2023 Black History Month Events in Nashville

By Janae Hudson

February is observed as Black History Month, honoring the historic triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history. In 1926, the annual celebration began as “National Negro Week.” The observation transformed into a month-long commemoration of Black culture, history and people 50 years later in 1976. This year, Nashville has dozens of events honoring Black History Month. Read the article below to find events that conclude Black History Month on an uplifting note.

Black History Tours at Tennessee State Museum

Every Saturday in February, join the Tennessee State Museum for a Black history tour. A Museum educator will guide visitors through the galleries and highlight stories of African Americans from the frontier to the quest for freedom and from the Civil War to Civil Rights. These tours are free and run about 45 minutes. No reservations are required. Learn more information here.

Black History Month Expo

On Saturday, February 18 from 12 pm-5 pm at the C.H. Dixon Life Center, buy products from over 40 vendors at the Black History Month Expo hosted by Create The Culture Events. Attendees will be able to enjoy a live DJ, selfie station, poetry contest, giveaways and more. Entry is free. The C.H. Dixon Life Center is located at 3838 Dickerson Pike Nashville, TN 37207. Learn more information here.

Black Voices TSU & Fisk

On Tuesday, February 21 and Wednesday, February 22, discuss how the message of the Gospel has transformed the lives of young leaders at Fisk University and Tennessee State University. Registration is free. Reserve your spot here. 

Let’s Talk : It’s Not About Slavery

On Thursday, February 23 from 6 pm-8pm at Fisk University’s Park-Johnson Hall, join Tammy Gordon, founder of Greenwood Seneca and Blavity executive, and Brigette Jones, Director of Equitable Partnerships at Belle Meade, for a discussion about the importance of connecting with the past. This event will feature spoken word performances, a panel discussion, music and more.  Anyone who attends the community discussion will receive a special invitation to Your Legacy Tours launching this August at Belle Meade Historic Site. Entry is free. Park-Johnson Hall is located at 1610 Phillips Street rm 122 Nashville, TN 37208. Learn more information and reserve your spot here.  

Caviar and Collard Greens

On Friday, February 24 at 8 pm, celebrate Black History Month in style at Caviar and Collard Greens, a Black professionals mixer hosted by Everybody vs. Racism at The Loading Dock. Support Black excellence and Black-owned businesses while networking. Tickets start at $25. The Loading Dock is located at 2020 Lindell Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37203. Learn more information and purchase tickets here.

Black History Month at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

In honor of Black History Month, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is highlighting a handful of the countless significant and influential accomplishments of African Americans in the world of popular music. The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum has created exhibits dedicated to Motown, Stax Records, Sun Studio, B.B. King, and Jimi Hendrix. The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum is located at 401 Gay St, Nashville, TN 37201. Adult admission is $28. Youth admission is $15. Children 5 and under can enter for free. Learn more about the exhibits here.

United Street Tours

United Street Tours offers a series of 5-star rated, historical Nashville walking tours that are led and curated by locals. The walking tours embrace those pieces of black history in Nashville that have been ripped apart and buried beneath the bricks of the mainstream. United Street Tours will take you on a journey through the Civil Rights era of the 1950s and 1960s. Embark on Nashville sightseeing with a twist and look closer at attractions and pull out the hidden stories. Adult tickets start at $99 per person. Children tickets start at $45 per person. Learn more information and buy tickets here

Nashville Soccer Club Discussion Panel

On Tuesday, February 21, Nashville SC will host a special panel discussion about issues of diversity, equity and inclusion as it relates to the Black community at the Main Nashville Public Library. Nashville SC forward CJ Sapong, ​​2012 National Soccer Hall of Fame Inductee Desmond Armstrong and other panelists will lead the discussion. The Main Nashville Public Library is located at 615 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219. Entry is free. Learn more information here.  

Frist After Five

Every Thursday in February from 6 pm–8:00 pm., join Frist Art Museum in celebrating Black arts and culture with special programming in the Frist Café. Black poets and artists will be sharing their talents through performances. Join Frist Art Museum in uplifting Black arts through live music, poetry, local contemporary art, food trucks, and good vibes! Frist Cafe is located at 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. Entry is free. View the line-up and learn more information here

Total Praise: Celebrating the Black Church at the National Museum of African American Music

On Sunday, February 26 from 3 pm-5 pm at the National Museum of African American Music, celebrate the music of the Black church and its impact on mainstream American music. The Black worship experience has influenced many voices from the past and today. From Aretha Franklin to Lizzo, the Black church has left its mark on music history. To conclude Black History Month, NMAAM partners with Kyla Jade and the Love Center South to celebrate the influence of the Black church on all music. The National Museum of African American Music is located at 510 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203. Registration is free. Reserve your spot and learn more information here.