Metro Clerk

Resolution RS2019-1834

A resolution recognizing July 17, 2019 as Reverend Bill Barnes Day in Nashville and Davidson County.

WHEREAS, Reverend Bill Barnes was a lifelong advocate for civil rights, social justice, and affordable housing whose work to improve the lives of the poor and marginalized in Nashville and Davidson County spanned over fifty years; and

WHEREAS, a native Nashvillian, Bill Barnes attended Nashville’s public schools and later attended Vanderbilt University. After serving in the U.S. Army, he graduated from the Yale Divinity School in 1959. Shortly after, in 1966, Bill Barnes founded Edgehill United Methodist Church, Nashville’s first integrated congregation; and

WHEREAS, while leading his church in the Edgehill community, Reverend Barnes never shied away from unpopular causes. He and his congregation fought against segregation, spoke out against the Vietnam War, supported gay and lesbian rights, and lead efforts to increase affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, among his many impressive accomplishments, perhaps the most important and lasting is his work in establishing a housing trust fund to make affordable housing a reality for working families in Nashville; and

WHEREAS, the Barnes Housing Trust Fund has expanded and gained support over the last several years. It was established to encourage the development of quality affordable housing and expand access to housing for households earning less than sixty percent of the median family income; and

WHEREAS, according to the most recent annual report, Metro Nashville has invested $27,625,843.99 in affordable housing through the Barnes Fund, which has led to the development or preservation of more than 1,339 affordable housing units; and

WHEREAS, on July 17, 2019, a historical marker honoring the memory of Reverend Barnes will be placed at Edgehill UMC; and

WHEREAS, for these reasons, it is fitting and proper for the Metropolitan Council to recognize July 17, 2019 as “Reverend Bill Barnes Day” in Nashville.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1: The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing July 17, 2019 as “Reverend Bill Barnes Day” in Nashville and Davidson County.

Section 2: This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.