The View from Day One - Nashville, TN

Nashville, TN seems an unexpected destination to begin a tour of the Civil Rights Movement - especially since we arrived on the last day of the Country Music Association's annual festival. But, consider these names: W.E.B. DuBois, John Hope Franklin, Jim Lawson, John Lewis, Diane Nash, James Bevel. At some point in each of their lives, they all resided and were active in the push for equal rights in Nashville.

We made brief stops at Fisk University - an HBC that dates back to 1866 - and Clark Memorial United Methodist Church - an unassuming, red brick structure that was central to the development of the philosophy, training, and practice of non-violent, direct action.

The big challenge for these students was to consider themselves and their society 50 years after the start of the sit-ins. I asked if they felt that they had the temperament and discipline to approach something they believed deeply in with a totally non-violent approach. More than half felt they could. But several felt that such discipline would prove difficult and may not necessarily be the most practical approach. What's interesting is that our group last year had a similar take on the matter. It will be compelling to see if our new class's mindset evolves as last year over the course of the week.

Some pictures from today's sites:


At the Harry Elson Memorial
Gate - Fisk University








Students at the W.E.B. DuBois statue
Fisk University