Fisk Students Participate in the Creation and First Celebration of HBCU Day in Nashville

Deputy Mayor Brenda Haywood presenting Fisk junior Jailen Edwards with proclamation.

Proclamation recognizing HBCU Day in Nashville, signed by Mayor John Cooper

Nashville, Tenn. – March 12th, 2021 marked the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Day in the city of Nashville, TN. This inaugural day included students, administration, staff, and alumni celebrating historically black institutions, as well as providing an opportunity to promote awareness for the institutions and their need for adequate funding.  HBCU Day highlighted the contributions the four HBCUs in Nashville (Fisk University, Tennessee State University, Meharry College and the American Baptist College) have made and will continue to make.

Fisk SGA President Andreas Nelson opened the ceremony with a warm welcome to kick off the event and celebrations. During the festivities, Deputy Mayor Brenda Haywood presented current Fisk junior Jailen Edwards with the proclamation that would recognize HBCU Day. HBCU Day is something that Edwards has been working on since last year during her reign as Miss Sophomore, she expressed that wanted to find a way to give back to the institution that she felt has poured so much into her.

Edwards, the creator of the proclamation said, “I believe there is a sense of complacency when it comes to ensuring the future of Historically Black institutions and I wanted to take action. Events like HBCU Day are important to continue emphasizing the need for adequate funding and bring awareness to the relevance of HBCUs. Although it is just one day out of the year it could be the difference that ensures HBCUs like Fisk will be able to continue educating students for generations to come.”

Join Fisk University in recognizing Andreas Nelson and Jailen Edwards for their powerful efforts to make a difference for a worthy cause. Fisk University is excited for the celebration of HBCU Day in the years to come.