Year-round, and especially in February, NPL amplifies Black history through our collection, story times, and other events at locations across Davidson County.

Join us as Nashville — and the nation — celebrate Black History Month, with free ways to learn about, read about, and experience Black history. Together, we can honor the stories, voices, ideas, and triumphs that help form the very heart of our community.

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Black History events at NPL

The Whittaker Letters Project

In 2016, the Metro Archives at Nashville Public Library received an unexpected gift: more than two hundred wartime love letters between Sergeant Raymond Whittaker and his sweetheart, a young Vanderbilt employee named Jane Dean.

All those years ago, the couple could not have known that their writings — tender, earnest, funny, and practical — would give us all an intimate window into a piece of Black history.

Treat yourself to this beautiful photo essay created using photos, memorabilia, and Ray's and Jane's letters.

The History of Black Nashville

Enjoy this video from an event in the Then and Now series, hosted by the Main Library's Special Collections department and led by Vanderbilt University.

The Then and Now program explores the history and impact of Nashville's minority communities through the scholarly work of historians and the personal stories of community members. Dr. André L. Churchwell, Senior Advisor on Inclusion and Community Outreach at Vanderbilt University, moderates this series.

 

The Legacy of Z. Alexander Looby

Civil Rights lawyer and hero Z. Alexander Looby was a force for change and unity long before Metro Nashville's consolidation in 1963. Learn about Looby’s life and legacy in this video retrospective created as part of consolidated Metro's 60th anniversary celebration.

Inspiring Black Women

A Journey Through Black Music History

With Elliott Robinson of NPL Special Collections

From NPL's own recording studio and the Civil Rights Room, we're proud to share this historical and musical journey with you this Black History Month.

Enjoy! And when you're downtown, don't forget to stop by the Nashville Room on the second floor of the Main Library to get inspired by our city's longtime and ongoing part in strengthening Civil Rights in our country. 

 

Picture Books for Black History Month

 

Dr. Etta Marie Simpson Ray, Freedom Rider and Nashville Student Movement leader, at the Civil Rights Room.

Visit the Civil Rights Room

The Civil Rights Room is a space for education and exploration of NPL's Civil Rights Collection. The materials exhibited there 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.

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