JBAR Project Updates...

Jubilee Bridge Area

Revitalization Project

A vision to revive the foot of a neighborhood's "sacred ground..."


19th Ave Parking Lot:


Community transformation and revitalization can be a long, slow process. But it has to start somewhere, even if it’s just planting trees or flowers, helping neighbors with property improvements, or cleaning up a vacant lot. While we continue working toward the larger tasks involved in solidifying plans for this project, we are so open to doing the little things that can begin making a difference in this Fisk-Meharry community.


The World AfriCultural Community Project (WACCP) would like to thank Whiting-Turner Contracting Co and Pillars Development, who, on Oct 28-29, 2021, led our first clean up at the 19th Ave parking (between Herman and Hermosa Streets), as part of the overall vision for the Jubilee Bridge Area Revitalization (JBAR) Project.


You know, it’s amazing how things happen sometimes….This summer, Ed Henley (Pillars Dev) and I met with Ron Butler and Larry Salley of the HBCU Community Development Action Coalition. We talked extensively about the vision for revitalizing this area and the ideas I’ve been pitching for the past 4 years. They offered to partner with us—the WACCP—which we’re very excited about, and confirmed what we (JBAR Project partners) have been speaking about—which is to start activating the space with events and programs, BUT, they suggested, start with doing cleanups. Brilliant, lol! 


We agreed with and loved the idea but hadn’t yet come up with a start date (were thinking early spring 2022 to have a large community event). Then Whiting-Turner, who’s working in the area, suggested a clean up to Ed…for the parking lot!!!! And they came with tons of partners (lol, not literally but their impact was definitely that huge), which made for an incredibly successful effort that didn’t take nearly as long as it otherwise may have. 


So a very special thanks also to all who participated: 


  • Whiting-Turner Contracting Co 
  • Pillars Development
  • World AfriCultural Community Project
  • CMG Contractors, Inc
  • Thorne’s Excavating Co
  • Faith Technologies 
  • Parkway Contracting
  • Waste Management
  • SteelFab, Inc.
  • Sunbelt Rentals


And for your support, thank you to District 21 Council Member Brandon Taylor and Beautification Commissioner Damita Beck-Taylor, District 19 Council Member (now Mayor) Freddie O'Connell, with extra thanks to Beautification Commissioner Lisa Haller, who was able to stop by.


Photos and video courtesy of M. Scherzinger, Whiting-Turner

and FS Suso, WACCP

So what's next....???


This lot is at the northwest foot of the Jubilee Singers Memorial Bridge in North Nashville, TN. Other than being, yes, a neighborhood parking lot, it has quite often just been unused space, for decades--sitting vacant, collecting debris and being used as a dumping ground for household waste, litter and abandoned cars.


In order to deter people from using it again as a dumping site, we want to do something to give it purpose, with art and create some sort of "park" setting to make it into something more useful and welcoming for the community. This would be a temporary "place-holding" project, until permanent plans have been solidified as part of the overall revitalization of the Bridge and these other spaces.


Our clean-up partners and supporters are on board. Ideal would be to also collaborate with local artists, perhaps art students from neighboring MLK High School, or other community groups, who welcome the opportunity to participate in transforming this space. Stay tuned--will share more later!!!


Sponsors are needed!!!!




If you or someone you know is interested in sponsoring or donating toward any part of the

Jubilee Bridge Area Revitalization Project, please message us:


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"Every time I cross this bridge I think of the many folks who have come through the HBCU's, like Meharry, Fisk, TSU and American Baptist, and have made contributions to the world. And I just think honoring them and others in this area could really inspire our younger generations." 

Joe K. Shelton, Sr.



“What a pleasure it is to be a part of the JBAR Project--I’m glad to see this happening. It’s long over due, because the bridge, and this area, is truly a gateway into what is and should be recognized as a very storied and honored location in our city—in our state—in our nation! It is truly a culmination of history, education and cultural celebration."

Edward Henley III

Pillars Development


"The concept for the Jubilee Bridge Area Revitalization Project is to bring forward and memorialize the many cultural, social, and economic contributions made by African Americans in the greater Nashville area." 

Robert Smith


“I am really excited about the concept for the JBAR Project. It’s a community-based approach that would work to vitalize the importance of the historic black community in Nashville. This concept emphasizes the powerful cultural influence this community has had on the city of Nashville. In an effort to beautify the North Nashville area, the JBAR Project takes a “pinprick” approach to vitalizing a black community, in an effort to ripple outward and uplift the people and programs nearby.”

Julian K. Phillips

NOMA




Questions or Comments about the Jubilee Bridge Area Revitalization Project? Please email us at info@world-accp.org.


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