Family Activity: Learn about Aaron Douglas and Beauford Delaney

Across from Botanic Hall | 10 AM – 5 PM
Aaron Douglas is internationally recognized as the foremost visual artist of the Harlem Renaissance. Douglas’s association with Fisk University dates from 1930, when he was commissioned to create a set of murals for the Cravath Memorial Library depicting African American contributions to American history and society.
Beauford Delaney was an American modernist painter who was born in Knoxville, TN. He is most noted for his work with the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930s and 1940s, as well as his later works in abstract expressionism following his move to Paris in the 1950s. Delaney conveyed his abiding love of mankind in paintings and drawings that ranged from the representational to the abstract.

Storytime: Highlighting Black Authors and Illustrators

Across from Botanic Hall | 10 AM, 10:45 AM, 11:30 AM
Celebrate the talented Black authors and illustrators who have brought joy and diversity to the world of children’s books.

Community Activity: African Textile Quilt

Arboretum Lawn | 10 AM – 5 PM
Learn about the colors and symbols in African textiles, including Kente cloth and Adinkra cloth, and see how artists, like Frank Frazier and Yinka Shonibare, bring these prints to center stage in their artwork. Drawing inspiration from the meaningful patterns and brilliant colors, participants will choose a fabric square, and use materials like fabric markers and stencils to create their own unique design. Each completed square will be added to a larger canvas to create a “community quilt” display.

Black Arts Bash Exhibition

Frist Learning Center Great Hall
Meet the Emerging Artists (High School): 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Meet the Emerging Artists (University): 4 – 5 PM
Established Artists Panel: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Black Arts Bash aims to celebrate Black arts in all forms – performing, culinary, literary, and, in this space, visual. Featuring both emerging and established artists, this exhibition is part platform and part mentoring opportunity. This show aims to tell the stories, both mundane and powerful, that the community has to share.
Featured Artists: Higgins Bond, DaShawn Lewis, Kimberly Manson, Eric Nyamor, Shadale Smith, X Payne

Main Stage

Arboretum Lawn | 1:00 – 8:00 PM
Spend the afternoon exploring the many forms of Black musical expression and traditions. Be sure to stay as the music heats up when the sun goes down!

Rahsaan Barber | 1 – 1:45 PM

Soul-Stirring Gospel- The McCrary Sisters | 2:30 – 3:15 PM

Performing their unique style of gospel influenced by classic soul, Americana, blues and R&B, The McCrary Sisters bring an indescribable joy to singing. Daughters of the late Rev. Samuel McCrary, a founding member of the legendary gospel quartet The Fairfield Four, the sisters share in their family legacy and have performed with musical icons including Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, and Stevie Wonder.

Afrobeat Celebration- Sunny Dada & Afrokokoroot | 3:45 – 4:30 PM

Afrokokoroot brings their blend of driving horns, pulsing polyrhythms, and socially conscious lyrics, to Cheekwood. Afrokokoroot live performances are a full sensory experience – an incredible musical & visual immersion.

Legendary Soul- Charles “Wigg” Walker | 5:30 – 6:15 PM

A Nashville native, Charles “Wigg” Walker is one of the few remaining original soul singers from back in the day when old school R&B/soul was brand new on the music scene. He cut his first record in 1959 and has been performing steadily since then.

Sophisticated Brass- Brassville | 7-8 PM

A local band comprised of musicians from Tennessee State University and Howard University, Brassville was formed with the intention of bringing the brass band tradition back. Cap off the evening with one of Nashville’s most exciting live acts.

Performance: Southern Word

Massey Auditorium | 11- 11:30 AM
Believed to be the largest spoken word youth development and education organization in the Southeast, Southern Word gives students a platform to share their voices through spoken word. Hear from participants as they boldly express themselves through self-composed poetry.

Performance: Sankofa African Drum and Dance

Massey Auditorium | 12 – 12:30 PM
Join Sankofa African Drum and Dance group for a heart-pounding performance featuring traditional African drumming and dance. Come prepared to be moved by the beat.

The Urbaanite Nashville Lounge (21+)

Beer Garden | 1 – 4 PM
Take a break from the heat and visit the Urbaanite Nashville Lounge for a fun cocktail tasting experience by African-American owned spirits brands. Learn about the brands, find a new favorite drink for the summer, and meet the incredible women behind Urbaanite and Bevmatic Brands.

Food Vendors:

Lot B | 11 am – 8 pm

Bag Lady’s | 11 AM – 6 PM
Music City Fish & Chicken | 11 AM – 8 PM
J&D Smokers | 12 – 6 PM
Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream | 12 – 6 PM
Birria Babe | 12 – 8 PM
Riptide Acai | 11 AM – 7 PM

Arts and Goods Vendors

Lot B | 10 am – 8 pm

The Black Candle Company
Hip Hop Charades
Junebug Evolutions
North Nashville Arts Coalition
M2 Collection
Nailed My Nails
ORGNZD VISUALS
Threads by Dreads
ZuriBeads (Opening at 3 PM)