Z. Alexander Looby Bombing, Meharry Medical College

You’re now standing in front of the former home of Z. Alexander Looby. There is a historical marker in front. Across the street is Meharry Medical College. You also passed part of Meharry’s campus on the short drive between Fisk and this stop. Meharry began in 1876 as the medical department of Central Tennessee College. Meharry separated in 1915 to become an independent medical and graduate school. It remains the nation’s largest private HBCU dedicated to health and dental care, science, and medicine. There is so much to tell you about Fisk and Meharry we’ve created separate walking tours. So check out our campus tours on Nashville Sites!

That said, the main purpose for this stop is the story of a horrific bombing and attempted murder. Early in the morning at 5:30 AM on April 19, 1960, attorney and city councilman Z. Alexander Looby and his wife Grafta were startled awake by an explosion. It was a bomb set off by white terrorists meant to assassinate a man who had spent his time and energy defending student protestors in court. The bomb destroyed most of their house, the house next door, and blew out 147 windows at Meharry Medical School across the street. Thankfully, Mr. Looby and his wife escaped this terrifying event unharmed. And in a twist of fate, this act of terrorism led to a victory for Civil Rights.

Just after the bombing, students and community members met on the campus of Tennessee A&I, today’s TSU. What began as 2,000 people swelled to 3,000 people as they marched in silence for nearly four miles. Mayor Ben West met them on the steps of city hall. The Reverend C.T. Vivian challenged West’s lack of action in the face of police brutality and violence. Mayor West denied the accusations. As the conversation grew heated—student leader Diane Nash interjected: “Then Mayor West, do you feel it is wrong to discriminate against a person solely on the basis of their race or color?” He agreed it was wrong, and Nash continued, “Do you mean that to include lunch counters?” The mayor said, “yes,” and the marchers erupted in cheers.

No one was ever charged in the bombing, and Looby continued to represent Civil Rights protestors. He rebuilt his house to face away from the street with narrow windows and a bomb shelter to protect his family from future attacks. The Looby’s house was in danger of recent demolition but local preservation efforts to save the house prevailed. 

On your way to the next stop, you will pass another important landmark on Jefferson Street. When you turn onto Jefferson Street from Dr. DB Todd Jr. Blvd, you will be passing a shopping center on the left. There is a historical marker next to the building marking the location of the Nashville Student Movement Office, established in October of 1959. For more on Jefferson Street, Meharry, and Z. Alexander Looby, take our Jefferson Street driving tour.

Exit the parking lot by turning RIGHT onto Meharry Blvd. then turn RIGHT onto 21st Ave N. At the light, turn LEFT onto Jefferson St. Cross under the interstate and stay straight for half a mile. At the light, cross over 28th Ave N/ Ed Temple Blvd and continue straight as Jefferson St. becomes John A. Merritt Blvd. Your next stop, the Tennessee State University campus, is straight ahead. Turn LEFT onto 33rd Ave N then immediately LEFT to enter the visitor’s parking lot. Check in with security if you plan to explore campus.