This year, for the Chattanooga Times Free Press‘ annual “Best of the Best” awards gala, organizers took it into an edgy, new direction by having it hosted by the 32 criminals deemed the “Worst of the Worst” by the Chattanooga Police Department in 2013.
Accusations of being racist were not only levied against the Police Chief at the time, Bobby Dodd, for compiling the list of criminals who were all black men, but also to the Times Free Press for its front page coverage of the list, with mugshots of all 32 men.
The awards gala hosts who were currently serving prison sentences attended as part of their public service obligations, wearing their orange prison uniforms with shackles around their ankles and wrists.
“This year’s award for ‘Best All-Around Restaurant’ goes to…J. Motherfucking Alexander’s!” said one host. “Aw shit, maybe next year, Cheddar’s!”
“The 2015 award for ‘Best Chattanoogan’ goes to…Julie Baumgardner, President and CEO of First Things First,” said another host, before a roar of applause. “Damn, girl.”
