about how to be a caring neighbor. Those same lessons are shared with a new generation in Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. We are thrilled to be working with our friends at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. It will be a beautiful day in our neighborhood,” said Bob Culkeen, President and CEO of WTCI PBS.
WTCI PBS will partner with a variety of different vendors and community partners to enrich the day's activities. Scouting America, Soddy-Daisy Community Library, Hamilton County Health Department, Art 120, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, The City of Chattanooga, and Signal Centers / Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are just a few of the partners who will be joining us for this year’s “Be My Neighbor Day” celebration. In addition to PBS KIDS character appearances, there will be a wide variety of educational activities & experiences for families including music, art, a touch-a-truck station, and so much more!
“We are so happy to share in this celebration with our community and to partner with WTCI PBS to bring this event to life. Families will have an opportunity to explore our museum and learn more about the rich African American history of our community,” said Paula Wilkes, President of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
Keep up with announcements and more information about “Be My Neighbor Day” at wtcitv.org/neighbor and on the WTCI PBS Instagram and Facebook pages. Instagram: @wtci_pbs Facebook: WTCI-TV
About WTCI PBS
WTCI began broadcasting on March 4, 1970. The station serves 35 counties across Southeast Tennessee, Northeast Alabama, North Georgia and the western tip of North Carolina as a community licensed PBS member station. WTCI proudly provides trusted local and national programming to over 440,000 regional households, enriching lives through quality programs and services that educate, engage, and inspire a lifetime of learning, storytelling, and exploration. For more information about WTCI PBS, visit wtcitv.org.
About the Bessie Smith Cultural Center
The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history and culture in Chattanooga through art, education, research, and entertainment. As the city’s premier African American history museum and cultural institution, the Center offers engaging exhibitions, educational programs, live performances, and community events that honor the past while inspiring future generations. Through dynamic storytelling and cultural experiences, the Center serves as a vibrant hub for learning, reflection, and connection.For more information about the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, visit www.bessiesmithcc.org
