Nashville Sites Live: McKissack and Black Architecture

Join us for an insightful exploration of Black architecture in Nashville, with a focus on the McKissack family and other influential Black architects who have shaped the city’s built environment. This event, part of the Nashville Sites Live series, will delve into the legacy of Black architecture in Nashville, highlighting the vision, challenges, and enduring impact of these trailblazing architects.

The North Branch Carnegie Library, a historic landmark in Nashville, serves as the perfect setting for this conversation. Built in 1904 as part of Andrew Carnegie's national initiative to fund public libraries, it is one of the oldest surviving Carnegie libraries in the city. The library’s architecture, a reflection of the Beaux-Arts style, is a testament to the early 20th-century vision of providing educational and cultural resources to the community.

Event Highlights:

• Panel Discussion:

  • Moderator: Mary Ellen Pethel

  • Panelists: Brian Tibbs and Dr. Learotha Williams Jr.
    This engaging panel will discuss the pivotal role of Black architects in shaping Nashville’s architecture, with a special focus on the McKissack family's legacy and their profound contributions to the city's historical and modern landscapes.

This complimentary event is open to the public, and we encourage everyone to attend and engage in this enriching discussion on Nashville's Black architectural history and the landmark role the North Branch Library has played in preserving the city's heritage.

Explore More: Nashville Sites - McKissack and Black Architecture Tour (Virtual/Driving)

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