The National Museum of African American Music
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is officially open to the public! Discover the leading role African Americans have played in shaping and creating all genres of American music. The NMAAM is an interactive way to learn the untold story of more than 50 music genres and subgenres, including classical, country, jazz, hip hop and more. Tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM – 6 PM.
Tennessee State Museum
Check out the permanent Civil War and Reconstruction exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum. The exhibit features artifacts and stories that document a period of time that forced Tennesseans to take sides and make sacrifices. Join the Black History Month Tours for a specialized experience that highlights the diverse culture of African Americans and acknowledges the oppression they faced from various forces in Tennessee’s history. This 45-minute tour is free, so don’t miss out!
Walking Tours
United Streets Tours offers a pair of 2-hour tours in downtown Nashville and North Nashville. The Nashville Black History Walking Tour tells the story of Nashville’s enslaved population by spotlighting people such as Robert “Black Bob” Renfro. While Nashville’s Black History Walking Tour gives you a look into the past, the Murals, Music, and Museums Walking Tour focuses on the current and future state of Black Nashville through art and blue music history. Click here to see all the walking tours available.
The Civil Rights Room
Head over to the Nashville Public Library and visit the Civil Rights Room. This space serves for education and exploration of the Civil Rights Collection. The materials exhibited depict a time when thousands of Black citizens in Nashville sparked a nonviolent challenge to racial segregation in the city and across the South. The Civil Rights Room overlooks the intersection of Church Street and Seventh Avenue North, where historic nonviolent protests took place. You can visit The Civil Right Room on your own during regular library hours or schedule a staff member guided tour.
Support a Historically Black College or University
Nashville is home to four Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which include Tennessee State University, Fisk University, Meharry College and the American Baptist College. We are a city that graduates some of the nation’s top Black professionals, including the highest percentage of African American PhDs in biomedical sciences in the country from Meharry Medical College.
Black History Month reminds us to celebrate the rich diversity of our nation. We invite you to participate in this annual celebration through education, discovery, and crucial conversations with your friends, family and Littles.
Paying it forward by supporting our young people is a great way to honor the traditions of service, fortitude and achievement that Black History Month embodies. Become a mentor today to help ignite the potential in youth throughout Middle Tennessee! Fill out the inquiry form to get started.
