NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Office of the Metropolitan and Davidson County Trustee, led by Erica S. Gilmore, will mark the 66th anniversary of a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement with the 4th Annual Diane Nash Commemorative March on Sunday, April 19, 2026. The daylong event will feature community programming centered on the theme “Prepared for the Moment,” highlighting leadership, preparation and civic courage.

The commemoration honors the historic 1960 silent protest led by Diane Nash and fellow student activists, who marched to the courthouse to confront segregation and injustice. In tribute, this year’s march will again be conducted in silence.

The schedule for the day includes:

5:30 a.m. — Ringing of the bell at 2012 Meharry Blvd.

2:30 p.m. — “A Celebration of Courage” at First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill (doors open at 2 p.m.; parking available on site)

3:15 p.m. — Silent march to Diane Nash Plaza at 1 Public Square

Organizers encourage community members to attend and share their experiences using the hashtags #PreparedForTheMoment and #SilentMarch.

As part of the commemoration, organizers have extended the deadline for the Diane Nash Creative Competition. Students in grades 1–12 may submit entries in speech, song, visual art or digital art reflecting Nash’s legacy. Awards of up to $1,000 will be presented. The new submission deadline is Monday, April 13, at 11:59 p.m.

In addition, students at Templeton Academy are participating in related programming through the “Prepared for the Moment” Mobile Exhibit, currently on display at the school. The exhibit explores Nash’s role in the Nashville Student Movement and the broader struggle for civil rights.

“Diane Nash’s leadership as a young woman and student reminds us that ordinary people can do extraordinary things,” Gilmore said. “Her example calls us to use our voices, our creativity and our collective action to build a more courageous community.”

For more information, visit https://www.ericagilmore.com/diane_nash26.