TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Dec 21, 2020

Nashville civil rights leader and former Metro councilmember Kwame Lillard died yesterday at 81. After growing up in segregated North Nashville, Lillard became active in the civil rights movements in the 1960s. He was a key organizer for the city’s sit-ins and leader of a protest to integrate city-run swimming pools. He also coordinated, trained and provided logistical support to hundreds of participants in the Freedom Rides. As a council member and an engaged resident, Lillard continued throughout his life to advocate for equity. Nashville Public Radio notes that Lillard is the fourth member of Nashville’s student-led civil-rights movement to die this year. He joins Alan Cason Jr., John Lewis and the Rev. C.T. Vivian.