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Jefferson Street

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About the inquiry

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the Jefferson Street business district in Nashville, Tennessee. Jefferson Street has been considered, “a lab for some of the most important historical, social and cultural events in the U.S. South” (Facing north: Jefferson street, Nashville). Dave Paulson described the district as being “Nashville’s prime thoroughfare for Black culture and commerce” (read more from Paulson here).

Compelling Question

How Can One Street  Shape History?

Staging Question

1
Supporting Question

Why is Jefferson Street considered an historical district?

Formative Tasks

List some of the ways Jefferson Street defined the city.

Sources

Source A: Overview of Jefferson Street and the NPT documentary Facing North: Jefferson Street Nashville
Source B: Video clips of the documentary– Facing North, Jefferson Street Nashville
Source C: Historical Marker Database

2
Supporting Question

Who performed at the clubs on Jefferson Street?

Formative Tasks

Write a paragraph about who performed at the clubs on Jefferson Street.

Sources

Source A: Travel Channel video highlighting Jefferson Street Sound
Source B: The Tennessean article on Jefferson street’s musical legacy
Source C: Mr. Lorenzo Washington’s graphic of music venues and artists
Source D: SLaMLab website designed by Vanderbilt University

3
Supporting Question

What individuals and groups are involved in preserving and celebrating Jefferson Street’s legacy today?

Formative Tasks

Create a T-chart listing the individuals and groups preserving and celebrating Jefferson Street’s legacy, as well as their reasons for doing this work.

Sources

Source A: News Channel 5 video about the Jefferson Street Historical Society
Source B: Video about current artists and murals on Jefferson Street
Source C: Article and video about Vanderbilt University’s partnership with Mr. Lorenzo Washington
Source D: Article and video about Mr. Kossie Gardner Sr.

Summative Performance Task

Argument: How Can One Street Shape History? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from the sources.

Extension: Discuss how the construction of the interstate (I-40) affected the residents of Jefferson Street.

Taking Informed Action

Understand: Learn more about the musical legacy of Jefferson Street by visiting the Jefferson Street Sound Museum.

Assess: Create a plan to share its history at your school.

Act: