Reavis L. Mitchell, Jr., Professor, Fisk University Department of History:

Gregory Ridley knew that this would be the research project of his later life. He took a social scientist's approach. He was intent on bringing in all the groups that were here, so he made every figure identifiable, gave every face character, and made the individuals in the background stand out prominently. He wanted to use his art to tell stories in the most inclusive way possible.

Carlton Wilkinson, Artist and Owner, In the Gallery, Nashville, TN:

Greg Ridley epitomizes the ideal artist: dedicated, tenacious, generous, and absolutely eccentric. He was quite loquacious, always entertaining and upbeat, and I cherished his playful demeanor and his caring touch as we conversed. He was faithful to his art, his beliefs, his family, and his friends. Ridley's art career is swathed in timeless, masterful accomplishment, but he will be truly missed by all who had the good fortune to know the man.

Linda T. Wynn, Historian, Tennessee Historical Commission and Professor, Fisk University Department of History:

Artist Gregory Ridley was not only racially inclusive in the Nashville Public Library's repoussé panels but he was also gender inclusive. When the record indicated, he not only included women in his work but he placed them both alongside of their male counterparts and in some instances in the forefront of historical events that affected them directly.