Music City’s Black culture blends an uneasy history and vibrant present.
I rise up an hour outside ofNashville , Tennessee . As a kid , a sojourn to Nashville was a kickshaw — a especial occasion to indulge in the arts , history , and retail therapy , from airfield trips to the Country Music Hall of Fame to visits to the shopping mall . The city was part of my Tennessee history lessons in schoolhouse — but I did n’t get to see the full impression . We tour government buildings , but never discussed the slaves who built the state Capitol Building , or even the city ’s participation in slavery and Jim Crow . We were taught about large state figures , but our instructor failed to touch upon Diane Nash or other Civil Rights leaders in Nashville . The theatrical role Black bookman and leader in Nashville fiddle in the sit down - in movement was n’t mentioned either . It was n’t until I leave behind the province for Howard University that I was exposed to Black Nashvillians ' impingement on American history .
After return to the area in 2018 , I prioritize unwrap more about Black Nashville by touch its people , patronizing Black - own businesses , and highlighting Black founder through my work as a writer and an result organizer . Nashville has become one of the country ’s fastest - growing urban center and touristry touch ; but often , the picture painted of the city leave behind out both its beautiful diversity and its long account of racism . This might be changing . Just this class , Cowboy Carter’samplification of pitch-dark land artists in Music City helped to increase pastime in Nashville for mordant traveller . There ’s no better time than to amplify Black - owned businesses and the city ’s diverse ethnical experience .
This guide to Black Nashville is far from comprehensive . However , the businesses , diachronic website , and — most significantly — hoi polloi showcased below should give you a glimpse into Nashville ’s Black finish , which go traditional erstwhile Nashville with the new . Here ’s what you demand to know to design your next stumble to Music City .
Design by Maitane Romagosa for Thrillist
Getting to know Black Nashville
As in most Southern cities , the history of Black Nashville is n’t pretty . There was such a immense act of enslaved people in Tennessee that by 1860 , enslaved the great unwashed made up approximately 25 % of the State Department ’s population . It was n’t until after the Civil War that freed slaves were able to form their own community of interests , building byplay and cultivation in the Nashville vicinity of Edgehill , Edgefield , and North Nashville , home to Historic Jefferson Street . However , according to anacademic abstractby Katherine Hatfield , “ Gentrification has , as it usually does , hit Nashville ’s old , crushed income communities that hard . ” Within the last 15 years , therise in caparison costshave forced many Black resident to move to other Middle Tennessee cities , though their contribution remain in Nashville .
Nashville is also home to four historically bootleg colleges and universities ( HBCUs ) , which wereestablished between 1866 and 1924to educate the first generation of formerly enslaved people . One of those HBCUs , Fisk University , is the old institution of higher learning in Tennessee and was founded in 1866 . The university is known for its acappella ensemble , The Fisk Jubilee Singers , who move the world to perform Negro spirituals . Their outside popularity helped attain Nashville thenickname Music City , and the urban center has exist up to that name by serving as a hub for gospel and area music . Nashville is a breakthrough city for artist , songwriters , and player looking for representation by the several music labels and endowment agency that have division in Nashville . Black artists likeDeFord Bailey , Charley PrideandLinda Martellwere trailblazers in country medicine who facilitate open up door for creative person like Darius Rucker , Mickey Guyton , Kane Brown , Brittney Spencer , Tanner Adell , and Willie Jones to fare 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 business concern — the most on a undivided street in the US . The area was , and still is , the epicenter of calamitous refinement 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 maintain the identity operator of Black Nashville through giving back to the community , facilitate to prevent new development on historical land , create cultural events for encyclopaedism and breeding , and fundraising to keep job undetermined . One manner that is happening is through a group of business owners and Nashville natives who have create the Jefferson Street Historical Society to help maintain the bequest of the street .
