Nashville, TN – Corner to Corner, a community-led nonprofit co-creating meaningful economic growth with historically underestimated Nashvillians through knowledge, tools, and networks, is hosting a leadership luncheon to discuss Black entrepreneurship and business growth in Nashville. The event will take place on Wednesday, April 26 from 12 – 1:30 pm CDT at Bass, Berry & Sims PLC located at 150 3rd Avenue South Suite 2800 in Nashville.
The luncheon will feature guest speakers Danielle McGee with Black Business Boom, Carlos Partee with Nashville Black Market, and Shana Berkeley, Executive Director of Corner to Corner. Hosted by Joshua Mundy, co-founder of Pivot Technology, the event will cover topics such as the importance of having access to a brick-and-mortar store, women in business, and crossing the 7-figure threshold.
Corner to Corner aims to launch 10,000 Black-owned businesses in Nashville over the next 10 years. According to a study by Goldman Sachs, only 0.5% of single Black women own businesses, compared to 13% of single White men. Executive Director of Corner to Corner Shana Berkeley believes this is not a talent gap, but an opportunity gap, and aims to close that gap by launching 10,000 Black entrepreneurs in Nashville.
“Studies show that Nashville’s economy has space for 10,000 more Black entrepreneurs,” says Berkeley. “In order to attain equity in Nashville, we all have to work to be part of the solution to equip and uplift Black entrepreneurs in turning their money-making dreams into a reality.”
The event is sponsored by Alliance Bernstein, Bass, Berry, & Sims, and DemiRebel. Attendees will be able to tap into their community and see how their journey and story can add to the vision of launching 10,000 Black-owned businesses in Nashville.
As spring is finally here, this is the perfect time to explore the natural beauties the city of Nashville has to offer. And, if you just moved here and are new to the town, one of the best ways to start your exploration journey is by visiting some of the best gardens in Nashville.
This city is best known for its beauty, music, and delicious food. But not many people know it’s home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the country. Therefore, we’ve rounded up the best-hidden gems for you. The list ranges from botanical gardens to historic estates, so we’re sure you’ll find something to enjoy.
Best gardens in Nashville: The list
If you’re a plant lover and happen to be moving to Nashville, you haven’t made a mistake. This city is the perfect one for us who are passionate about plants. However, if you are still about to move, don’t forget to take care of your greens and learn the best ways to move with plants.
First and foremost, you’ll need to know it’s essential to be gentle with them whenever you handle them. Plants can be sensitive to temperature, light, and humidity changes, so caring when moving them is crucial. Then, it would be good to explore the best way to prepare them for the relocation, such as whether they need water, sunlight, colder temperature, etc.
Then, once you’ve relocated your plans successfully, it’s time to check out those beautiful gardens in Nashville. Apart from indulging in their beauty and calmness, you can learn about the best ways to care for your plants from botanical experts. Let’s dive in!
Apart from being able to experience the incredible beauty of the plants in some of the best gardens in Nashville, you’ll be able to learn more about them from professionals. (Photo by Gary Barnes | www.pexels.com).
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
One of the most popular Nashville gardens is the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. This historic estate expands over 55 acres and is home to some of the most stunning gardens, including:
a Japanese garden,
a wildflower garden, and
a color garden.
Apart from the plants, visitors can explore the mansion and the art museum that can be found on the property. Finally, check their calendar before you go, as the estate hosts numerous events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Belle Meade Plantation
The Belle Meade Plantation is a must-visit if you’re interested in history, apart from being interested in plants. This plantation once was one of the biggest thoroughbred horse farms in the country. Today, it’s a historic site and a museum.
Moreover, the gardens on the property are also stunning. They include beautiful winding paths, a kitchen, and a formal garden. If you visit this place, you could tour the plantation house and learn about its history. Afterward, you can wander the grounds and indulge in the beautiful scenery.
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is a 132-acre urban park in the heart of Nashville. So, after you’ve had a drink at some of the unique bars here, it’s time to start exploring.
This park is home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, which houses an art museum. The park also features the following:
a beautiful sunken garden,
a bandshell where concerts and events are held, and
various walking paths and green spaces.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a peaceful escape in the middle of the city, Centennial Park is the perfect spot. Enjoy!
