Guide to Black Community and History in Nashville, Tennessee

I grew up an hour outside of Nashville, Tennessee. As a child, a visit to Nashville was a treat—a special occasion to indulge in the arts, history, and retail therapy, from field trips to the Country Music Hall of Fame to visits to the shopping mall. The city was part of my Tennessee history lessons in school—but I didn’t get to see the full picture. We toured government buildings, but never discussed the slaves who built the state capitol, or even the city’s participation in slavery and Jim Crow. We were taught about prominent state figures, but our teachers failed to touch upon Diane Nash or other Civil Rights leaders in Nashville. The role Black students and leaders in Nashville played in the sit-in movement wasn’t mentioned either. It wasn’t until I left the state for Howard University that I was exposed to Black Nashvillians’ impact on American history.

After returning to the area in 2018, I prioritized discovering more about Black Nashville by meeting its people, patronizing Black-owned businesses, and highlighting Black founders through my work as a writer and an event organizer. Nashville has become one of the country’s fastest-growing cities and tourism spots; but often, the picture painted of the city leaves out both its beautiful diversity and its long history of racism. This might be changing. Just this year, Cowboy Carter’s amplification of Black country artists in Music City helped to increase interest in Nashville for Black travelers. There’s no better time than to amplify Black-owned businesses and the city’s diverse cultural experiences.

This guide to Black Nashville is far from comprehensive. However, the businesses, historical sites, and—most importantly—people showcased below should give you a glimpse into Nashville’s Black culture, which blends traditional old Nashville with the new. Here’s what you need to know to plan your next trip to Music City.

Getting to know Black Nashville

As in most Southern cities, the history of Black Nashville isn’t pretty. There was such a vast number of enslaved people in Tennessee that by 1860, enslaved people made up roughly 25% of the state’s population. It wasn’t until after the Civil War that freed slaves were able to form their own communities, building businesses and culture in the Nashville neighborhoods of Edgehill, Edgefield, and North Nashville, home to Historic Jefferson Street. However, according to an academic abstract by Katherine Hatfield, “Gentrification has, as it usually does, hit Nashville’s older, lower income communities that hardest.” Within the last 15 years, the rise in housing costs have forced many Black residents to move to other Middle Tennessee cities, though their contributions remain in Nashville.

Nashville is also home to four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which were established between 1866 and 1924 to educate the first generation of formerly enslaved people. One of those HBCUs, Fisk University, is the oldest institution of higher learning in Tennessee and was founded in 1866. The university is known for its acappella ensemble, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, who travel the world to perform Negro spirituals. Their international popularity helped gain Nashville the nickname Music City, and the city has lived up to that name by serving as a hub for gospel and country music. Nashville is a breakthrough city for artists, songwriters, and musicians looking for representation by the several music labels and talent agencies that have divisions in Nashville. Black artists like DeFord Bailey, Charley Pride and Linda Martell were trailblazers in country music who helped open doors for artists like Darius Rucker, Mickey Guyton, Kane Brown, Brittney Spencer, Tanner Adell, and Willie Jones to come to Nashville and make it.

Black museums, art, and culture in Nashville

Historic Jefferson Street

Historic Jefferson Street is Nashville’s Black Wall Street, home to 86 Black-owned businesses— the most on a single street in the US. The area was, and still is, the epicenter of Black culture in Nashville. It is home to Citizens Bank (the oldest Black-owned bank in the country), Fisk University, and Meharry Medical College. Today, Black business owners of all ages are committed to preserving the identity of Black Nashville through giving back to the community, helping to prevent new development on historical land, creating cultural events for learning and education, and fundraising to keep businesses open. One way that is happening is through a group of business owners and Nashville natives who have created the Jefferson Street Historical Society to help preserve the legacy of the street.

National Museum of African American Music

510 Broadway
In the heart of Broadway, known for honky tonks and bars founded by white country music stars, sits the National Museum of African American Music. The immersive museum takes you through the history of Black music all the way up to the present. I especially love the activities that allow you to interact with the different eras of music, including a dance activity where you can record yourself mimicking a Michael Jackon or Beyoncé routine. The museum also partners with community organizations to provide space for meetings, panels, and special cultural events. For example, during Black Business Month in June, the museum hosts a Juneteenth Block Party.

The Jefferson Street Sound Museum

2004 Jefferson St.
In its heyday, Jefferson Street hosted many of the country’s most iconic Black musicians, including Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, and Little Richard. It was home to a thriving music scene that founder Lorenzo Washington preserves through the Jefferson Street Sound Museum. The nonprofit has artifacts and learning instruments, as well as a full-fledged music production studio and rehearsal space for today’s musicians.

