The Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County convened in special session on November 7, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Metropolitan Courthouse. The meeting included elections to the East Bank Development Authority, confirmations of board appointments, public hearings on numerous zoning bills, consideration of a large consent agenda, and votes on several resolutions. Notable points include the passage of a $7.55 million affordable housing grant, the deferral of a police survey software grant, and the approval of multiple zoning changes for residential developments, some of which drew public opposition.
Of the Nashville Public Education Foundation's support for Nashville's public schools in the 20th anniversary of its public schools hall of fame. Whereas the Nashville Public Education Foundation has been has worked for over two decades to rally behind the community behind our public schools, and whereas on November 5th, NPEF will celebrate the 20th Public Schools Hall of Fame, honoring exceptional leaders who have made significant contributions to the Nashville public schools and our city, and whereas this annual celebration brings together a diverse group of community members, business leaders, policymakers, educators, parents, and students to recognize these honorees, including trailblazing educators, organizations, and MMPS alumni, and whereas these honorees exemplify the civic service leadership and commitment to excellence that has positively impacted Nashville's public schools, inspiring future generations to lead and serve their communities. And whereas over the past 20 years, the public schools hall of fame has evolved into a significant platform for creating meaningful conversations about the value of public education, while MPEF's work has addressed critical issues such as literacy, professional development, school funding, teacher pay, principal quality, and college access. And whereas NPEF's continuous efforts have led have led to significant and tangible results, demonstrating its commitment to removing barriers to student success through impactful initiatives, including the development of professional resources, the recognition of outstanding educators, and the advocacy for critical improvements in the public school system and whereas the Metropolitan Council commends NPEF for its role in ensuring that all students in Nashville's public schools can thrive. And whereas the Metropolitan Council, which is the National Public Education Foundation, many more years of inspiring the public and underscoring the value of public education. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the council of the Metro Government of Nashville and Davidson County that the Metro County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing more than two decades of the Nashville Public Education Foundation's support for Nashville Public Schools and the 20th anniversary of the Public School Hall of Fame. And we would like to present this to Katie. Thank you. And a few words. Thank you so much, Councilmember Allen and everyone for supporting us at the Nashville Public Education Foundation. We were thrilled this year to partner with Councilmember Suhara and many of you to bring many of our high school students to the courthouse for a day of youth and local government. And we really look forward to engaging our youth more in the civic process going forward. We cannot thank you enough for your support of our schools in Nashville. They are critical to a thriving public um institution, private thriving city, and uh your support has been invaluable. So thank you again for everything you do, and we really appreciate all of your support for our public schools. Yes, thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you all. I really appreciate it. Great. Uh thank you so much, Council members and the NPEF organization. Up next, we have a resolution by Councilmember Toons, and this is to recognize the American Baptist College on their 100th anniversary. All right, thank you, uh Madam Pro Tim. We have a resolution celebrating the 100th anniversary. Have they come up? Okay. We have a uh resolution that we're presenting to the amazing uh prestigious historic American Baptist College on the celebration of their 100th anniversary. Whereas American Baptist College, founded in 1924 in Nashville, Tennessee, has played a pivotal role in the education and empowerment of countless individuals through its commitment to academic excellence, social justice and spiritual growth, and whereas the college located on 53 acres of the Cumberland River has nurtured generations of leaders in the Baptist faith and broader communities, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and fostering a spirit of service and whereas established as a seminary by the all black National Baptist Convention, USA Incorporated, and all the white Southern Baptist Convention Incorporated to train members of the clergy and whereas during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, American Baptist College trained leaders, including future Congressman John Lewis, Reverend C.T. Vivian, Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Reverend James Bevel, among many others, and whereas American Baptist College instructors were also active in the civil rights movement, and included Reverend Kelly Miller Smith Senior, Reverend Dr. James E. Henry, and Reverend James Lawson, and whereas other notable graduates of American Baptist College include Reverend Davy Tucker, Reverend Cora Ashton, Reverend James Tex Thomas, Reverend James Brooks, Reverend Dr. Tamika Robinson, and many more. And whereas in 2013, American Baptists earned status as a historically black college and university, HBCU from the U.S. Department of Education and Whereas American Baptist College has been led by Dr. Forrest E. Harris for 25 years, and he, the longest tenured president of an HBCU in the nation, and whereas American Baptist College has consistently championed diversity and inclusion, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds that comprise its student body, faculty, and whereas throughout 100 years, the college has maintained a steadfast commission commitment to its mission of preparing students for leadership in church and society, installing values and emphasize compassion, integrity, and advocacy for margin for the marginalized and whereas American Baptist College continues to be a beacon of light for Nashville, the state of Tennessee, and beyond, its focus on faith-based teaching and its commitment to social justice make it truly authentic and provides a foundation and service for social justice in all walks of life. And whereas the college has achieved significant milestones in academic programs, community engagement, and partnerships with various organizations, enhancing its reputation as a beacon of hope and education, and whereas the centennial celebration serves as an opportunity to honor the legacy of the college's founders, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters whose dedication has shaped the institution's vision and impact and whereas it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize this significant milestone. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County that the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as celebrating the 100th anniversary of American Baptist College and commending its contributions to education, faith, and community service, that the Metropolitan Council encourages continued support for the college as it embarks on its next century, fostering the development of future leaders committed to justice, equity, and spiritual growth. This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it. Thank you so much. This year, October 2024, we launched our Centennial Celebration year-long. Events will take place to celebrate this history. And the city government of Nashville, all of your city council persons, all of the leaders, civic leaders, join us in celebrating this milestone. And we will have a party all year long. Thank you so much for this resolution. And we'll make sure that the world knows that the city council of Nashville recognize one of the nation's great historically black colleges. Thank you. All right, that concludes our presentations and congratulations to American Baptist College on their 100th anniversary. We will now move on to uh announcements from council members.