A secluded gem with a lot of greenery in the city’s heart sounds like the perfect escape from the city rush while still having everything nearby. (Photo by: Rene Asmussen | www.pexels.com).
Warner Parks
On the other hand, if you’re looking for more of a wilderness experience, the Warner Parks are a great option. The parks cover over 3,100 acres, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful natural scenery.
There are also several gardens to explore, including the Wills Perennial and Iris Garden. That is the perfect place to visit for anyone looking for a challenging hike or a stroll.
Opryland Hotel Gardens
Next on our list of the best gardens in Nashville are the Opryland Hotel Gardens. That spot is perfect for those wishing to explore a unique garden experience.
The gardens here cover over 9 acres and feature over 50 000 different plants and waterfalls; get ready for this – even a river! If you want to visit this place, you can walk alone or take a guided tour. Finally, the Opryland Hotel is a sight worth seeing, with its grand architecture and luxurious amenities.
Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens
The Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens are another impressive garden experience in Nashville. The gardens are inside the Gaylord Opryland Resort, a luxurious hotel and convention center.
These gardens cover over 4 acres and feature a variety of plant species, water features, and sculptures. As with the previous one, you can also take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour to learn more about the gardens and their history. Ultimately, the Gaylord Opryland Resort is also a must-see, with its grand atriums and numerous dining and shopping options.
Both the gardens and the Gaylord Opryland resort are a must-see. (Photo by suzukii xingfu | www.pexels.com).
Belmont Mansion Gardens
And the last, but certainly not the least, place on our list are the Belmont Mansion Gardens. The Belmont Mansion is a historic mansion once home to Adelicia Acklen, one of the wealthiest women in the country during the mid-1800s.
The mansion is now a museum and event space, but the gardens remain open to the public. The gardens cover over 2 acres and include the following:
a formal garden,
a sunken garden, and
a Japanese garden.
This mansion also offers guided tours for visitors to learn more about history and architecture, but you can still explore it alone.
The takeaway from some of the best gardens in Nashville
Nashville’s gardens and parks are a hidden gem that many visitors overlook. Luckily, Nashville has a wonderful thriving community. So, once you become a part of it, the locals will gladly advise you on where and what to visit.
And, from historic estates to urban parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a beautiful place to relax, these gardens will surely impress. So grab your camera and get ready to explore the best gardens in Nashville this spring.
Author’s Bio
Samantha Lee
Samantha Lee is a writer and an avid gardener in Nashville, Tennessee. With a passion for plants and a love for exploring the city’s outdoor spaces, Samantha is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others. She believes gardening is a great way to connect with nature and a therapeutic and rewarding activity that anyone can enjoy. In her free time, you can find Samantha tending to her garden, trying out new plant-based recipes, and exploring the city’s hidden gems.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 20, 2023 – XSOLIS, the artificial intelligence (AI) technology company creating a more efficient healthcare system, today announced the creation of a new scholarship that will provide full tuition to a qualified applicant with the Nashville Software School (NSS). Volney Powlis was selected as the inaugural recipient of the XSOLIS Scholarship and will be studying software engineering with Java/Amazon Web Services (AWS) specialization. XSOLIS will be covering Powlis’ tuition for the full, 9-month NSS software engineering program.
“We are so grateful to XSOLIS for its generous contribution to the Nashville Software School and for helping to further the education of individuals who are interested in pursuing technology jobs,” said John Wark, founder and CEO for the Nashville Software School. “With support from companies like XSOLIS, NSS is able to create more opportunities for its students to access high-paying and rewarding tech careers.”
The XSOLIS Scholarship to the Nashville Software School was established to champion and invest in learning opportunities that will increase diversity and inclusion in the technology sector. Individuals qualify for the scholarship if they meet program qualifications, qualify to receive tuition funding, and are a member of at least one underrepresented group (BIPOC, women, non-gender identified, veterans, LGBTQ+).
“My number one goal is to become a software engineer and ultimately leave an impact on my chosen field,” said Powlis. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to explore what fields and opportunities exist as a result of my studies. Receiving this scholarship has affirmed my decision to pursue a career in technology because my life is literally changing before my eyes. If you talked to me six months ago, there’s no way I would believe this is happening. It’s truly incredible.”
