The H.Y.P.E. Mvmt Knoxville

The H.Y.P.E. Mvmt (Movement) Knoxville is an inter-generational group of current and former residents of Talladega, Alabama's Knoxville community. 


HMK is committed to improving the quality of life for all residents and the preservation of our history.

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HMK Understands the Importance of:
-Alignment with God
-Representation of all age groups in decision-making
-Incorporating elements of Hip Hop culture into initiatives and activities
-Supporting our own and giving back
-Proactive and strategic planning

2015 McClellan St.-Knoxville CommUNITY 4th of July Block Party 
Photo Album by Audra Gray

Our History

Talladega is located in the northeast central region of Alabama, about 50 miles east of Birmingham. The town of 16,000 was incorporated in 1835 following Andrew Jackson’s defeat of the Red Stick Creeks at the Battle of Talladega. The largest industry in Talladega at that time was agriculture, largely supported by enslaved African-Americans, who made up about 40% of the population. 


In the late 1800s, freed African-American families began to buy land and settle Knoxville, a “suburb of Talladega". At this time, Knoxville was largely comprised of sprawling plantations owned by the Knox, Bingham, Hollingsworth, and White families.

Since the early 1900s, Knoxville has been the site of several locally owned businesses, schools, and religious institutions. In 1902 McClellan Cemetery, located in Knoxville, was established and is the final resting place of freed slaves, scores of veterans, religious leaders, educators, and families whose descendants still reside in the Knoxville community.

Current and former residents of Knoxville have made indelible marks globally within journalism, the arts, business, science, sports, the military, and education. The H.Y.P.E. Mvmt Knoxville aims to celebrate these achievements, while expanding the legacy of this historic community.