National Museum of African American Music
510 BroadwayIn the heart of Broadway , known for honky tonks and bars founded by bloodless country medicine asterisk , sits theNational Museum of African American Music . The immersive museum convey you through the account of Black medicine all the elbow room up to the present . I especially love the activities that allow you to interact with the unlike eras of music , including a dance activity where you’re able to record yourself mimicking a Michael Jackon or Beyoncé routine . The museum also partner with community organization to supply space for meeting , 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 state ’s most iconic fateful musicians , including Tina Turner , Aretha Franklin , James Brown , Jimi Hendrix , and Little Richard . It was home to a flourishing medicine scene that founder Lorenzo Washington preserves through theJefferson Street Sound Museum . The nonprofit has artifacts and learning instruments , as well as a full - fledged music production studio apartment and dry run blank space for today ’s musicians .
North Nashville Cultural Crawl
Since 2015 , Elisheba Mrozik theNorth Nashville Arts Coalitionhas hosted biotic community gatherings to make opportunities for Black artists to showcase their work . What started as an annual art creep is now a ethnical experience that include an artwork marketplace , art energizing , a block political party , and a biotic community walk .
“ We are bringing folks from all over Nashville and environ areas to see and share in the creative thinking that was home grown and cultivate decently here in North Nash , ” Mrozik say . “ Above all of that , we have create a way for everyone to have an amazing time supporting the arts that beautify the landscape painting of Nashville . ”
The North Nashville Arts Coalition also host other programme throughout the year , like board discussions , art yoga , and more . you’re able to get notified about the 2024 cultural crawlhere .
Fisk University, founded in 1866, is the oldest institution of higher learning in Tennessee.|Authenticated News/Staff/Archive Photos/Getty Images
Soul of America Tours
1901 Ed Temple Blvd . set up in 2017 , theSoul of America Tourwas create by Fred Whitley Jr. who has over thirty years of experience as a teacher and historian . It ’s a can’t - girl chance to experience historic sites and significant 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 spell , volunteer on Saturdays , includes music , saltation , trivia , and prizes as you travel to each site . Clickhereto Quran your circuit .
African Street Festival
1037 28th Ave . NThis three - dayfree music festivaland marketplace highlight African culture takes place in Hadley Park , one of the first parksin the US dedicated to recreation for Black Americans . In September , 2024 , it will be hold for the 42nd sentence . In addition to the dancer and drummers taking the chief stage , the event also feature a live religious doctrine section and tyke ’s settlement .
Tennessee State University Homecoming
3500 John A Merritt Blvd . Alumni , bookman , family , and community gather yearly for one of the most anticipated Black Nashville gathering , Tennessee State University homecoming . Homecoming at the HBCU is an experience like no other . The weeklong celebration concludes with a tailgating weekend , concert , political party , a parade and a football game . The yearly parade down historical Jefferson Street is one of the more democratic event , with families delineate the street to glimpse Mister and Miss Tennessee State and the Grammy award - come through Aristocrat of Bands . Local organizations , high school bands , and community cheer groups also participate in the annual parade . As a HBCU grad , one of my favored thing to do is see the HBCU march bands perform .
Black-owned businesses you can’t miss in Nashville
One Drop Ink
1511 Jefferson St. You’ll know you ’re atOne Drop Inkwhen 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 possess tattoo store in Middle Tennessee . ” One dip Ink is the position to go if you want to get creative art on your skin — particularly if you have skin with melanin , as the creative person are trained to work on all type of cutis .
Alkebu-Lan Images
2721 Jefferson St. Nashville ’s only Black - possess bookstore , Alkebu - Lan , is on Historic Jefferson Street and has serve the community for over 35 long time . Yusef Harris open Alkebu - Lan in 1986 , and today his Word Jordan Harris has taken over the byplay , preserving the legacy his late forefather built . Visitors can purchase rarefied books and other trinkets , which are curated around a central mission of serving the various needs of African Americans in and outside of Nashville . Whenever potential , Harris sources its products from other Black - owned business enterprise as a style to uplift the community .