North Nashville Cultural Crawl

Since 2015, Elisheba Mrozik the North Nashville Arts Coalition has hosted community gatherings to create opportunities for Black artists to showcase their work. What started as an annual art crawl is now a cultural experience that includes an art market, art activations, a block party, and a community walk.

“We are bringing folks from all over Nashville and surrounding areas to see and share in the creativity that was home grown and cultivated right here in North Nash,” Mrozik says. “Above all of that, we have created a way for everyone to have an amazing time supporting the arts that decorate the landscape of Nashville.”

The North Nashville Arts Coalition also hosts other programs throughout the year, like panel discussions, art yoga, and more. You can get notified about the 2024 cultural crawl here.

Soul of America Tours

1901 Ed Temple Blvd.
Founded in 2017, the Soul of America Tour was created by Fred Whitley Jr. who has over thirty years of experience as a teacher and historian. It’s a can’t-miss opportunity to experience historic sites and important cultural places in Black Nashville history, such as schools, churches, Civil Rights sites, monuments, and neighborhoods—including Jefferson Street, Black Wall Street of Nashville, Fisk, Music Row, and more. The three-hour bus tour, offered on Saturdays, includes music, dancing, trivia, and prizes as you travel to each site. Click here to book your tour.

African Street Festival

1037 28th Ave. N
This three-day free music festival and marketplace highlighting African culture takes place in Hadley Park, one of the first parks in the US dedicated to recreation for Black Americans. In September, 2024, it will be held for the 42nd time. In addition to the dancers and drummers taking the main stage, the event also features a live gospel segment and children’s village.

Tennessee State University Homecoming

3500 John A Merritt Blvd.
Alumni, students, family, and community gather annually for one of the most anticipated Black Nashville gatherings, Tennessee State University homecoming. Homecoming at the HBCU is an experience like no other. The weeklong celebration concludes with a tailgating weekend, concerts, parties, a parade and a football game. The annual parade down historic Jefferson Street is one of the more popular events, with families lining the street to glimpse Mister and Miss Tennessee State and the Grammy award-winning Aristocrat of Bands. Local organizations, high school bands, and community cheer groups also participate in the annual parade. As a HBCU alum, one of my favorite things to do is see the HBCU marching bands perform.

Black-owned businesses you can’t miss in Nashville

One Drop Ink

1511 Jefferson St.
You’ll know you’re at One Drop Ink when you see the beautiful mural on the building, which was created by owner Elisheba Israel, who says she’s “the first licensed Black artist in Middle Tennessee, and the first Black owned tattoo shop in Middle Tennessee.” One Drop Ink is the place to go if you want to get creative art on your skin—particularly if you have skin with melanin, as the artists are trained to work on all types of skin.

Alkebu-Lan Images

2721 Jefferson St.
Nashville’s only Black-owned bookstore, Alkebu-Lan, is on Historic Jefferson Street and has served the community for over 35 years. Yusef Harris opened Alkebu-Lan in 1986, and today his son Jordan Harris has taken over the business, preserving the legacy his late father built. Visitors can purchase rare books and other trinkets, which are curated around a central mission of serving the diverse needs of African Americans in and outside of Nashville. Whenever possible, Harris sources its products from other Black-owned businesses as a way to uplift the community.

Nashville Black Market

“The Nashville Black Market has brought over $3 million in revenue into the city of Nashville through Black businesses from 2020 to 2023,” says Darius McDonald, the market’s Chief Operating Officer. On the first Friday of each month, over 100 Black-owned businesses set up their stalls at the Nashville Black Market. This lively pop-up experience at the Nashville Farmers Market draws a crowd of up to 6,000 people. The smiles, the chatter, the smell of the food, and the sounds of the music are reminiscent of a family reunion. In addition to all kinds of vendors, you can also find food trucks, music, games, and installations. Get tickets to attend the market here.

One Shop Nashville

3 City Ave.
At One Shop Nashville, you can find fresh and locally made cinnamon rolls, sandwiches, chips, cupcakes, hot sauces, and more. Rhonda Cammon opened her business to focus on selling artisanal food, drinks, and goods from Nashville makers—including her own cocktail mixer brand, Perfectly Cordial.

“Oneshop Marketplace encapsulates everything great about Nashville in a unique space,” says Cammon. “As a Black maker myself, it brings me joy to showcase Black makers and their extraordinary products.” I don’t live far from the shop, so if I’m looking for quick items to bring to a friend’s home, mixers to add to my bar, or holiday gifts, it’s a great place to swing by. It’s amazing to discover a new Nashville brand with every visit.

