01/12/2026
Then and Now: The History of Minority Communities in Nashville - The History of Our Community: Living with Blindness or Visual Impairment
About the Program:
As Nashville continues to experience tremendous growth, it has become an increasingly diverse home to different minority communities. Now in its third year, Then and Now explores the history and impact of these communities through the scholarly work of noted historians and the personal stories of community members. The series is moderated by Dr. André L. Churchwell, Senior Advisor on Inclusion and Community Outreach at Vanderbilt University.
The series is presented by Vanderbilt University and hosted by Nashville Public Library.
Date: January 21, 2026
Time: 5:30-8:00pm
o Reception: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
o Program: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Where:
MLK, Jr. Magnet High School
Auditorium
613 17th Ave. North
Nashville, TN 37203
o Event Drop-Off / Entrance: The auditorium entrance is located on Jo Johnston Avenue where Jo Johnston Avenue and Fisk Street intersect.
o Parking: Available in lot across the street from school entrance on 613 17th Avenue North and in lot on corner of Jo Johnston Avenue & Fisk Street.
Cost: FREE and open to the Public
Registration Link: www.bit.ly/rsvp-3
Speakers
• ANDRÉ L. CHURCHWELL - Senior Advisor to the Chancellor on Inclusion and Community Outreach, Vanderbilt University
• RALPH BREWER - Superintendent Emeritus, Tennessee School for the Blind
• CAROL WESTLAKE - Senior Advisor & Founding Executive Director Tennessee Disability Coalition
AND FEATURING STORIES FROM LEADERS WITH BLINDNESS OR VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN OUR COMMUNITY
o FRED BAILEY - Social Activist
o JEAN JOHNSON - Immediate Past President, The Tennessee Council of The Blind
o LAMONT BASSHAM - Residential Supervisor, Tennessee School for The Blind
o JAMES BROWN – President, National Federation of The Blind Of Tennessee
o APRIL MEREDITH - Statewide Information & Referral Coordinator, Associate Program Manager, Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
Event Partners: Millions of Conversations, Vanderbilt’s Engine for Art, Democracy and Justice (EADJ) and Frist Museum
The History of Disabilities In Our Community: Living with Blindness or Visual Impairments As Nashville continues to experience tremendous growth, it has become an increasingly diverse home to different minority communities. Now in its third year, Then and Now explores the history and impact of these...
