Black Bottom was once a thriving and culturally rich African American neighborhood in Nashville, Tennessee, near what is now downtown. The neighborhood got its name from the periodic flooding of the Cumberland River, which left behind a layer of muddy residue on the streets. Black Bottom, which began to take shape around 1832, initially served as a settlement for impoverished local whites, many of whom were European immigrants. The area was also home to some enslaved and free African Americans who worked as artisans, laborers, cooks, and servants. The free Black residents of the neighborhood competed for semi-skilled jobs with…
Author: Ivan Sanchez
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, recent polling data reveals a remarkably close contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Surveys conducted in late October indicate neither candidate has a clear advantage, leading to a nuanced discussion about what these polls actually mean. A compilation of recent polls shows Harris and Trump often neck-and-neck. For example, a YouGov/CBS News poll indicates Harris at 50% to Trump’s 49%, while a TIPP Insights poll shows both candidates tied at 48%. This pattern of close margins is echoed across multiple surveys, with some indicating slight leads for Harris, while…
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced more than $87 million in funding for public housing agencies (PHAs) nationwide to evaluate and remediate prominent health hazards in public housing, including lead-based paint, carbon monoxide, mold, and fire safety risks. This funding includes 14 awards totaling $47.7 million under the Lead-Based Paint (LBP) Capital Fund program and 22 awards totaling $40 million under the Capital Fund Housing-Related Hazards (HRH) program. “Far too many Americans, especially children, are living in at-risk conditions, including older homes that expose them to lead-based paint hazards,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “The…
Nashville, Tenn. (TN Tribune)-R.H. Boyd was a pivotal figure in the early 20th century, known for his impactful contributions to the African American community, particularly in the realm of religion and education. Born on July 1, 1872, in Nashville, Tennessee, Boyd’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to service and empowerment. Boyd became a prominent leader within the National Baptist Convention, a major religious organization that sought to unify and uplift African Americans during a time of significant social and political upheaval. His deep faith and dedication to the Gospel propelled him into leadership roles, where he worked tirelessly…
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated nationally from September 15 to October 15, is a time to honor the rich contributions of Latino communities in the United States, including Nashville, Tennessee. Established as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the observance was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. This initiative aimed to recognize the diverse cultures, histories, and achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The chosen dates are significant, coinciding with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, which celebrate their independence on…
By Ivan Sanchez In a landmark ruling on February 18, 1958, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee mandated the Nashville Board of Education to overhaul its desegregation plan, underscoring the federal judiciary’s critical role in enforcing constitutional principles against racial segregation in public schools. The case, Robert W. Kelly et al. v. Board of Education of City of Nashville, was initiated in 1955 by Black families determined to dismantle the city’s segregated school system. Represented by prominent civil rights attorney Thurgood Marshall and local advocates, the plaintiffs sought a court order to end racial discrimination and…
Charles Spurgeon Johnson played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and intellectuallandscape of the early 20th century. As an influential leader of the Harlem Renaissance and a trailblazer in the field of sociology, Johnson’s legacy is deeply embedded in the fight for racial equality and academic excellence. Born July 24, 1893, in Bristol, Va., Johnson’s journey to prominence began with hiseducation at Virginia Union University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1916. Hefurthered his studies at the University of Chicago and received a Ph.D. in sociology. Johnson’s academic pursuits laid the groundwork for his future contributions to sociology…
By Ivan Sanchez Avon N. Williams Jr., a towering figure in the legal and civil rights arenas, left an indelible mark on Tennessee and the nation through his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Born in Knoxville on December 22, 1921, Williams emerged as a prominent attorney and a passionate advocate for civil rights, influencing significant legal and social change throughout his career. Williams’ early life was marked by perseverance and a quest for education. He earned his undergraduate degree from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C., before serving in the U.S. Army during World War…
By Ivan Sanchez David C. Driskell, an iconic figure in American art history, significantly shaped the landscape of African American art through his dual roles as an artist and a scholar. Born in Eatonton, Georgia, in 1931, Driskell’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a preeminent voice in the art world is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and dedication to cultural heritage. Driskell’s academic pursuits led him to Howard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955. Further honing his skills, he obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree from Catholic University of…
By Ivan Sanchez As National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, new federal data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights a troubling trend: the suicide rate among Black youth ages 10 to 19 surpassed that of their white peers for the first time in 2022. This alarming development calls for urgent attention to mental health care within the Black community. The data reveals a stark increase in suicide rates among Black adolescents. From 2018 to 2022, the suicide rate for Black youth surged by 54%, rising from 5.3 to 8.1 deaths per 100,000…