NASHVILLE – WeGo Public Transit will offer free fare to all riders on April 20 to encourage participation in events honoring Nashville Civil Rights activist Diane Nash. Those events include a parade to the Metro Nashville Courthouse and then “Dedicating Diane Nash Plaza: A Celebration of Courage and Conviction.”
The Nashville MTA Board recently voted to recognize the Diane Nash celebration with free fare. As a Fisk University student, Nash led non-violent protests and lunch counter sit-ins in Nashville. She is credited for the desegregation of six lunch counters in Nashville stores after confronting Mayor Ben West on the steps of city hall on April 19, 1960.
“Diane Nash showed incredible courage and determination as a student leader as she led marchers to the courthouse following the bombing of attorney Alexander Looby’s house. Her impact on our community continues to this day. We look forward to honoring her and Nashville Civil Rights leader. the Reverend James Lawson,” said Metro Council Member Zulfat Suara, Chair- Diane Nash Committee.
The parade will start at 9 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill, 625 Rosa L Parks Blvd. and end at the Public Square of the Davidson County Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Square. The dedication event will follow at 10 a.m. There will also be an evening gala. For more information, visit www.johnlewisway.com.
WeGo is partnering with local museums for discounts on April 20. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Frist Art Museum will offer free admission for anyone showing a QuickTicket card.
Everyone is encouraged to ride public transit. To plan your trip, visit WeGoTransit.com.
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About WeGo Public Transit
The Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (Nashville MTA) and the Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee (RTA) are operating bodies of WeGo Public Transit, which serves 27 local bus routes, nine regional bus routes, and one train serving Davidson and Wilson Counties. Visit WeGoTransit.com.