NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University alumna and trailblazing Tennessee lawmaker Sen. Thelma Harper was remembered and celebrated June 6 as a portion of Clarksville Pike was officially renamed in her honor.
Known for her advocacy, signature wide-brimmed hats, and commitment to breaking down barriers, Harper became the first Black woman elected to the Tennessee Senate and represented Nashville’s 19th District for nearly three decades. Harper, who passed away in 2021, left a lasting impact on Tennessee politics, North Nashville, and Tennessee State University. The designation of Senator Thelma Harper Parkway serves as a tribute to a public servant whose influence extended from the halls of the Capitol to the TSU campus and communities throughout the city.
The dedication ceremony, held at the Bordeaux Branch Library, drew more than 180 attendees, including elected officials, family members, friends, and community supporters. State Sen. Charlane Oliver, who now represents the district once served by Harper, hosted the event. A sea of red filled the room in recognition of Harper’s legacy and enduring influence.
More than a roadway designation, the renaming honors a leader whose influence extended from the Tennessee Capitol to the TSU campus, ensuring her legacy remains visible in the community she served and the opportunities she helped create for future generations.
Harper earned a degree in business administration and accounting from TSU in 1978. Throughout her legislative career, she remained a strong advocate for North Nashville and a visible supporter of her alma mater.
The ceremony featured music, remarks from community leaders, and reflections on Harper’s contributions to Tennessee and the Bordeaux community. Harper’s daughter, Linda Harper, joined family members, friends, and supporters in commemorating the designation and celebrating her mother’s lasting impact.
Several elected officials attended, including TSU alumni State Rep. Brenda Gilmore and State Rep. Harold Love Jr., both of whom have continued Harper’s legacy of public service and advocacy in the Tennessee General Assembly.
Harper’s connection to Tennessee State University remained strong throughout her career. At the Capitol, she consistently advocated for equitable funding and support for the university while serving as a proud ambassador for TSU among fellow lawmakers.
She was a familiar presence during TSU Day at the Capitol, encouraging legislators to engage with students, faculty, and staff as they showcased the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements. Her advocacy helped elevate awareness of TSU’s contributions across the state and reinforced her commitment to expanding opportunities for students.
For many within the TSU community, Harper’s impact extended far beyond legislation. She regularly attended campus events, supported university initiatives, and took a personal interest in student success. Beyond her legislative work, Harper mentored countless students, particularly young women, encouraging them to pursue their educational and professional goals with confidence, purpose, and determination.
Harper passed away in 2021, but her legacy continues to resonate across Tennessee. The newly designated stretch of Clarksville Pike now stands as a reminder of her commitment to public service, education, and the North Nashville community she proudly served.
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.
