Over Fall Break, members of University High School’s Black Affinity Group traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, for the Black Excellence Tour, an immersive experience designed to celebrate Black history, explore postsecondary opportunities, and build community. The trip blended cultural exploration, college exposure, and personal growth, giving students the chance to connect deeply with one another while learning from Black leaders, creators, and institutions.
The group began by grounding themselves in community over a family-style meal at Monell’s, where phones were set aside to encourage conversation. Throughout the trip, shared meals became meaningful moments of connection, including a visit to Riddim & Spice, a Black-owned Jamaican restaurant, and Slim & Husky’s, a fast-growing Nashville pizzeria founded by Tennessee State University (TSU) alumni.
A central focus of the tour was exploring college pathways through Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Students toured the campus of Tennessee State University, where they experienced the energy and history of an HBCU firsthand. They learned about academic programs and campus life, and senior Lindsey Porter had the unique opportunity to meet Olympian and TSU Track and Field Coach Chandra Cheeseborough. Later in the week, the group returned to TSU for Homecoming, joining thousands of alumni, students, and families for the parade and football game—a celebration of tradition, pride, and legacy.
Students also engaged with Black professionals and alumni who generously shared their stories. NASA engineer Corey Harrell, a TSU alumnus, spoke about his journey in aerospace engineering and the power of persistence, while University alum and current TSU senior Lauren Porter (’22) offered insight into transitioning from high school to college with confidence and purpose.
The group explored the cultural history of Nashville through a Civil Rights walking tour downtown, which highlighted the role Nashville played in the student-led sit-in movement during the 1960s. They also visited the National Museum of African American Music, discovering the deep influence of Black musicians on every major American music tradition. Between learning experiences, movement and reflection were woven into the week—including yoga to reset after long days of walking and processing big conversations.
We are grateful to the faculty leaders, families, alumni, and partners who helped make this experience possible!