Vencen Horsley, a Nashville civil rights leader and community advocate, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 11, according to multiple Metro Councilmembers. Known for his humility, soft-spoken nature, and infectious smile, Horsley was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, peacefully demonstrating alongside the late Rep. John Lewis. Horsley’s contributions to Nashville, both during the civil rights movement and in the decades that followed, leave behind a powerful legacy of justice, encouragement, and unity.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell reflected on Horsley’s legacy, saying, “For 60 years, Vencen Horsley put his energy into making Nashville a better place, and we are undoubtedly better off because he called Nashville home. His work from the Civil Rights movement of the 60s to his later days when he called Hermitage home is historic. My hope is losing both Vencen and fellow Civil Rights leader Nikki Giovanni in the same week reminds all of us to redouble our efforts to realize a more just city.”
Horsley’s civil rights activism included participating in Nashville’s sit-in movements in the 1960s and being arrested for disorderly conduct in 1964. Beyond his activism, Horsley was dedicated to his community, serving on the board of the Donelson Hermitage Neighborhood Association and sharing his experiences from the civil rights movement.
Erin Evans, Metro Councilmember for District 12, spoke about Horsley’s impact. “Yesterday, I learned that we lost a great man who was truly a pillar of our community and our city, Vencen Horsley,” she said including that Horsley was a Nashville civil rights leader, known all over for his role in the city’s sit-ins, and a student of the teachings of the late John Lewis.
“Long before I knew of his civil rights legacy, I knew him as a fellow board member of the Donelson Hermitage Neighborhood Association. He worked tirelessly with youth in our area, sharing his experiences from the civil rights movement. One of the things that always impressed me about Vencen was his never-ending encouragement for the people around him whom he believed were doing good things. He would send us messages on social media or share an encouraging word at a community meeting. He never tried to tear down anyone he disagreed with. Instead, he chose to lift up the people he supported. Vencen Horsley will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, encouragement, and leadership will live on in our community,” Evans said.
