Fisk/Meharry in Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Arna Wendell Bontemps

1902 - 1973

Photographed by R. E. Smith, September 2, 2007

1. Arna Wendell Bontemps Marker

Inscription. At this site lived Arna W. Bontemps, one of the most prolific contributors to the Harlem or Negro Renaissance. From 1943 to 1965, Bontemps, an award-winning poet, playwright, novelist, biographer, historian, editor, and author of children's books, was head librarian of Fisk University. During his tenure, the Fisk University Library became a rich repository for the study of African-American culture and history.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3A 153.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Communications • Education. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Tennessee Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1943.

Location. 36° 9.911′ N, 86° 48.293′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in Fisk/Meharry. It is at the intersection of Dr DB Todd Jr Blvd and Morena Street, on the left when traveling north on Dr DB Todd Jr Blvd. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 919 Dr DB Todd Jr Blvd, Nashville TN 37208, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: William J. Faulkner (a few steps from this marker);

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Fisk University (within shouting distance of this marker); James Weldon Johnson Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Carl Van Vechten Art Gallery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Little Theatre (about 400 feet away); William Edward Burghardt DuBois (about 500 feet away); Samuel Allen McElwee (about 600 feet away); The Formation of Fisk University (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.

Photographed by R. E. Smith, September 2, 2007

2. Arna Wendell Bontemps Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,950 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on January 26, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 5, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.