This February, the Nashville community is celebrating Black History Month, continuing the discussion of Black people and their contributions through activities such as museum exhibits, book readings, and encouraging the study of achievements by African Americans year-round. Listed here are a few events happening within our area.
THRU FEBRUARY23, 2025
The Mountaintop
Nashville Repertory Theatre presents The Mountaintop at Tennessee Performing Arts Center, a gripping re-imagination of what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night on earth could have been. In this work by Tennessee playwright Katori Hall, King is visited by a mysterious and beautiful maid in his room at the Lorraine Motel. What begins as a humorous and flirtatious conversation progresses into a soul-searching discussion laying bare the profound humanity of the civil rights leader.
Thru February 28, 2025
The City of Gallatin is celebrating Black History Month with a series of motivational banners that honor local Black achievers. The banners showcase the remarkable contributions of Black residents to the community’s heritage.
February 1-28, 2025
Shadows of Freedom
Explore the powerful exhibit, “Shadows of Freedom: The Realities of Enslavement During Union Occupation of Nashville.” This special exhibit at Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, running throughout Black History Month, sheds light on the lives of enslaved individuals during the Union Army’s occupation of Nashville in 1862. Through vivid imagery, compelling firsthand accounts, and historical artifacts, the exhibit uncovers the complex realities faced by enslaved and free Black laborers who navigated the duality of hope and hardship during a pivotal moment in American history.
February 22 – March 10, 2025
The Piano Lesson
Kennie Playhouse Theatre is celebrating Black History month by honoring one of the greatest playwrights in American History August Wilson. Come see his work “August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson”. Nightly – 7:30pm, Matinees 2:30pm (check website for dates and times)
February 22, 2025
Frist after Five: Black History Month Celebration
Visit the Frist Art Musuem on Thursday evening, February 22, for a special Black History Month celebration. Enjoy live music, tours, and more! Plus, Zilla’s food truck and a tour and sketch experience. 6:00pm – 8:00pm
February 24, 2025
Black History Month Expo
Join Create the Culture Events for their BHM expo featuring 35 minority owned businesses selling their goods and services, a live DJ, entertainment, networking, selfie station, giveaways, shopping, and food. The event is family friendly, free, and open to the public. 12:00pm-5:00pm at 1900 Church St. Nashville, TN.
March 1, 2025
Descendant-led Tour with Gary Burke
In celebration of Black History Month join us for descendant-led tours of Fort Negley Park. Fort Negley Park encapsulates the stories of thousands of African Americans during periods of significant national change. Come hear stories of discovery and stories passed down through generations while walking the historic around historic Fort Negley.
Join Gary Burke, descendant of Peter Bailey, builder of Fort Negley and a private in the 17th USCT. Hear what laborers building federal fortifications endured and learn about the sacrifice and heroism of USCTs at the Battle of Nashville.
This guided tour will start with a 15 minute recorded presentation in the theater before continuing on a guided walk around the park. Please RSVP to FortNegley@nashville.gov
FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 1, 2025
Black Sacred Music Weekend
Join the second annual Black Sacred Music Weekend, a powerful celebration of faith, history, and culture. Events include BLACK HYMNODY II (Feb. 28, 7 PM), a concert and live recording featuring the W. Crimm Singers and renowned guest musicians. On March 1 (9:30 AM), Dr. James Abbington leads Spirituals, Spirituals, Spirituals! workshop ($25-$30). The State of Music in the Black Church Community Town Hall follows at 1 PM, discussing gospel music’s evolving role. Most events are free; registration required for the workshop. Info & registration: scarrittbennett.org/events.
ONGOING
Nashville History on Tour
Your tour guide David Ewing is a nationally recognized expert on Civil Rights and helped locate the lost mugshots of John Lewis’ arrest for the lunch counter sit-ins and helped present them to Congressman Lewis in Nashville. Explore how Nashville was one of the most important cities for marches, arrests, and bombing stories. Learn about John Lewis and the African American student-led peaceful nonviolent lunch counter sit-ins to desegregate downtown eating establishments in 1960 in Nashville.
ONGOING
Nashville Public Library
The Civil Rights Room in the Nashville Public Library is a space for education and exploration of the Civil Rights Collection. The materials exhibited capture the drama of a time when thousands of African-American citizens in Nashville sparked a nonviolent challenge to racial segregation in the city and across the South.
ONGOING
Nashville Sites
Follow in the steps of those who took a stand by taking a seat. The Civil Rights Sit-Ins tour was written and narrated by Fisk University professor Linda Wynn. The Downtown Civil Rights Sit-Ins tour begins at Chuch Street and Sixth Avenue North and ends at Rosa L. Parks Boulevard and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
ONGOING
Tennessee State Museum
Learn more about Black History at the Tennessee State Museum. The Civil War and Reconstruction were monumental times of conflict and change for the people of Tennessee. Featured artifacts and stories in this exhibit document a period that forced Tennesseans to take sides and make sacrifices.
ONGOING
The National Museum of African American Music
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) officially opened to the public in January 2021. Discover the central role African Americans have played in shaping and creating all genres of American music. From classical to country to jazz and hip hop, NMAAM has integrated history and interactive technology to share the untold story of more than 50 music genres and sub-genres.Tours initially follow a weekend schedule and will be held on Saturdays and Sundays 11am-6pm.
ONGOING
United Street Tours
United Street Tours offers a Civil Rights Walking Tour of Nashville, a fascinating journey through the rich history of the Civil Rights Movement right here in the heart of Music City! This Nashville walking tour will take you on a captivating exploration of the city’s pivotal role in the pursuit for equality and inclusion.