Nearest Green Distillery

3125 US-231, Shelbyville, TN
Just an hour outside of the city is Nearest Green Distillery, the home of award-winning Uncle Nearest whiskey. The whiskey brand honors the life and legacy of Nearest Green, a formerly enslaved man who taught distilling techniques to Jack Daniel and was the first Black master distiller in the country. When visiting Nashville, I recommend taking a distillery tour, trying one of the two on-site restaurants for some barbeque, or grabbing a drink at the World’s Longest Bar. Every time I go, I always find myself staying longer than planned, because the drinks, music, and energy make me lose track of time. To schedule a tasting or tour of the distillery, get your tickets here.

Where to eat and drink in Nashville

All People Coffee

347 Douglas Ave
For coffee, tea, seasonal specialty drinks, and locally made vegan pastries, head to All People Coffee. The coffee shop, owned by Bradley Bruce and Corey Alexander, partners with many local organizations for events and marketplaces. According to its owners, “All People Coffee was founded as a meeting place for anyone and everyone in the Nashville community to feel welcomed to enjoy a cup of coffee or a beverage together… Coffee is the great unifier and we wanted to bring a sense of togetherness to All People in our shop.”

The shops most recent collaboration is with Soul’d Collective, a Black non-profit that uplifts Black creators, and features a summer artist residency at the shop every other Thursday with artwork, programming, and performances. Keep up with events and follow Soul’d Collective on Instagram.

ButterFLY Garden Brunch

6917 Lenox Village Drive
The bottomless brunch experience at ButterFLY Garden Brunch is my favorite way to celebrate life’s little wins. When you purchase a ticket for a weekend brunch, expect unlimited flavors of mimosas and between six to eight brunch items served in appetizer portions. The best part is that you can request more of any favorites (I always ask for extra shrimp and grits). When you start feeling full, the DJ will get you on your feet, ready to dance it off. ButterFLY Garden offers a regular menu for brunch on weekdays.

Cal’s Country Kitchen

1315 Dickerson Pike
A former community restaurant staple, Cal’s Country Kitchen reopened in June in a new location in East Nashville. The restaurant is continuing its legacy of country cooking by keeping it in the family as Marcus Buggs brings new life to his family’s business. The Nashville native, who also owns a bar called Plane Jane at the same address, took ownership of Cal’s after his mother retired. Buggs grew up helping his mother cook and operate the popular three-and-meat establishment for 24 years. Even today, food is served cafeteria-style, with menu items like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, turnip greens, dressing, and banana pudding.

No Free Coffee

915 Buchanan St
This pop-up-experience-turned-cafe in North Nashville has been a great addition to redeveloping Buchanan Street, offering a space for the community to gather for unique coffee, tea, and soda concoctions. If you stop by you can catch a group of guys in the middle of a spades game or vibe to a DJ. A favorite order among my friends is the Grapefruit Tootsie, which is a combination of cold brew, grapefruit and tonic, though as a tea girl, I am a fan of the Tokyo Bloom Matcha with salted honey, rose water, and pistachio milk. Mario Kristian, founder of No Free Coffee, has created something that is more than a coffee shop; it’s also a clothing brand that offers streetwear like hats, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies for purchase. The cafe supports many community events, and works with brands like Converse and Nike on event activations worldwide.

SupperClub on Belcourt

2000 Belcourt Ave
For a more elevated dining experience at a Black-owned restaurant in Nashville, SupperClub on Belcourt is the spot. The restaurant serves brunch and dinner from a steakhouse menu and Southern stables. Popular choices include the soul roll appetizer with greens, mac ‘n cheese and yams fried into an egg roll or the soul waffle with chicken. My personal favorite is the catfish and grits for brunch. Robert Higgins, owner of SupperClub on Belcourt also operates Bungalow 10, Jar Cocktail Club and Sunset on Belcourt on the same block, which you can visit for more drinks or nightlife after your meal. Higgins’ group of restaurants and bars are located within walking distance to Vanderbilt University and Belmont University, making them the only Black-owned businesses in the neighborhood.

Bag Lady’s Fry Joint

1402 Buchanan St
Brothers James and Brandon Littleton turned their food truck concept into Bag Lady’s Fry Joint, which offers a menu built entirely around gourmet fries. The location on Buchanan Street is no accident. “Buchanan Street is special to us for many reasons. We grew up in the area and even attended school and church there,” Brandon Littleton says. “My brother and I are honored to have the chance to create jobs in the place where we grew up. The brothers also see the restaurant as continuing their grandmother’s legacy, since she used to make them fries when they were growing up.