Nashville Black Market
“ TheNashville Black Markethas convey over $ 3 million in gross into the city of Nashville through calamitous 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 byplay fix up their stall at theNashville Black Market . This racy kill - up experience at the Nashville Farmers Market draws a crowd of up to 6,000 people . The smiles , the chatter , the flavor of the food for thought , and the sounds of the euphony are reminiscent of a kin reunification . In add-on to all kinds of vendors , you could also find food trucks , euphony , games , and installations . Get ticket to pay heed the markethere .
One Shop Nashville
3 City Ave . AtOne Shop Nashville , you’re able to find oneself saucy and topically made cinnamon roll , sandwiches , chips , cupcakes , blistering sauces , and more . Rhonda Cammon opened her business to focus on sell artisanal food , drinks , and trade good from Nashville Godhead — including her own cocktail mixer trade name , dead genial .
“ Oneshop Marketplace encapsulates everything large about Nashville in a unique space , ” say Cammon . “ As a dark Divine myself , it impart me pleasure to showcase Black makers and their extraordinary products . ” I do n’t subsist far from the workshop , so if I ’m search for quick items to bring to a friend ’s place , mixers to add to my bar , or holiday gifts , it ’s a great place to swing by . It ’s amazing to discover a Modern Nashville brand with every visit .
Nearest Green Distillery
3125 US-231 , Shelbyville , TNJust an hr outside of the city is Nearest Green Distillery , the home of award - winningUncle Nearest whiskey . The whiskey brand reward the life sentence and legacy of Nearest Green , a formerly enslave valet who instruct condense proficiency to Jack Daniel and was the first Black master distiller in the country . When visiting Nashville , I recommend taking a distillery tour of duty , trying one of the two on - site restaurants for some barbeque , or grabbing a swallow at the World ’s Longest Bar . Every time I go , I always find myself bide longer than planned , because the drinks , euphony , and energy make me suffer track of time . To schedule a savoring or tour of the distillery , get your ticketshere .
Where to eat and drink in Nashville
All People Coffee
347 Douglas Ave . For coffee tree , tea , seasonal specialty drinking , and topically made vegan pastries , head toAll People Coffee . The coffee bean shop , have by Bradley Bruce and Corey Alexander , partners with many local organizations for events and marketplaces . allot to its owners , “ All People Coffee was founded as a meeting place for anyone and everyone in the Nashville community to finger welcomed to enjoy a loving cup of coffee or a beverage together … Coffee is the heavy unifier and we wanted to bring a sentience of togetherness to All People in our shop . ”
The shop class most recent collaboration is withSoul’d Collective , a Black non - profit that uplifts Black creators , and features a summer artist residency at the shop every other Thursday with artwork , computer programming , and performances . Keep up with events and stick to Soul’d Collective onInstagram .
ButterFLY Garden Brunch
6917 Lenox Village Dr. The bottomless brunch experience atButterFLY Garden Brunchis my favored manner to celebrate life ’s piffling wins . When you purchasea ticketfor a weekend brunch , anticipate unlimited feel of mimosas and between six to eight brunch detail served in appetizer portion . The good part is that you may request more of any favorites ( I always take for extra half-pint and grits ) . When you come out feeling full , the DJ will get you on your feet , ready to dance it off . ButterFLY Garden offer a veritable menu for brunch on weekdays .
Cal’s Country Kitchen
1315 Dickerson PikeA former community of interests restaurant staple , Cal ’s Country Kitchenreopened in June in a unexampled localization in East Nashville . The restaurant is preserve its legacy of country make by keeping it in the fellowship as Marcus Buggs bring new biography to his fellowship ’s commercial enterprise . The Nashville native , who also owns a bar calledPlane Janeat the same savoir-faire , took ownership of Cal ’s after his mother retired . Buggs grew up avail his mother cook and lock the popular three - and - substance constitution for 24 years . Even today , food is answer cafeteria - way , with menu item like fried chicken , macaroni and cheese , white turnip Green , dressing , and banana pud .
