Entries are due by Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM. The Office of the Metropolitan and Davidson County Trustee Erica S. Gilmore invites students and community creators to submit entries to the Diane Nash Creative Competition—a celebration of leadership, courage, and the power of art and speech. The competition is part of Trustee Gilmore’s 4th Annual Diane Nash Commemorative March honoring the legacy of civil rights leader Diane Nash.
Participants may submit original work in Speech, Song, Visual, or Digital Art. Winners will be recognized with awards up to $1,000 and featured across Trustee channels and partner platforms.
The competition’s distinguished judges include:
Trustee Erica S. Gilmore (Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County Trustee, MNPS Alumni), Metanoya Webb (Creative Content Executive, former Editor at Essence Magazine), David Jon Walker (Graphic Designer, Educator at Yale University, MNPS Alumni), Dr. Learotha Williams Jr. (Davidson County Historian, Professor of History at Tennessee State University), Rev. Dr. Jason Curry (Associate VP for Institutional Effectiveness & Dean of Chapel at Fisk University), and Rabbi Shana Mackler (Rabbi and Scholar, The Temple Nashville, Congregation Ohabai Sholom).
“Diane Nash stood at the forefront of change as a young woman and student, demonstrating that principled leadership can emerge early and shine brightly. Her legacy continues to guide and empower our work today” said Trustee Gilmore.
To enter and see full guidelines, visit ericagilmore.com/diane_nash26.
