NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Lorenzo Washington, Jefferson Street Sound Museum’s founder and curator, was the guest of honor recently for an event held by the Belmont University Global Honors Program, in which he was recognized for his work in preserving Nashville’s musical legacy.
Jefferson Street Sound Museum Vice President Karen Coffee said several guests spoke of Washington’s character during the celebration, including Belmont and Fisk University students who worked with him on the soon-to-be-released documentary “Exit 207,” set to air on Nashville’s PBS station, Oct. 17.
During the celebration, Washington received the Global Honors Program Honorable Life Award for his commitment to his community. Coffee said the award recognized his leadership, mentoring, ethical conduct, integrity and steadfast advocacy of others.
“It feels great to be recognized at any point in time,” Washington said. “Confirmation for what you have done or have accomplished. The honor from Belmont was very important to me and my team.”
Coffee said she and Washington were contacted by the executive director of the Belmont Honors Program and professor of English, Bonnie Smith Whitehouse, about the dinner to celebrate Washington for preserving so many musical legacies on Jefferson Street. She said the evening included a screening of “Exit 207.” Washington said the award means a lot for the Jefferson Street Sound Museum as it will hopefully cause more people to want to come by the facility to experience the musical history that is being preserved within its walls.
“It has made an impact on the community…locally, nationally and internationally, an impact made from his efforts in working with different individuals and preserving the history of Jefferson Street,” Coffee said. “He’s made a great investment mentally, physically, spiritually and financially.”
Washington said that being conscientious and intentional about everything he considers when it comes to the history of the Nashville and Jefferson Street community has been a great contributor to his success. He added that when he thinks about the history of a community, he thinks all the people from both inside and outside that community who made contributions.
The Jefferson Street Sound Museum is open Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment, with Saturdays open for tours to the public from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Washington said the museum is perfect for those looking to learn more about Jefferson Street and North Nashville and invites students from public schools to be a part of its educational experience.
On Oct. 26, Coffee said a ‘fireside chat’ with Dr. Bobby Jones will be held from 3-5 p.m. During this time, they will discuss the contributions Jones has made in the gospel music industry as well as share his career and other accomplishments, including his prominent membership with Nashville Gospel for 25 years and his 35 years with BET. Future updates regarding events at the Jefferson Street Sound Museum can be found on the museum’s website at www.jeffersonstreetsound.com.
