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

Desegregating Nashville's Lunch Counters

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

1. Desegregating Nashville's Lunch Counters Marker

Inscription. After the pre-dawn bombing of atty. Z. Alexander Looby's home, approx. 3000 civil rights leaders and students from Tenn. St., Fisk, Meharry, American Baptist College, and Pearl High School marched along this route on April 19, 1960, to meet with Mayor Ben West at the courthouse. In response to Diane Nash, a leader of the student sit-ins, the mayor recommended that store owners end segregated lunch counters. On May 10th, under an agreement between black leaders and city merchants, Nashville became the first major southern city, outside of Texas, to begin desegregating its public facilities.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3A 157.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Tennessee Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1918.

Location. 36° 10.16′

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N, 86° 48.383′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in Fisk/Meharry. Marker is at the intersection of Dr. D. B. Todd, Jr. Blvd and Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling south on Dr. D. B. Todd, Jr. Blvd. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nashville TN 37208, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Formation of Fisk University (a few steps from this marker); The Fisk Jubilee Singers (a few steps from this marker); Jefferson Street Jazz and Blues Festival (within shouting distance of this marker); Donley Harold Turpin, D. D. S. (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jubilee Hall (about 400 feet away); Fisk University (about 500 feet away); Centennial of Pi Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Fisk Jubilee Singers (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.

Additional keywords. Desegregation

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

2. Desegregating Nashville's Lunch Counters Marker

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 5, 2020

3. Desegregating Nashville's Lunch Counters Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2007, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 2,048 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 16, 2007, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. 3. submitted on April 7, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.