GCR team takes the WeGo route connecting Vanderbilt to Nashville’s cultural scene

As Nashville continues to grow and evolve, the need for convenient and environmentally friendly transportation options has become increasingly important. Recognizing this need, Vanderbilt University created MoveVU, a bold transportation and mobility plan designed to rethink how the Vanderbilt community gets around.

Members of the Vanderbilt Division of Government and Community Relations travel aboard a WeGo bus. (Vanderbilt University)

MoveVU aims to shift the daily commute by encouraging alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, with a focus on giving people the power to make sustainable travel choices every day.

Vanderbilt's Transportation and Mobility Office, established in 2018, leads the university's efforts to rethink transportation, including the MoveVU partnership with WeGo Public Transit, which offers free access to local buses, regional routes and the WeGo Star commuter train for all full-time and part-time students, faculty, staff and postdocs.

Connecting with culture: A WeGo trip to NMAAM
The Division of Government and Community Relations recently took advantage of this partnership on a journey to the National Museum of African American Music, an esteemed university partner and cultural gem in the heart of downtown Nashville. Boarding a WeGo bus at 21st Avenue and West End, the GCR team experienced firsthand how public transportation can connect the university community to Nashville's cultural landmarks.

Members of the GCR team tour the National Museum of African American Music with C. Dion Brown, president and CEO of NMAAM, and Noëlle Taylor, NMAAM's director of education and exhibitions. (Vanderbilt University)

During their visit to NMAAM, the team explored an exhibit showcasing artifacts from Vanderbilt professor and award-winning songwriter Alice Randall's latest book My Black Country. The display featured her black-and-green leather cowgirl boots alongside sleek, glossy black Dolce & Gabbana heels-the very shoes she wore as she made her mark in country music history.

Earlier this year, the Vanderbilt GCR team partnered with local artist Elisheba Israel Mrozik to create First Family of Black Country, a mural inspired by Randall's book that honors the pioneering contributions of Black artists to country music.

The team also explored Black Music. Black Life., a special exhibit at NMAAM by artist, author and Vanderbilt professor of African American and diaspora studies David Ikard. This powerful collection, on display until Nov. 30, explores the resilience, intelligence and dynamism that is inextricably bound in Black experience and music.

After visiting the museum, the team headed next door for lunch at Assembly Food Hall, one of Nashville's most popular destinations.

Vanderbilt public transit options
Find out how you can take advantage of sustainable transportation options and explore the city in a whole new way. Learn more about the free public transit benefit, the QuickTicket system and how to ride on Vanderbilt's Public Transit webpage.

Visit NMAAM
Thanks to a partnership between Vanderbilt University and NMAAM, all Vanderbilt undergraduate and graduate students can enjoy free admission to the museum's galleries and exhibitions with a valid student ID. Consider riding to the museum for free with WeGo Transit.

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