<BillNo> <Sponsor>
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 165
By Oliver
SJR0165
003532
- 1 -
A RESOLUTION to honor and commend the Jefferson Street
Historical Society.
WHEREAS, the members of this General Assembly take great pleasure in recognizing
those outstanding civic organizations and their members who work with purpose, commitment,
and enthusiasm to promote and preserve our State's panoramic history and heritage; and
WHEREAS, one such worthy organization is the Jefferson Street Historical Society
(JSHS), a nonprofit organization founded in 2023 by Monchiere' Holmes-Jones alongside ten
other Jefferson Street business leaders and Nashville natives; and
WHEREAS, committed to the economic and cultural revitalization of Nashville's historic
Jefferson Street, JSHS seeks to amplify, preserve, and protect the world-renowned historic
Jefferson Street and its nearly ninety Black-owned businesses in a community-focused and
sustainable way; and
WHEREAS, historic Jefferson Street, known as Nashville's Black Wall Street, has been
celebrated for its vibrant culture, rich history, and impressive lineup of Black-owned businesses
for nearly 160 years; and
WHEREAS, today, the street thrives with over eighty-six Black-owned businesses, two
HBCUs, and seven music stages, including the iconic Elk's Lodge #1102, formerly Club Baron,
where music legends like Ray Charles, Etta James, Little Richard, and more have performed;
and
WHEREAS, JSHS has curated a master plan to honor the musical roots, cultural
significance, and economic impact of historic Jefferson Street, ensuring its legacy for
generations to come; and
- 2 - 003532
WHEREAS, JSHS continues to enhance the community through beautification projects,
history tours, and music and art festivals, welcoming both locals and visitors alike to experience
the unique culture of historic Jefferson Street; and
WHEREAS, a much-admired civic organization, JSHS recently received a leadership
award from Nashville's Metro Historic Zoning Commission for its efforts in preserving and
celebrating Black Wall Street and Jefferson Street's musical heritage; and
WHEREAS, it is most fitting that we acknowledge and applaud the Jefferson Street
Historical Society for its efforts in promoting economic development, cultural preservation, and
community engagement on Nashville's historic Jefferson Street; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that we commend and honor the Jefferson Street
Historical Society and its members for their outstanding service and contributions to their
community, wishing them every continued success in their future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.