Plaque Text for Tennessee Landmark #87:
Formerly located at this site was First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill, headquarters of the 1960s Sit-In Movement, led by Rev. Kelly Miller Smith. Strategy sessions, non-violence workshops, mass meetings, victory celebrations, and administrative offices were here. The well-disciplined Nashville Sit-Ins served as a model for civil rights demonstrations throughout the South.
More about the Nashville Sit-Ins:
Although the Nashville Sit-Ins would continue for four whole years, as early as May 10, 1960, Nashville became the first major city to start desegregating its public facilities! The catalyst was the bombing of Z. Alexander Looby’s home on April 19th. Mr. Looby was a defense attorney, originally from Antigua, who had been a key legal advocate for students arrested at sit-ins. After segregationists bombed his home, 3-4,000 protestors walked to city hall and confronted Mayor Ben West, who admitted it was wrong to discriminate on the basis of race and began the process of integrating Nashville!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer with Historic Nashville, Inc!
- Donate to the Metro Historical Commission Foundation!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
SW corner of Rosa L Parks Ave and Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd
Nashville, TN 37203
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!