Historic HBCU Building at Knoxville College Destroyed by Fire [Video]

The Knoxville, Tenn. community was left in shock after a historic building on the campus of East Tenn.’s only Black college was burned to the ground Monday (Nov. 4). Authorities believe it wasn’t just an errant spark or bad fuse box that caused the fire — they’re on the hunt for the culprit.

According to the Knoxville Fire Department (KFD), the fire was reported at Elnathan Hall around 8:30 p.m. When officials arrived to the scene of the already vacant building, flames had spread beyond repair. Knox News reported about 40 KFD firefighters stayed on the scene until 1 a.m.

The fire, which was reportedly visible from downtown, did irreparable damage to the 100-year-old building on the campus of Knoxville College, leaving the already struggling HBCU further deprived.

The college has been battling debt, loss of accreditation, and low enrollment for decades. And although …