Diversity is a key part of this city's past, present and future. While slavery was part of plantation life in Middle Tennessee, this area was also one of the first to embrace economic and educational freedom for former slaves as the Civil War ended. In the 20th century, Nashville was the site of many non-violent demonstrations during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Today, the city has become a model of the American melting pot with an active Native American population, thriving Hispanic community and growing Middle Eastern and Asian presence. Different cultures, religions, ideas and customs have come together harmoniously in modern day Music City.

In a Day

Morning:
Begin with a tour of Fisk University including the prestigious Van Vechten Art Gallery and Jubilee Hall, home to the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Include the chapel and Aaron Douglas Gallery on the campus tour.

Mid-Morning:
Stop and shop on nearby Jefferson Street. With its fun and funky shops, visitors are sure to find treasures to take home.

Lunch:
Stop by the Nashville Farmers' Market where you can grab a lunch of Mexican, Greek, Middle Eastern, Asian, Mediterranean, Jamaican or Southern fare.

Afternoon:
Tour the Civil Rights Collection exhibit at the downtown library or take the African-American Historic Sites driving tour.

Evening:
Enjoy international menu offerings at Sambuca or Wasabi's Sushi Bar. After dinner, get into the blues at B. B. King's.

Coming Attractions:
Plans are underway for the city to soon welcome the new Museum of African American Music, Art & Culture celebrating the contributions of African Americans on a local, regional, national and international level.

Other Options & Resources
Nashville's historically black colleges and universities are happy to schedule group tours of their facilities. In addition to Fisk, Nashville is home to American Baptist College, Meharry Medical College and Tennessee State University.

The Jefferson United Merchants Partnership can help outline shopping and dining options in the district.

Visit Cheekwood to see 19 of the incredible sculptures by native Nashvillian Will Edmondson, who in 1937 became the first African-American to have a one-man exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

The African-American Guide to Nashville, available at the Nashville Visitor Information Centers, provides additional narrative and tour ideas.

The R.H. Boyd Company, in business for over 100 years, is a testimony to African-American enterprise and heritage in the United States. Tour the printing and publishing facility 8am-4pm CST Monday through Friday. To arrange a tour for your church or school group, please call 615-350-8000.

Both Belle Meade Plantation and The Hermitage have exhibits that tell the story from slavery to freedom at their plantations.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum also has displays pertaining to important African-American musical pioneers including Harmonica Wizard DeFord Bailey, who was instrumental in the naming of the Grand Ole Opry.