At Bag Lady’s, fries are served piled high with fun toppings, or act as a side to complement chicken tenders, wings, or burgers. Popular items on the menu include It’s A Tennessee Thang with smoked beef brisket, bacon, green onions, onion rings, and 24K sauce and a vegetarian option called No Capp with meatless crumbles, spinach, black beans, peppers, onions, vegan cheese, and Za Za sauce.

Riddim n Spice

2116 Meharry Blvd
You can find Caribbean influence in Nashville at Riddim n Spice, a restaurant and lounge concept in North Nashville. Brothers Rashean Conaway and chef Kamal Kalokoh created a menu built upon their Jamaican culture and the influence of their mother, Ouida Bradshaw, owner of Jamaicaway restaurant in Nashville. The cafeteria-style restaurant offers meat options of jerk, curry, or brown stewed chicken; lamb; shrimp; or red snapper—which can be paired with two sides. Caribbean favorites include cabbage and plantains and four styles of rice: Jamaica, Trini Fried, Puerto Rican and Haitian. Upstairs, you’ll find the Rum Room bar and lounge, which has a $5 happy hour with must-try Rum Punch and a DJ playing hip hop, dancehall, afrobeats, soca and reggaeton.

Rolled Forever Ice Cream

1120 4th Ave N Suite #102
For something sweet, Rolled Forever Ice Cream is a fun ice cream shop owned by two best friends, Maliyah Bass and Bariangela Segovia, in the Germantown neighborhood of Nashville. The first rolled ice cream shop in the state of Tennessee, Rolled Forever’s menu includes vanilla or chocolate-based signature flavors created on a metal surface that freezes the cream before it is rolled and topped off with whipped cream and sauces. The shop also serves milkshakes and ice cream pops, as well as treats for dogs. “Our ice cream shop also offers rolled ice cream crafting classes, inviting you to create and customize your own rolled ice cream,” shared Bass. “We also love collaborating with other local women-owned businesses by including their products in our monthly ice cream flavors.” My favorite thing to do is try the monthly ice cream roll flavor—but I especially love Rolled Forever’s birthday cake collaboration with The Cupcake Collection.

Shugga Hi Bakery and Cafe

1000 Dickerson Pike
This popular Nashville restaurant is only open three days a week for brunch. Sisters Kathy Leslie and the late Sandra Austin started Shugga Hi Bakery and Cafe to share the love they felt from their mother’s cooking—and when you walk in the door, Leslie is there to greet you. You feel like you’re visiting your aunt’s home for brunch. Their best known menu item is their signature cake waffle served with Henny syrup. You can get your waffle with chicken, fish, tater tots, ribeye steak, or as a bun to a burger. The restaurant has a brunch buffet on Sundays, which mixes breakfast foods with Sunday supper.

Popular mentions

Other popular black-owned spots to make room for include The Cupcake Collection for the best strawberry cupcakes in town, Slim & Husky’s for pizza, and Germantown Pub for the catfish nuggets and wings.

Black-owned hotels in Nashville

Urban Cowboy and The Dive Motel

East Nashville is home to Urban Cowboy Nashville, an eight-bedroom boutique hotel in a historic Victorian mansion. The hotel is co-owned by Jersey Banks, a former dancer and model who used her love for art and fashion and background in hospitality to help start the Urban Cowboy hotel brand. Each room and community space in the hotel is a content creator’s dream, just like Banks’ 70s-themed Nashville property The Dive Motel. Each of the motel’s 23 rooms includes a “party switch” that turns on a disco ball and hotel-dedicated playlists.

“We were the first boutique hotel in Nashville when we opened in 2016,” says Banks. “Now the city is full of smaller ‘family’ operations. It’s great to see, and I’m proud to have been at the forefront of diversifying the industry here.”

That said, both properties are more than places to stay; they make space for community and fun. The Urban Cowboy has the Public House and the Parlor Wine bar open to the public, often featuring live music. The Dive Motel has a swim club where members of the public can buy passes to spend the day poolside.

Did You Know?

Nashville hot chicken was a best-kept secret within the Nashville community before it gained notoriety around the US. The oral history of hot chicken’s roots centers on Thornton Prince, a ladies’ man around town. Supposedly one of his lovers wanted to get back at him for continuing to come home late and mess with other women, so she made him fried chicken with the spiciest ingredients she could find in her cupboard. To her surprise, he loved the heat and shared it with his brothers. Prince and his brothers took the concept and opened a restaurant in 1936. Prince’s Hot Chicken is the original hot chicken in Nashville, located on Broadway and at the airport.

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