Today we explore some of the city’s chocolatiers, chocolate artisans and candy bar makers. Plus, we’re one day away from Valentine’s Day and it’s your turn to talk. We want to hear from you. What was your most memorable Valentine’s Day date, good or...not so good.

Guests

Some contributions are well known — like the lunch counter sit-ins and school desegregation. Others have been lost to history. Today, we hear from those who work to preserve and elevate their history. The Nashville Conference on African American History and Culture is an all-day conference in its 44th year. The Nashville City Cemetery Association created a program to honor the more than 6,000 African Americans buried there, almost 3,000 without identification in the formal record. Dr. Edward Robinson, who has written a book about prominent Nashville faith and business leader, Preston Taylor, joins the show as well.

This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.

Guests

Further Reading & Listening

• In 2021, the Nashville Conference on African American History and Culture released the second edition of Profiles of African Americans in Tennessee, first published in 1996. You can read the full book here: Profiles of African Americans in Tennessee (Second Edition)

Here in Tennessee, several professions require licenses, including: contractors, doctors, lawyers, architects, private detectives and cosmetologists. Today, we’re talking about the boards that oversee professional licenses — what they do, how they function, and what the public needs to know about working with any licensed professional.

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

GUESTS

Now, more than 45 years later, she continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, as the state has taken a targeted approach to the transgender community and other marginalized groups. She joins This Is Nashville to share her background, why she came to Tennessee, and how Tennesseans can benefit from equal rights for all.

This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. 

GUESTS

• Abby Rubenfeld, Civil Rights Attorney

President Donald Trump’s administration pledged to deport approximately 11 million people who lack permanent legal status. And last week, Tennessee’s legislature passed a sweeping immigration law to support Trump’s planned mass deportation. Today, we hear details about the new policies and their effects on immigrants and refugees in Nashville. Plus, we learn about resources and “know your rights” programs for community members, educators and students. And once again, it’s your turn to talk. Call us at 615-760-2000. We want to know: Is immigration policy headed in the right direction?

This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.

GUESTS

On this edition of This Is Nashville, we sit down with Belmont University choral instructor Jeffery Ames to discuss his labor of love, Requiem for Colour. We will also hear from the organization Youth About Business, which is putting together a live mixed media play about the heyday of Jefferson Street titled Lost and Found: a Story of Hope. Then, we will hear from the founder of Soul'd Creative Collective, Christian Sinclair, whose mission is to connect locals while growing the BIPOC art scene in Nashville. 

This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. 

GUESTS

FURTHER READING

After their sets, we’ll hear from Rhonda and Marcus about their comedy journeys and what the stand-up comedy scene is really like in Middle Tennessee. We’re all in for some extra laughs during our first This Is Nashville stand-up special! Join us!

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

GUESTS

United Way brings together volunteers, local organizations and funding to tackle some of the biggest issues facing our community. Mitchell is joining us today to share about the work of United Way, her personal journey to service, and her dedication — and hope — for how we all can connect to make life better for everyone here in Middle Tennessee.

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

GUESTS

FURTHER READING & LISTENING

Do you have a concern you would like to be addressed? Do you have a question about the direction of the city? Call 615-760-2000 with your question or comment. Later in the show, WPLN reporters Marianna Bacallao and Char Daston will give us an update and take your calls about all the activity this week during the special session at the state legislature.

Guests

This legislative session, Tennessee lawmakers will consider a bill that will remove protections for our state’s wetlands. Today, we’re talking about why wetlands are valuable as part of a healthy ecosystem. We’ll also break down the proposed legislation and check in with local groups working to protect this natural resource.

This episode was produced by Caroline Eggers, WPLN's environmental reporter, and Katherine Ceicys.

GUESTS

FURTHER READING & LISTENING

• WPLN | Wetlands have some protections in Tennessee. The state legislature might remove them.