TSU alum, Freedom Rider honored with Transit Center

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The journey of Dr. Ernest ‘Rip’ Patton, Jr., a TSU alumnus, was one of courage, resilience, and a commitment to justice. His bus rides as a Freedom Rider aimed to dismantle segregation in the South, ultimately leading to his arrest in the 1960s.

Dr. Ernest ‘Rip’ Patton, Jr.

60 years later, Patton’s bus ride has now gone in a different direction, toward honoring his legacy as a humanitarian in Nashville.

This month, the city of Nashville celebrated the opening of the late Dr. Ernest Rip Patton, Jr. North Nashville Transit Center, a $16.9 million project symbolic of his lifelong dedication to advancing freedom and equality in the South.

During the ribbon cutting of the official opening of the transit center in honor of the Nashville native, Patton’s family, dignitaries from WeGo Transit, the state of Tennessee, council members, and senators were all present.

Dr. Learotha Williams Jr., a professor of African American and Public History at TSU, spoke passionately at the ribbon-cutting ceremony about the importance of the center, as he drafted the historical narrative for the space.

Dr. Learotha Williams Jr.

“We are celebrating our TSU alum who figured prominently in the Civil Rights Movement and in the Freedom Rides,” Williams said. “This is a long overdue celebration because these students, our 14 students (Freedom Riders), whose names will be represented here, were expelled from school as a result of their participation in the Freedom Rides. It’s important that TSU is represented in this space.”

Born in 1940, Patton grew up in Nashville, where he experienced the harsh realities of racial segregation firsthand. At Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial University (TSU) Patton initially channeled his passion for music into leadership as a drum major in the marching band. His talent extended beyond campus, with many, including TSU alumnus Don Hardin, recalling Patton’s impressive drum skills at local churches and community events.

Don Hardin.

Alongside other partners, the center’s design and construction were guided by The Don Hardin Group, led by TSU alumnus Don Hardin.

“Patton was a pillar in the community who was multitalented,” Hardin said.

“I’m here to witness this momentous occasion in the North Nashville Transit being named after Dr. Patton. What he and some of the other Freedom Riders did for the world, it’s an honor to be here and name this Transit after him. Nashville wouldn’t be Nashville without TSU,” he noted. “And it’s great to have the university heavily involved in this project.”

The Transit Center is a result of progress, ensuring to connect the North Nashville community to the rest of the city and beyond as riders have access to two high schools, four middle schools, six medical centers, and two university’s, one of which includes TSU, Patton’s alma mater.

Michael Patton, son of Dr. Ernest ‘Rip’ Patton Jr., speaks about his late father’s legacy during the North Nashville Transit Center ceremony.

Michael Patton, son of Dr. Patton, also spoke on the legacy of his father. “The very same industry that my father and a handful of unfathomably courageous souls fought against now honors the Freedom Riders’ historic struggle with the Transit Center bearing the name of Dr. Ernest Rip Patton, Jr,” Patton said. “WeGo (Public Transit) has turned an important page in history, bringing things full circle, recognizing the power, the value that pure courage in its raw form, spread throughout a united people, has to change the very hearts and minds of a nation.”

Steve Bland, CEO of WeGo Public Transit, echoed the same sentiments of honoring the past while looking toward the future.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell captured the significance of the day with his remarks as well. “This Freedom Rider has taken his last ride, but his story now lives here forever at the intersection of independence and opportunity in North Nashville.” The center commemorating Patton and fellow Freedom Riders is located along Clarksville Pike, but ultimately will connect the dots for residents to get to their nearest grocery store, job, or day care center with ease.

The Dr. Ernest Rip Patton, Jr. North Nashville Transit Center, a $16.9 million project, was celebrated by the city of Nashville in honor of Patton’s lifelong dedication to advancing freedom and equality in the South.

As the North Nashville Transit Center opens its doors, it carries the legacy of a TSU alumnus dedicated to civil rights, whose bus ride for justice has transformed into a lasting tribute.

For more information about the North Nashville Transit Center honoring late Dr. Ernest “Rip” Patton Jr., visit www.wegotransit.com/projects/north-nashville-transit-center/.