Diversity in Nashville

Black history in Music City is deeply rooted, storied, and influential. It has shaped some of the city’s biggest icons, starting with the Fisk Jubilee Singers who pioneered early music in Nashville and are the reason why Music City was crowned its now internationally known nickname. The culture also inspired the birth of Nashville's iconic Hot Chicken first served at the famed Prince’s.

Music City has long been a destination known for opportunity, immense creativity, and inclusivity without limits. Like a range of notes coming together to create a melody, the unique individuality of Nashville’s visitors and residents alike help make the city a more vibrant and inviting place. Nashville is a proud home to an active LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, a music-filled annual Pride festival, and a wide range of LGBTQ-owned businesses, from bakeries to hotels and everything in between.

Nashville’s Hispanic & Latin American culture is lively and growing. The influence of the culture can be seen, heard, and tasted all over Music City through art, live music, and authentic cuisine. Discover something new by exploring the culture through area businesses and events.

Nashville’s Kurdish community is the largest in North America, with a population of more than 15,000. Kurdish refugees first arrived in Nashville in 1976 and have since established a vibrant community in Music City. In South Nashville, discover Little Kurdistan off Elysian Fields Court, and shop for black tea, baklava, and giant stacks of fresh flat bread or treat yourself to an authentic Kurdish meal.

Nashville has long been a proud sister city to Taiyuan and Chengdu, China, and Kamakura, Japan. The partnership between these and other international cities has strengthened Music City’s connection to the world through education and events. In the last 10 years, Music City has planted 1,000 Japanese cherry blossom trees in partnership with its sister city and hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Festival each Spring to celebrate this cultural connection.

Women have played a significant role in shaping Music City's history. From Anne Dallas Dudley's fight for women's right to vote to the thriving women-owned businesses in the city today, Nashville is a place where women leave a lasting impact and a powerful legacy.