No Free Coffee
915 Buchanan St. This pop - up - experience - ferment - 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 water concoction . If you break by you’re able to catch a radical of guys in the middle of a nigga game or vibe to a DJ . A favorite order among my champion is the Grapefruit Tootsie , which is a compounding of cold brew , grapefruit and restorative , though as a tea lady friend , I am a lover of the Tokyo Bloom Matcha with salted honey , resurrect water , and pistachio milk . Mario Kristian , father of No Free Coffee , has created something that is more than a coffee workshop ; it ’s also aclothing brandthat offers streetwear like hats , T - shirt , sweatshirts , and hoodies forpurchase . The cafe supports many community events , and works with brands like Converse and Nike on event activations worldwide .
Supper Club on Belcourt
2000 Belcourt Ave . For a more elevated dining experience at a Black - owned restaurant in Nashville , Supper Club on Belcourtis the spot . The eating house serves brunch and dinner party from a steakhouse bill of fare and southerly stables . Popular choices include the soul roll appetizer with greens , mac ‘ n cheese and yam fried into an egg cast or the soul waffle with crybaby . My personal favorite is the catfish and grits for brunch . Robert Higgins , owner of Supper Club on Belcourt also operatesBungalow10,Jar Cocktail ClubandSunset on Belcourton the same block , which you could shoot the breeze for more potable or nightlife after your repast . Higgins ’ group of restaurants and bars are located within walking distance to Vanderbilt University and Belmont University , draw them the only Black - own businesses in the neighbourhood .
Bag Lady’s Fry Joint
1402 Buchanan St. Brothers James and Brandon Littleton turn their solid food truck concept intoBag Lady ’s Fry Joint , which offers a menu build whole around gourmet child . The location on Buchanan Street is no fortuity . “ Buchanan Street is special to us for many reasons . We rise up in the country and even attended school and church there , ” Brandon Littleton sound out . “ My brother and I are reward to have the chance to produce task in the place where we produce up . The brothers also see the restaurant as continuing their nanna ’s legacy , since she used to make them fries when they were grow up .
At Bag Lady ’s , fries are service pile luxuriously with fun topping , or play as a side to complement chicken tenders , fender , or burgers . democratic point on the menu includeIt ’s A Tennessee Thang with smoked kick brisket , bacon , green onion , Allium cepa annulus , and 24 K sauce and a vegetarian alternative called No Capp with meatless crumbles , spinach , mordant bean , peppers , Allium cepa , vegan cheese , and Za Za sauce .
Riddim n Spice
2116 Meharry Blvd . you could find Caribbean influence in Nashville atRiddim n Spice , a eating house and lounge construct in North Nashville . brother Rashean Conaway and chef Kamal Kalokoh created a bill of fare establish upon their Jamaican culture and the influence of their female parent , Ouida Bradshaw , owner ofJamaicawayrestaurant in Nashville . The cafeteria - style eating place offers meat options of jerk , curry , or chocolate-brown grudge wimp ; lamb ; peewee ; or reddened cracker bonbon — which can be geminate with two side . Caribbean front-runner include cabbage and plantains and four styles of rice : Jamaica , Trini Fried , Puerto Rican and Haitian . Upstairs , you ’ll discover the Rum Room Browning automatic rifle and lounge , which has a $ 5 felicitous hour with must - essay Rum Punch and a disc jockey playing hip hop , dancehall , afrobeats , soca and reggaeton .
Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream
1120 4th Ave . N Suite # 102For something sweet , Rolled 4 Ever Ice Creamis a playfulness ice pick shop possess by two best friends , Maliyah Bass and Bariangela Segovia , in the Germantown neighborhood of Nashville . The shop claims to be the first Black - owned rolled ice cream shop in Middle Tennessee , with a menu that includes vanilla or cocoa - based signature flavors created on a alloy surface that freezes the pick before it is rolled and topped off with slash ointment and sauce . The shop also serves milk shake and ice-skating rink ointment pops , as well as treats for dogs . “ Our ice rink cream shop also volunteer ramble glass cream crafting classes , receive you to create and customize your own roll out ice rink emollient , ” shared Bass . “ We also love collaborating with other local fair sex - have business by including their products in our monthly Methedrine cream flavor . ” My favourite affair to do is seek the monthly ice cream roll flavor — but I especially love Rolled Forever ’s birthday cake collaboration withThe Cupcake Collection .
Shugga Hi Bakery and Cafe
1000 Dickerson PikeThis pop Nashville eatery is only open three days a week for brunch . sister Kathy Leslie and the late Sandra Austin startedShugga Hi Bakery and Cafeto share the love they felt from their mother ’s cooking — and when you take the air in the room access , Leslie is there to recognise you . You feel like you ’re visiting your aunty ’s home for brunch . Their best known fare detail is their touch cake waffle served with Henny sirup . you’re able to get your waffle with volaille , Pisces the Fishes , tater tots , ribeye steak , or as a bun to a Warren Earl Burger . The restaurant has a brunch buffet on Sundays , which mixes breakfast foods with Sunday supper .
Popular mentions
Other popular black - owned smirch to make elbow room for includeThe Cupcake Collectionfor the best strawberry cupcake in townsfolk , Slim & Husky’sfor pizza , andGermantown Pubfor the catfish nugget and flank .
Black-owned hotels in Nashville
Urban Cowboy and The Dive Motel
East Nashville is home toUrban Cowboy Nashville , an eight - chamber dress shop hotel in a historic straitlaced mansion . The hotel is co - own by Jersey Banks , a former dancer and model who used her love for artistic production and fashion and background in hospitality to help start the Urban Cowboy hotel brand . Each elbow room and biotic community space in the hotel is a content creator ’s dream , just like banking concern ' 70s - theme Nashville propertyThe Dive Motel . Each of the motel ’s 23 rooms include a " company electric switch " that turns on a disco chunk and hotel - consecrate playlists .
" We were the first boutique hotel in Nashville when we open in 2016 , ” tell bank . “ Now the urban center is full of lowly ‘ family ’ cognitive operation . It ’s great to see , and I ’m proud to have been at the forefront of diversifying the diligence 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 world , often featuring live music . The Dive Motel has a swim club where members of the public can buy passes to spend the solar day poolside .
The National Museum of African American Music takes you through the history of Black music all the way up to the present.|Photo courtesy of NMAAM/353 Media
Did You Know?
Nashville hot chicken was a best - keep secret within the Nashville biotic community before it attain notoriety around the US . Theoral chronicle of raging chicken’sroots centers on Thornton Prince , a ladies ’ man around town . purportedly 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 deep-fried Gallus gallus with the spiciest ingredients she could discover in her closet . To her surprise , he jazz the heat and shared it with his blood brother . Prince and his brothers take the conception and opened a restaurant in 1936.Prince ’s Hot Chickenis theoriginal hot chickenin Nashville , located on Broadway and at the airport .
What started as an annual art crawl is now a cultural experience that includes an art market, art activations, and more.|North Nashville Arts Coalition
The beautiful mural at One Drop Ink was created by owner Elisheba Israel.|Photo courtesy of One Drop Ink
At Nearest Green, take a distillery tour or grab a drink at the World’s Longest Bar.|Photo by Colin Fatke
For a more elevated dining experience at a Black-owned restaurant, head to SupperClub on Belcourt.|Supper Club on Belcourt
This pop-up-experience-turned-cafe in North Nashville also sells clothing.|No Free Coffee
At Riddim n Spice, two brothers created a menu around their Jamaican culture.|The Rum Room
Urban Cowboy Nashville is an eight-bedroom boutique hotel in a historic Victorian mansion.|urbancowboyhotels
Prince’s Hot Chicken is the original hot chicken in Nashville.|Prince’s Hot Chicken