Powlis graduated from Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and attended Middle Tennessee State University to get a degree in finance before making the decision to pursue a career in software and technology. His interest in computers began at a young age with video games, but seeing a friend play Super Mario Bros. on a TI-89 sparked his interest in software programming. As a classically trained upright bassist and self-taught pianist, guitarist, percussionist and vocalist, Powlis also taught himself how to write and record music with Logic Pro, an Apple software program for producing music tracks.
“Music can be a very happenstance industry, where a lot of things have to fall into place,” said Powlis. “I’ve always been interested in software engineering and computers, and I had a moment of realization to take my future and my career by the reins. Since software engineering was already something I was interested in, I decided to just go for it.”
As part of the scholarship, Powlis will also receive mentorship from XSOLIS leaders to help reinforce his NSS learnings and inspire possibilities for future career options.
“It’s extremely important to provide financially disadvantaged and underrepresented communities with more avenues into the field of technology to help build a more diverse and robust talent pool in our industry,” said Joan Butters, CEO and co-founder of XSOLIS. “We’re thrilled to partner with NSS and support Volney as he starts his career, and we cannot wait to see what opportunities he has during this program and beyond.”
To learn more about the XSOLIS Scholarship to the Nashville Software School and other scholarship programs at NSS, please visit: http://nashss.com/scholarships.
Get ready to sip, savor, and support a great cause at the second annual Whiskey, Wine & Whiskers event, taking place on Saturday, May 20th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wilburn Street Studio in Nashville. Hosted by Dismas House, a residential reentry program for formerly incarcerated men, this pet-friendly fundraiser promises an afternoon of tastings, treats, and furry fun—all in support of a worthy cause.
Attendees can look forward to sampling some of the finest whiskeys and wines from local distilleries and wineries, as well as indulging in delicious bites from food trucks and relaxing with cigars at the cigar bar. A 360° photo booth and music from DJ Sterl The Pearl will add to the festive atmosphere, and pet owners can compete in the best-dressed pet competition for a chance to win prizes.
But Whiskey, Wine & Whiskers is more than just a good time—it’s an opportunity to support Dismas House and its mission to help formerly incarcerated men successfully reintegrate into society. Founded over 47 years ago, Dismas House offers a warm and supportive community for men returning to the community directly from all state correctional facilities for men and county jails throughout Tennessee. The organization’s comprehensive “Four Pillars of Programming” (basic needs, health and well-being, life skills, and legal support) provide residents with the tools they need to overcome the many challenges of reentry.
In addition to supporting a great cause, Whiskey, Wine & Whiskers is also committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dismas House has established a culture of dignity, respect, and fairness that celebrates the diversity and unique differences of every individual welcomed into their community. The organization strives to develop programming that cultivates the inclusion of all individuals, regardless of background, so they feel involved, respected, treated with dignity, and supported as they begin their transition back into the community.
Tickets for Whiskey, Wine & Whiskers are on sale now at dismas.org, and all proceeds will benefit Dismas House. Guests must be 21 or older to attend and show a valid ID. No children or babies are allowed.
Join Dismas House in supporting this important cause, and enjoy an afternoon of delicious drinks, great food, and furry fun at Whiskey, Wine & Whiskers. We hope to see you there!
Nashville, TN – Job seekers in the Nashville area will have the opportunity to attend the Be The Light Tour, an outdoor career fair aimed at providing free resources to help them land their next job. The tour, produced by Insight Global, a staffing company that recruits in the sales, healthcare, and tech fields, will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 9 AM to 4 PM CST at the Nashville State Community College’s White Bridge Campus back parking lot located at 120 White Bridge Rd.
The Be The Light Tour, which kicked off in Atlanta last November and in Houston on February 18, has already helped hundreds of job seekers realize their potential and feel confident in landing their next job. Removing typical barriers for people, the tour provides on-site childcare services, food, services such as resume writing, and free professional headshots. The career center is set up in places near public transportation, making it easily accessible to job seekers.
The organizers of the event are especially focused on helping specific populations, including AAPI, BIPOC, first-generation, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA, previously incarcerated, single-income families, vets, and more. The Be The Light Tour aims to break down barriers to employment and create a more inclusive workforce.
“We fundamentally believe in our purpose to Be The Light to those around us,” said Bree Davis, Social Impact Program Manager for Insight Global. “Our recent survey shows that people want to explore new opportunities, whether it be to create a better life or simply keep up with increases in the cost of living. That’s why we’re hosting this tour – to empower and equip job seekers with the confidence and skills they need to create a brighter future.”
