Civil Rights

Cover of Bravo!: Poems About Brave Hispanics by Margarite Engle
During Hispanic Heritage Month we intentionally recognize the many contributions made by persons of Latin American, Hispanic, and Latina/o descent to every part of U.S. American life. Check out these picture book biographies about Hispanic and Latino trailblazers, strivers, and justice seekers. 
Diversity in the Workplace
In the book Diversity in the Workplace, Bari A Williams, Esq. conducts a series of interviews discussing some of the diversity challenges that happen in the workplace. The goal of this book is to induce conversations about privilege, identity and bias. 
Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts
This review originally appeared in the Panel Discussion zine, a print supplement to the Main Library's Panel Discussion book club. If you'd like to join the club or receive a copy of the zine at your branch, email Jeremy at jeremy.estes@nashville.gov.
From Metro Archives Photos - Metro Council member, Thelma Harper
The world lost an extraordinary woman on April 22nd, 2021, when former State Senator Thelma Harper passed away. After making history by becoming the first African American female elected to the State Senate, her work of shattering ceilings was far from over.
whoever you are
Looking for new favorites that support early reading skills like rhyme, repetition, colors, and numbers? Here is a list of books with diverse representation and inclusive themes for a young audience. 
Clipping from the Journal and Tribune from August 18th, 1920
Though the outlook in Tennessee seemed bleak before the battle began, the state surprised the nation by becoming the 36th and final state to ratify the Ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution 100 years ago. Here’s a look back at how it all unfolded…
John Lewis marching for civil rights.
The world knew Reverend C.T. Vivian and U.S. Rep John Lewis  as giants. But, before they were icons, they were young men beginning a journey in Nashville.  We celebrate and remember what Reverend C.T. Vivian and U.S. Rep. John Lewis did for Nashville and for Nashville Public Library.
Illustration of an open mouth with the words Black History in its Own Words.
Ronald Wimberly has gathered and presents quotes from a dozen black luminaries in mutliple fields. He provides illustrations of each person, some background information, and their most memorable quotes.
Book cover for "In Your Hands" featuring a child cradled between two large, protective hands.
The author of multiple books, Carole Boston Weatherford "mines the past for family stories, fading traditions and forgotten struggles" to write poetry, nonfiction, and picture books that give pride of place to the African American experience.
Black and white photo of smiling Black woman wearing hair band and looking to the side.
Born in rural Kenya and educated in the United States, Wangari Maathai was the first woman in East Africa to earn a doctoral degree, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and is the founder of the Green Belt Movement. Her incredible story is the subject of several picture book biographies for children.
Blue triangle with YWCA.
The Nashville Room has a small exhibit of photographs to celebrate the availability of a new collection documenting the activities of the YWCA Blue Triangle Branch. Come see our resources!
Black history month text on a black, red, green, and yellow background.
An acquaintance of mine is fond of saying "28 days will never be enough," to refer to Black History Month. That is, one month out of the year (and the shortest month at that) is not enough time to highlight the full depth and breadth of black history in the United States and around the world. Nor should it be limited to one month out of the year. Black History is History writ large. But during African American History Month it is important that we bring our particular attention to the contributions of African Americans. Picture books are an ideal (and beautiful) way to address the gaps in our knowledge.
Black and white photo of Black man in white shirt and striped tie with words Pioneer in the Newsroom written above.
Exploring the holdings of Main Library’s Special Collections, I stumbled upon a local figure I hadn’t heard of before—Robert Churchwell. Hired by the Nashville Banner in 1950, Churchwell was the first black journalist and full-time reporter for a Southern newspaper.
newspaper clipping shows black man in suit speaking with multiple microphones. captioned now is the time.
It’s been 50 years since the death of Martin Luther King Jr., yet his teachings and legacy continue to endure. In honor of his impact, here’s a look back at how his work shaped Nashville.
Rashad Rayford headshot.
Rashad "thaPoet" Rayford shares his reading list for those who wish to further explore activism and civil rights in literature.
News clipping showing a photo of John F. Kennedy.
Though November marks the last month of his life, May of this year would have marked JFK's 100th birthday; May 29th to be exact. In honor of this milestone, here's a look back at a few of President Kennedy's visits to Nashville, as well as a few anecdotes from people that remember the day he died.
school classroom with children.
Nearly 60 years ago, Nashville began a “stair-step” plan to integrate public schools, following the landmark 1954 case Brown v. Board of Education. The process was gradual and met with significant resistance and pushback along the way.
portrait of woman wearing decorative scarf.
In honor of African American History Month, I’m recognizing Senator Thelma Harper of District 19, the first African American woman elected to the Tennessee State Senate. Before her historic 1991 election, she served eight years on the Davidson County Metro Council.
Stand Up for Someone's Rights Today
December 10th is Human Rights Day and the library has the information to help you answer "What is that?"
B&W photo of a young girl with a "March for Jobs & Freedom" pennant at the 1963 March on Washington for Civil Rights.
The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom called on the United States to hold to its promise of freedom and justice for all, not just for the few. Though we have come far, the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of freedom and equality, proclaimed that day, remains to be fully realized. The books below are a good place for preschoolers and other young children to begin learning about the March on Washington, MLK, Jr., and the Civil Rights Movement.
Two men sitting on auditorium stage.
Dr. Bernard Lafayette and Dr. C.T. Vivian visted Nashville Public Library to discuss how the ideas and practices from the summer of 1964 still echo today. Selected excerpts from the award winning film Freedom Summer by Stanley Nelson were part of the conversation.
Movie poster for the Black Panthers.
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution is a film about the history of the Black Panther Party containing rare archival footage and interviews with the people who were a part of it, including members Kathleen Cleaver, Emory Douglas, Ericka Huggins, and Jamal Joseph. 
Selma march during Civil Rights era.
Watching the new movie Selma was like seeing Nashville's Civil Rights "All Stars": James Bevel, Diane Nash, C.T. Vivian, John Lewis, Bernard LaFayette are all depicted in the film.
Michelle Norris
NPR host and special correspondent Michele Norris visited Nashville Public Library for a conversation on race, class and current civil rights issues. Her visit was part of the 10-year anniversary of the Civil Rights Room and Collection.