Livingstone Hall, Samuel McElwee, Ella Sheppard Moore

Before we enter the hallowed gates of the Fisk campus, let us begin here across the street, in front of Livingstone Missionary Hall. This building was named after David Livingstone—an influential Scottish missionary and explorer whose career in Africa earned him notoriety in the nineteenth century. This is actually the second Livingstone Hall. The first was constructed in 1881, the second permanent building on Fisk’s campus. Funding for the building came all the way from Massachusetts in the form of a $60,000 bequest from Valeria G. Stone. Part of a larger gift, monies from Stone’s estate were distributed by the American Missionary Association.

The building provided dormitory space for 150 male students as well as the offices for the president, classrooms, a chapel, and a laboratory. “Old Livingstone” was destroyed by fire in the 1960s, and this building was constructed in its place. Find the original 1881 cornerstone block—located in front of today’s Livingstone Hall—and check out historic images to see the original building. New Livingstone remains a men’s dormitory. 

Facing Livingstone Hall, turn LEFT and walk to the corner of 17th Ave N. and Jackson St. Stop when you reach the historical marker for Fisk graduate Samuel McElwee. Continue listening as you walk. 

Born into enslavement in Madison County, Tennessee, McElwee enrolled as a student in 1878. While at Fisk, McElwee was elected to the Tennessee legislature, where he fought to expand funding for African American education and campaigned against racial violence. McElwee served three terms as a representative of Haywood County and was twice a delegate to the Republican National Convention in the 1880s. In 1887, voter fraud and threats against his life forced McElwee from politics, but he continued to inspire students at Black colleges as a successful lawyer and public speaker.

Now look across 17th Ave North to the historical marker for Jubilee Singer Ella Sheppard Moore. Feel free to cross over to get a closer look at the marker or stay on this corner while you read or listen to the narration. 

Ella Sheppard Moore’s story is equally inspiring. She was born into slavery in Nashville in 1851, and when her father purchased her freedom, they moved to Cincinnati, where she attended school and studied music as a child. After the Civil War, she returned to Nashville, enrolled at Fisk University, and became one of the original members of Fisk Jubilee Singers—also serving as the group’s pianist and de facto leader. We’ll talk more about this group later. She toured with the Singers throughout the 1870s, performing for President Grant and Queen Victoria. In 1882, she married minister George Moore and the couple moved to Washington, DC, to work with the American Missionary Association. Sheppard Moore died in 1914 and is buried in the Nashville City Cemetery. One of the most distinguished Black women of her generation, Moore was an activist, reformer, musician, and even a confidante of Frederick Douglass. Ready for more inspiration? Let’s go.

From the Samuel McElwee historical marker, turn RIGHT onto 17th Ave N and walk along the side of Livingstone Hall. Walk a 1/2 block and click “Arrived” when you reach the Cresswell and Talley homes on your left.