The event is expected to draw a large crowd of job seekers from across the Nashville area. Job seekers interested in attending are encouraged to register for the event in advance. For more information about the event and to register, visit the Be The Light Tour website.
The Nashville Black Market Annual Food Festival is set to take place at Hadley Park, located at 1037 28th Avenue in Nashville, TN, on April 22nd and 23rd. The festival will place a specific focus on the Nashville community and will feature over 30 local black-owned food trucks and food vendors, offering a diverse range of cuisine for attendees to enjoy.
The festival will also feature live music, family-friendly activities, and branded photo opportunities and games. Additionally, several local and national food critics and influencers will be in attendance to taste and review the food on offer.
The Nashville Black Market, the organization behind the festival, aims to develop ecosystems for black entrepreneurs to promote their products and services while curating fun events for communities across the country. By doing so, they hope to increase the visibility of black culture, values, and art, and empower black leaders in their local areas.
The organization began as a platform for the amplification, empowerment, equipping, and promotion of black business, family, excellence, dreams, art, sound, and life. They host market events, leadership panels, networking events, and mentorship opportunities for aspiring young leaders, among other initiatives.
The Nashville Black Market has quickly become a blueprint for cities across America that want to source, cultivate, and strengthen black businesses and empower black leaders in their communities. The event is supported by local partners including Hospitality TN, Nashville General Hospital and Nashville Healthcare Center, 92Q, and other local and national brands.
Last Thursday, the Republican supermajority in the TN House of Representatives voted to expel two newly elected, first-term Democrats that are young, African-American men. Rep. Justin Jones represents House District 52 in Nashville and Rep. Justin Pearson represents House District 86 in Memphis. They were expelled for participating in a nonviolent protest for stricter gun laws after the recent mass shooting at a Nashville school.
Nationally, Republicans have not been shy about their efforts to limit democracy. We’ve seen several bills come through state legislatures designed to restrict voting rights. These anti-democratic efforts extend beyond restrictions on voting as this is an example to impede the right to representation of the people. The expulsion of Jones and Pearson sought to undermine the tens of thousands of voters who duly elected both of them to office.
On Monday, April 10, at 4:30pm the Metro Council of Nashville Davidson County called a special meeting to address filling the House District 52 vacancy due to the adoption of HR0065 by the State House on April 6, 2023. With no objections to the suspension of the rules, Vice Mayor Jim Shulman opened the meeting. In attendance was Mayor John Cooper, who called for the body to vote unanimously to reappointment Rep. Justin Jones to his seat.
Councilmember Deleishia Porterfield – who Jones primaried for the D52 House seat – made the nomination for his reinstatement from the Council floor and shared her remarks. “This assault on our democracy resulted in over 70,000 Davidson County voters, our voters, being silenced when our Representative was expelled. With this vote to reinstate Representative Jones, we are restoring the political voice of the 70,000 people of District 52.” She added, “The people choose their representatives. With this vote, we will send a strong message to our state government and across the country that we will not tolerate threats to our democracy.”
In a 36-0 vote, the Metro Council voted to appoint Justin Jones as the interim Representative for D52. A certified copy of council minutes was expeditiously adopted in the second special called meeting immediately following the appointment of Rep. Jones. The swift action of the Metro Council allowed for Rep. Jones to be sworn back into his seat on the Capitol steps before re-entering the House chamber for the House Session that began at 5:00 pm.
He addressed the body, “I want to welcome the people back to the people’s house, I want to welcome democracy back to the people’s house… No unjust attack on democracy will happen unchallenged. The abuse of this body will not happen in the comfort of silence. I am hopeful for the days ahead for Tennessee, not because of the actions of this body, but the actions of the people who responded to your attacks on democracy with an attack of mass movement for social justice, racial justice, and economic justice. I want to thank you all, not for what you did but for awakening the people of this state, particularly the young people. Thank you for reminding us that the struggle for justice is fought and won in every generation.”
We will be watching to see if the 13 commissioners of the Shelby County Board of Commission will vote to reappointment Rep. Justin Pearson on Wednesday at 1:30 pm.
