Frankie Pierce Park and Josephine Holloway

Now I’d like to take you even further back in time. Welcome to Frankie J. Pierce Park, which is named for one of Nashville’s pioneering Black female leaders. Born in Nashville in 1864, Frankie Pierce worked as a teacher. She was also a tireless advocate for equality, especially for African Americans and women. She channeled her activism through her church and organizations like the Negro Women’s Reconstruction League and the Nashville Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs. 

In 1920, Pierce made history as the only Black woman to make a speech at the state capitol during the Tennessee League of Women Voters convention. Just a few months later, Tennessee ratified the Nineteenth Amendment. If you want to dive deeper into Nashville’s critical role in voting rights for women, be sure to check out our Woman’s Suffrage Tour.

On the way to our next stop, you’ll see the name of another trailblazing woman—Josephine Groves Holloway. But let’s learn more about her now. Maybe even walk through the park as you listen. Born in 1898, Holloway led the effort to desegregate the Girl Scouts. When the organization was founded in 1912, the Southern council excluded Black girls on the basis of racial segregation. 

Holloway became involved with the Girl Scouts in 1923. She graduated from Fisk University and trained with Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts. After her training, Holloway established the first Black Girl Scout troop in Middle Tennessee. By the end of 1924, more than 300 African American girls had joined the program.

A few years later, the Southern council decided that the costs of running a separate, segregated program for Black girls was too expensive. Holloway was undeterred, especially because her daughter was old enough to be a girl scout. So, Holloway started an unofficial troop. By 1942, the number of Black Girl Scouts had grown so significantly that the council was forced to recognize them. 

In 1944, Holloway was hired by the Girl Scouts as an advisor. Over the next decade she established 13 more troops and helped the Girl Scouts purchase land for Camp Holloway, which is still in operation. The council began integrating in 1951, and in 1962, they abolished racially segregated troops. With her mission complete, Holloway retired in 1963. Fifty years later, Josephine Holloway Avenue was named in her memory. As we drive to the next stop, let’s take a moment to honor her relentless leadership.

Before you leave the park be sure to check out the mural that honors these incredible women and their lasting legacies. Tag us on @NashvilleSites and we’ll share your images on social media.

Directions: From the park, turn RIGHT towards Capitol Hill complex, which features many restaurants and shops. Take a RIGHT on 11th Ave. North, then take your next LEFT onto Josephine Holloway Ave. Pass under the interstate, then RIGHT on 12th Avenue North. You will pass Marathon Music Works and Motor Works on your left. Continue on 12th Ave. North for approximately 1/2 mile and turn LEFT onto Meharry Boulevard. Park in the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center parking lot located at 1035 14th Ave. North. Walk to Jefferson Street on the other side of the building, and you’ll see the Matthew Walker Senior historical marker.