This year’s annual Metro Minority Caucus Reception will break new ground. Never in Nashville’s 200 plus year history, has the metropolitan region been led by such a diverse group of leaders. In 2019, 20 women were elected to the Council. The city also welcomed its first Muslim council member, Zulfat Suara, and first Latina, Sandra Sepulveda to the Council.
On February 24th, the Minority Caucus will convene for its annual reception at Belmont University in the Ayers Conference Room of the Ayers Building. The event will be open to the public.
Special Guest, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba of Jackson, Mississippi will speak at the reception, as Nashville residents and leaders come together to highlight important issues, and to celebrate Black History Month. The attorney and political activist defeated incumbent Mayor Tony Yarber, and has promised to make Jaskson “the most radical city on the planet.” Chokwe has made national headlines in publications including The Guardian and The Nation as a “revolutionary.”
Last year, more than 150 members of the public joined the council at the reception to highlight the need for increased support of minority businesses, and to recognize the historic legislation which was pending approval by the Council at the time. This year, the Council and the public will collaborate to create an agenda that addresses the needs and concerns of minorities in the community. Issues related to economic development, and education are especially pressing.
As Nashville has grown, the city has become increasingly unaffordable. At the same time, minority businesses have been largely barred from the recent economic development experienced by major regions across the city. It’s essential for the public and the Council to put together a plan that identifies and resolves the issues facing minorities, as the community joins together in celebration of Black History Month.
