My name is Chakita Patterson, and I am the founder of United Street Tours, offering captivating walking tours of Nashville. Let me share a story that inspired me to create these tours and help individuals like you become champions for equity and inclusion.
One day, as the dean of students, I was rushing towards the cafeteria, eager to engage with students during lunchtime. I had a burning question for them regarding Black History Month. However, to my disappointment, most students could only recall two names: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.
This encounter left me frustrated and saddened. It highlighted the hidden and suppressed history of black people in the United States. It became my mission to raise awareness about the historical impact of black history.
If I could convince high school students to see the beauty in gaining advanced knowledge in history and culture, I believed I could also inspire others, like you, to explore the suppressed parts of history and increase their awareness.
That’s why I founded United Street Tours. Through our Nashville walking tours, we bring history to life and shed light on the untold stories and experiences that have shaped our society. We aim to create awareness, foster understanding, and inspire meaningful conversations about equity and inclusion.
I believe that by delving into the suppressed and lesser-known aspects of history, we can gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities.
Nashville, with its rich history and pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, serves as an ideal backdrop for our Nashville walking tours.
Our Nashville tours take participants on a captivating journey through time, standing at the very sites where history unfolded. We explore the courageous students at Fisk University and Tennessee State University who led the way in nonviolent activism. We delve into the inspiring leadership of Diane Nash, John Lewis, and James Lawson, who fearlessly fought for justice and equality. These stories come alive as we walk the streets and visit landmarks that hold significant historical value.
But our tours are not just about facts and figures. They are about fostering connections and meaningful dialogue. By immersing ourselves in the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the past, we create opportunities for empathy and a shared commitment to justice and equality. We aim to inspire participants to become advocates for positive change in their own communities.
United Street Tours is more than just a business venture for me; it’s a passion project fueled by the desire to create awareness and promote understanding. Through our tours, we aim to empower individuals with knowledge and provide them with a new lens through which to view history. It is my hope that these experiences will ignite a spark within each participant, encouraging them to embrace diversity, challenge injustice, and contribute to a more inclusive society.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a transformative journey through Nashville’s past, I invite you to join us on one of our walking tours of Nashville. Together, let’s uncover the hidden narratives, learn from the struggles and achievements of those who came before us, and work towards a future that values equality and justice for all.
We look forward to walking alongside you and exploring the rich history of Nashville together.
Ogden Rattliff
10 Sep 2019I love this. Great job.
Chakita
13 Sep 2019Ogden – We are excited to have you on the team! Thank you.
Chrissy Washburn
11 Sep 2019I’ve been on Chakita’s tours and learned so much. It’s a powerful feeling being in a group in places that hold history and then hear Chakita bring it to life
Good to see you expanding your presence
Chakita
13 Sep 2019Hi Chrissy – Thanks so much for being a Friend of United Street Tours. We value your support!
T. Vanyette McElrath
12 Sep 2019Thank you so much for reaching out to me. I am one of the Concierges at Gaylord Opryland Hotel. I would love to here more about your tour. I have many guest that ask about Black history tours of Nashville and I always refer them to your tour. Do you have any brochures that I could give to my guest?
Chakita
13 Sep 2019We are VERY excited to make you a preferred partner. Here’s the link to get started: https://unitedstreettours.com/
T. Vanyette McElrath
12 Sep 2019Thank you for reaching out to me. I am one of the Concierges at Gaylord Opryland Hotel. I have may guest that ask for Black History tours. I always refer them to your site. Do you have any brochures that I could give to my gust?
Chakita
13 Sep 2019Vanyette, we are VERY excited to make you a preferred partner. Here’s the link to get started: https://unitedstreettours.com/
Sam Crews
12 Sep 2019Thanks Chakita! I work for Choice Hotels and have many groups looking for black history tours, I will definitely send them your way!
Please let me know if you have brochures that we use at our properties.
Chakita
13 Sep 2019Sam, we are VERY excited to make you a preferred partner. Here’s the link to get started: https://unitedstreettours.com/
Amanda Scotese
17 Sep 2019Chakita is sharing a much needed story and her educational approach offers Nashville a more meaningful tourism experience than other tour options. Her tour was a highlight of my birthday trip with friends. Book a tour with her!
Jessica Hanson
21 Dec 2019Chakita, I also am disheartened at the lack of knowledge/ passion my students (predominately POC) have regarding their own or other similarly disenfranchised groups’ experiences that shaped their modern opportunities & experiences. I saw the “now hiring” for part time tour guides on your website & I can’t wait to hopefully partner with you to reach even more individuals in Nashville & those visiting regarding the true history/diversity of our city. Your “Imposter Syndrome” blog & this one inspired me even further to apply today!