Peace Summit: A Reflection on the Past, A Call to Action is a celebration that unites the power of civil rights, storytelling, history, music, scholarship, and community.  This event shines a spotlight on the shared struggles and triumphs of two cities—Nashville, Tennessee, and Belfast, Northern Ireland—both of which have been deeply shaped by their histories of conflict and resilience.

At the heart of the Peace Summit is a call to action.  As we learn from the past and these historic milestones, we are inspired to take meaningful steps toward building a more peaceful and equitable world.  Through powerful storytelling, music, and academic insights, attendees will engage in conversations that highlight the ways in which history continues to shape our present and future.  Together, we will explore how the lessons learned from Nashville and Belfast can help guide our global efforts toward lasting peace.

The Peace Summit invites us to reflect on the lessons of the past, acknowledging the victories and sacrifices made in the fight for justice and equality.  From the Civil Rights Movement in Nashville to the peace-building efforts in Belfast, the event provides a platform for dialogue and education.  In learning from the past, current generations of leaders will be informed and inspired in the ongoing journey for justice and equality.

The timing of the event will coincide with many important anniversaries: 

65 Years Since the Nashville Sit-Ins (1960)

This anniversary commemorates the peaceful protests by young activists in Nashville, which played a critical role in desegregating lunch counters in the South. The sit-ins marked a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, demonstrating the power of nonviolent resistance and student activism.

60 Years Since the Voting Rights Act (1965)

This milestone marks six decades since the passage of the Voting Rights Act, a landmark law that outlawed discriminatory voting practices and protected the voting rights of African Americans. This act is celebrated as a cornerstone in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality in the United States.

105 Years Since the Ratification of the 19th Amendment (1920)

Celebrating over a century of women’s suffrage, this anniversary honors the constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote in the U.S. The 19th Amendment stands as a lasting symbol of the progress made toward gender equality and the power of collective action.

30 Years of Sister Cities Partnership Between Nashville and Belfast (1995)

This year celebrates three decades of the Sister Cities partnership between Nashville and Belfast, a partnership focusing on social projects, education, and musical and cultural exchange.

27 Years Since the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement (1998)

This anniversary recognizes the importance of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, a major peace accord signed on April 10, 1998, aimed at resolving the conflict in Northern Ireland, known as "The Troubles," which had lasted for several decades. It was negotiated between the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Irish governments, along with political parties in Northern Ireland, and it addressed various issues related to governance, human rights and the constitutional status of Northern Ireland.

Full details for the event, including registration can be found here.

The event schedule can be found here.

The list of speakers can be found here.

This summit is delivered in partnership with Belmont University, Fisk University and Queen's University Belfast.

Additional sponsors: