Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Digital Subscription
    • Advertisement
    • Contact Us
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    The Tennessee TribuneThe Tennessee Tribune
    Advertise With Us
    • Home
      • COVID-19 Resource Center
        • Dr. Henry Louis Gates’ PSA Radio
      • Featured
    • News
      • State
      • Local
      • National/International News
      • Global
      • Business
        • Commentary
        • Finance
        • Local Business
      • Investigative Stories
        • Affordable Housing
        • DCS Investigation
        • Gentrification
    • Editorial
      • National Politics
      • Local News
      • Local Editorial
      • Political Editorial
      • Editorial Cartoons
      • Cycle of Shame
    • Community
      • History
      • Tennessee
        • Chattanooga
        • Clarksville
        • Knoxville
        • Memphis
      • Public Notices
      • Women
        • Let’s Talk with Ms. June
    • Education
      • College
        • American Baptist College
        • Belmont University
        • Fisk
        • HBCU
        • Meharry
        • MTSU
        • University of Tennessee
        • TSU
        • Vanderbilt
      • Elementary
      • High School
    • Lifestyle
      • Art
      • Auto
      • Tribune Travel
      • Entertainment
        • 5 Questions With
        • Books
        • Events
        • Film Review
        • Local Entertainment
      • Family
      • Food
        • Drinks
      • Health & Wellness
      • Home & Garden
      • Featured Books
    • Religion
      • National Religion
      • Local Religion
      • Obituaries
        • National Obituaries
        • Local Obituaries
      • Faith Commentary
    • Sports
      • MLB
        • Sounds
      • NBA
      • NCAA
      • NFL
        • Predators
        • Titans
      • NHL
      • Other Sports
      • Golf
      • Professional Sports
      • Sports Commentary
      • Metro Sports
    • Media
      • Video
      • Photo Galleries
      • Take 10
      • Trending With The Tribune
    • Classified
    • Obituaries
      • Local Obituaries
      • National Obituaries
    The Tennessee TribuneThe Tennessee Tribune
    Featured

    A Library, Black women and Allegations of Systemic Racism 

    Article submittedBy Article submittedJanuary 4, 2024No Comments2 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram Pinterest Tumblr Reddit Email
    Joyce Searcy
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Public Library Board’s recent decision-making process in appointing a new director has drawn severe criticism and sparked allegations of systemic racism within the board’s proceedings even including a Black woman, Joyce Searcy, Library board chair.

    Joyce Searcy grew up in segregated Yazoo City, Mississippi, where going to the public library would have meant entering through its back door.  

    Today, Joyce Searcy is the first Black person to serve as chair of the Nashville Public Library board.

    The opportunity to appoint a highly qualified candidate, Linda Harrison, an extremely qualified and well-respected individual with over two decades of commendable service within the Nashville Public Library  System, was at the forefront. Harrison’s exemplary track record, including an invitation from Bill and Melinda Gates to explore digital inclusion strategies for Nashville’s library system, showcased her commitment and expertise.

    Linda Harrison

    However, during the meeting, allegations arose of prejudiced remarks made by a white board member favoring a candidate who mirrored his appearance. Despite Harrison’s undeniable qualifications and her place as one of the final four candidates, the board’s chairwoman, Joyce Searcy,  and other members seemingly disregarded her merits, ultimately denying her the role she was undoubtedly very qualified for.

    The proceedings culminated in a contentious vote that suspended the search for the library’s next leader, leaving many staff members disheartened and questioning the board’s commitment to equity and fair practices. The decision’s fallout has resonated deeply throughout the Metropolitan Black community.

    In a crucial and defining moment, the deciding vote fell upon one lone Black woman and longtime member of the Black community, Searcy, whose choice to align herself with the conservative white majority has been condemned as a betrayal and sell-out because of this profound injustice by many in Nashville’s Black community.  Searcy,  a Black woman was well aware of Linda Harrison, another Black woman who had undeniable qualifications.  

    The aftermath of this decision has left the Nashville Public Library at a crossroads, with the quest for a progressive and inclusive leadership now in limbo. The library, an institution meant to reflect the values and diversity of the community, faces a critical challenge in restoring trust and rectifying the perceived injustice that has marred its recent proceedings.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Article submitted

    Related Posts

    Juneteenth! Freedom Day

    June 19, 2025

    Donald Trump is the first president in 116 years to not be invited to the NAACP convention

    June 16, 2025

    The Joys of Being Raised by an Exceptional Black Father

    June 14, 2025

    Meharry Expands Into Memphis With Training Site at Mississippi Boulevard Church

    June 9, 2025

    ‘Lives will be impacted’: TSU proposes staffing, scholarship cuts to stay open

    June 8, 2025

    Fisk University Announces the Discontinuation of its Gymnastics Program in May 2026

    June 7, 2025

    Comments are closed.

    Business

    FUNdraising Good Times Report from Neighborhoods USA Conference in Jacksonville

    June 4, 2025

    Flower Child Restaurant to Open June 24 in Franklin

    June 4, 2025

    FUNdraising Good Times Survival through partnerships, collaborations, and mergers

    May 14, 2025
    1 2 3 … 383 Next
    Education
    Education

    TSU approves 6% tuition hike as part of long-term budget recovery plan

    By adminJune 19, 2025

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Tennessee State University students will see a 6% increase in tuition…

    Dr. Shawn Joseph Named PGCPS Interim Superintendent

    June 19, 2025

    Austin Peay students earn nationally competitive Gilman Scholarships to study abroad this summer, fall.

    June 19, 2025

    MTSU Board of Trustees approves tuition, fee increase for new academic year

    June 17, 2025
    The Tennessee Tribune
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • About Us
    • Digital Subscription
    • Store
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    © 2025 The Tennessee Tribune - Site Designed by No Regret Media.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Our Spring Sale Has Started

    You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/