By Nadira Freeman, Executive Director of Organize Tennessee
The basis of American democracy is that we pick our leaders. Ousting Rep. Justin Jones and Rep. Justin Pearson for representing and supporting the voice and values of their voters is not only anti-democratic, it is degrading to our representative democracy. Not to mention, the time and energy spent on expelling these members – who are passionate about advocating for the well-being of children and families – definitely doesn’t do anything to make our schools safer, which is the issue at hand.
“Rather than debating the merits of the issue, these Republican lawmakers have chosen to punish, silence, and expel duly-elected representatives of the people of Tennessee,” tweeted President Joe Biden.
And to add insult to injury, a group of lawmakers are trying to pass a tone-deaf bill that would allow teachers to carry firearms in their classrooms. Students in Tennessee want lawmakers to pass laws that will keep them safe from gun violence, not put more guns in the hands of untrained individuals whose job is to educate our children, not act as campus security. Arming teachers is not a solution– we need real policy change.
What we witnessed during yesterday’s seven-hour session affirms that our democracy is facing a serious crisis. “The world is watching Tennessee,” Jones said during the session. “What is happening here today is a farce of democracy.” Voters in Davidson County and Shelby County have been disenfranchised by these decisions made over “a lack of decorum” and an absence of due process by the State House. The spread of anti-democratic practices serves as a setback to our fundamental freedoms.
President Barack Obama weighed in saying, “This nation was built on peaceful protest. No elected official should lose their job simply for raising their voice – especially when they’re doing it on behalf of our children.”
Tennesseans deserve an ethical government that works for everyone. Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced impartially. Equity calls for consistent and systematic, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals. Transparency necessitates that information is freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement.
We can’t normalize the erosion of our democracy. Political inequalities start at home. We don’t need more of the same and we can’t sit by idly. You can make a difference by getting engaged in your county.
What happens next
There is a strong likelihood that both Rep. Jones and Rep. Pearson may find themselves back in the House of Representatives. Metro Nashville Council has called a special meeting for Monday where all arrows lead to them voting to reappoint Jones. In the same fashion, the Shelby County Commission can vote to reappoint Pearson.
“I do hope to get re-appointed to serve in the state legislature by the Shelby County Commissioners, and a lot of them, I know, are upset about the anti-democratic behavior of this White supremacist-led state legislature,” Pearson said.
Better days ahead
We believe the best days of democracy are ahead of us as Tennessee youth are making their voices heard and their presence felt. When young people vote and participate in civic life, they can bring valuable perspectives and new ideas about issues that impact their future. They possess the potential to become powerful activists with their abundance of energy and passion for social change. If youth are excluded or do not participate, our democracy is not truly representing all people and not meeting its full potential. Understanding this, Organize Tennessee is engaging and educating college students across the state to increase youth engagement, voter turnout, voter protection advocacy, and removing common barriers from civic engagement.
Local NAREB Chapter to Empower Minority Communities Through Financial Education and Wealth-Building Initiatives
Nashville, TN, April 4, 2023 – NAREB Nashville announces its upcoming Realtist Week, a series of events and activities designed to promote black wealth through homeownership and the revitalization of urban neighborhoods. Scheduled from April 9th to April 15th, 2023, the initiative is part of a national effort led by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), involving over 30 cities and 21 states.
Furtesha Woods, NAREB Nashville President, Realtist, and Broker, highlights the significance of educating minority communities about homeownership. “A primary objective of NAREB Nashville is to educate the minority community about the importance of home ownership. The journey to homeownership is often accompanied by several obstacles, including budgeting, credit, and debt-to-income ratio issues,” Woods continued “As a result of knowing these issues exist, NAREB Nashville has made it a priority to ensure that the community has access to learning opportunities that can help them overcome these obstacles. Therefore, we believe it is imperative to host events such as these, and those in need of these services will naturally want to attend.”
Throughout Realtist Week, various events and activities will be organized to raise awareness and provide education on real estate and financial topics. Some of the key events include:
• Racial Wealth Gap Learning Simulation on Tuesday, an engaging and interactive event that explores the historical and systemic factors contributing to the wealth gap in the United States. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the connections among racial equity, hunger, poverty, and wealth while discussing potential solutions to address and close the racial wealth gap.
• Budget Night on Thursday, an open event designed to empower attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to create and maintain sustainable budgets. Featuring expert-led presentations and hands-on activities, participants will learn effective strategies to manage their personal finances, reduce debt, and save for future goals, including homeownership.
• Her Journey Home workshop on Saturday, part of a comprehensive 5-week homebuyers course specifically designed for women to learn the mortgage process, starting April 1, 2023 (all are welcome). This third week of the program focuses on mortgage readiness, with previous weeks covering credit preparation and budgeting, and upcoming weeks addressing mental readiness and the home-buying process. Each class can be attended as a stand-alone, but the complete 5-week program offers the most comprehensive experience.
Woods emphasizes the impact of the Her Journey Home workshop, stating, “In this course, we specifically discuss issues women tend to face on the road to homeownership. Many women, including myself, have been able to achieve homeownership with the help of this course,” She explained. “Those in attendance will have a stronger desire to see this goal through to the end, as well as the tools necessary to do so. Don’t take my word for it though, read what other women had to say about Her Journey Home.”
Additionally, NAREB Nashville has organized exclusive events for its local members during Realtist Week. On Sunday, a Home Campaign Video emphasizing the importance of homeownership will be streamed at local churches. Wednesday features the Middle TN Fair Housing Luncheon, where Woods will be the main guest speaker, sharing her insights and expertise on fair housing and the real estate industry. Finally, NAREB Nashville’s Youth Reading Day on Friday offers local Realtists the opportunity to visit a local elementary school to read “The House That She Built,” promoting literacy, education, and introducing children to the concept of homeownership.
NAREB Nashville’s Realtist Week underscores the vital role homeownership plays in building black wealth and fortifying communities. By concentrating on education, literacy, and community engagement, the organization aims to foster a culture of financial literacy and responsibility. Realtist Week is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Rhonda Jackson with HQ Insurance, Republic Bank, Tennessee Housing Development Agency, and First Horizon Bank, whose support helps bring these important initiatives and events to the community.
Nashville, TN – History was made at Fisk University in February 2022 when the school established its first women’s intercollegiate gymnastics team. Fisk University is now the first historically black college and university (HBCU) to field such a team, breaking barriers and paving the way for other HBCUs to follow suit. The team is led by head coach Corrine Tarver and assistant coach India Anderson who built the team in a unique way, using various methods to recruit gymnasts, including social media, without holding traditional tryouts.
“There were no tryouts,” said Tarver. “I recruited them, but many of them found out through social media posts that came out from the university.”
Social media was not the only way the university and the coaches could contact the gymnasts. “I looked into the transfer portal as I was still in the process of being hired,” said assistant coach Anderson. “We had a bunch of students reaching out to us and I in return reached out to them. We also had Derrin [Moore] from Brown Girls Do Gymnastics give us a list of girls.”
After deciding to establish a women’s gymnastics team, Fisk University began searching for coaches to lead the new program. They contacted Coach Tarver, who was on a short list of potential hires. As Tarver explained, “I was on that list, and they contacted me, and it just went from there. I was living in New Jersey at the time.”
The team opened its first season in Las Vegas on January 6th, 2023 losing against the University of Washington. Despite facing early setbacks with losses in their opening matches, the Fisk University women’s gymnastics team continued to grow and improve throughout their debut season. As head coach Tarver explained, “This is our inaugural year, the first season of competition for us, so we are excited about it.” The team’s determination and hard work paid off, culminating in a final victory against Greenville University.
Next up for Fisk University is competing in the USA Gymnastics (USAG) Collegiate National, held in Austin, TX, on April 6th. This will be the last competition of the year for some of the gymnasts who could qualify due to their scores throughout the year. “We have about 4-5 girls that are qualifying,” says assistant coach Anderson. “One we are unsure right now, but we know for sure we have four that are actually going to the USAG Nationals.”
The Fisk University gymnasts have been practicing daily, with the exception of Wednesdays and the weekend. The team’s coaches have been guiding the gymnasts through rigorous training sessions, preparing them to compete at the national level.
Despite the demanding training schedule, the gymnasts have remained focused and driven, fueled by the prospect of competing in the upcoming national championship. “They are super excited. To see the joy on their faces, they are like, ‘Do we still get to go?’ and I’m like, ‘Yes, you still get to go,'” said assistant coach Anderson. “The postseason is a special part of gymnastics that not all gymnasts get to experience, so it’s exciting to know that five of our girls will have the opportunity to compete at this level.”
