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Tennessee State University Launches Black History Month Tour in Nashville

Courtesy of Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University kicked off its inaugural Black History Month tour this month. This project aims to recognize the significant cultural contributions made by African Americans to Nashville. The tour included stops at the Fisk University Galleries, the National Museum of African American Music, and the Jefferson Street Sound Museum.

TSU faculty, staff, and students traveled on TSUā€™s charter bus with expert guides who illustrated African Americansā€™ artistic, musical, and historical significance. Tonya Turner, senior assistant and training coordinator for TSUā€™s business and finance department, played a pivotal role in organizingĀ the tour. Inspired by an orientation bus tour for new employees, she expanded the concept into a dedicated event for Black History Month.

The Inspiration Behind the Tour

ā€œI overheard a few employees discussing the history of Jefferson Street,ā€ Turner said. ā€œAt first, I wanted to focus solely on Jefferson Street, but then I thought, why not create a Black History Month tour instead?ā€

Olivia Whitmore, aĀ NashvilleĀ native and junior majoring in family and consumer sciences, learned about the tour through an advisor. ā€œIt was enlightening to learn about our history in such a personal and engaging way. I appreciate TSU providing these opportunities during Black History Month; it really deepens our connection to our culture,ā€ Whitmore shared.

Kristian Butler, another student, shared her experience at The National Museum of African American Music. ā€œMy favorite experience was watching the ā€˜Roots Theatreā€™ documentary and seeing how African American music has transitioned and evolved throughout history and around the world,ā€ said Butler, who is from Memphis,ā€ Butler stated.

During the tour, attendees explored interactive exhibits emphasizing Black musicā€™s evolution and its influence on various genres. The tour concluded at The Jefferson Street Sound Museum, where many participants gained a newfound appreciation for Nashvilleā€™s rich Black music scene.

Participants received gift bags filled with TSU memorabilia to commemorate the event, sealing a day built on gratitude, education, and empowerment.