A recent Black History Month Program held at the Kelly Miller Smith Towers Apartments hosted Nashville’s District 2 City Councilman DeCosta Hastings and other notables such as Lady Marie Chatman Corder, talented pianist and Christian songwriter.
It’s no secret that February is the nationally acclaimed Black History Month. The various programs, events and knowledgeable speakers continue to infuse history into the community and the people who are fortunate enough to hear them.
The Councilman expounded on many aspects of this proud month of heritage, including: Dr. Vivien Theodore Thomas and how our U.S dollar currency once carried a signature of a Black person. Dr. Vivien Theodore Thomas (August 29, 1910–November 26, 1985) was an African American surgical technician who developed the procedures used to treat blue baby syndrome in the 1940s.
Beautiful artwork was displayed and Ms. Frankie Caldwell shared a brief rendition of Black history. A light lunch was served, as other Black History facts and handouts were shared. Lady Marie Chapman Corder graced the audience with a myriad of hymns and historic spirituals. ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ (the Black National Anthem) was not only performed by Lady Marie, it was offered again as a residential sing along. To sweeten the proverbial pot, Councilman Hastings discussed the history of the Black National Anthem and revealed that it was penned right here in Nashville in the Fisk University area at a house on D.B. Todd Blvd.
Hastings is a Democratic member of the Nashville Metro Council in Tennessee, representing District 2. He was elected on September 5, 2015. A Nashville native, Hastings earned a B.S. in ‘business marketing’ and a Bachelors in theology from American Baptist College.
He is married to the lovely and supportive Johnetta Hamilton Hastings. Hastings is a man of God, businessman, and now city Councilman for District 2, Nashville, Tenn. He has vested experience as the regional vice president of Primerica and as an executive committeeman for the Davidson County Democratic Party. His Nashville District # 2, includes a wide city area, such as Kelly Miller Smith Towers, various businesses and other residential dwellings.
The event was a success and the councilman was happy to visit with the seniors and to be back at the building for the first time since winning the election last September.
