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A Resolution honoring the life of Darrell S. Freeman, Sr.
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WHEREAS, Darrell S. Freeman, Sr., Middle Tennessee State University Trustee and former Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Chair, passed away on June 28, 2022, at the age of 57; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Freeman, the first in his family to go to college, was a trail-blazing businessman who created his own tech company, Zycron, Inc., which in 25 years became a multi-million-dollar business with 300+ employees that generated $40 million a year in receipts. Mr. Freeman sold his company in 2017 for over $20 million dollars; and
WHEREAS, because Mr. Freeman knew firsthand the challenges and barriers in place for the poor or people of color, he invested thousands of hours and millions of his resources to help young, disadvantaged people go to college, and he supported aspiring Black entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and find success in business. Mr. Freeman frequently said, “As a private citizen, as an entrepreneur, as a businessman, this is where I want to make a difference”; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Freeman was a pillar in the Nashville community. Recently, he was involved in the creation and establishment of the Fisk University Business Incubation and Innovation Center and served as Chair of the special Steering Committee tasked with the purpose of shaping the development vision for the Center along with representatives from the community and Fisk University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Freeman served his alma mater as Vice Chair of the Middle Tennessee State University Board of Trustees since its creation, and also served as a role model, donor, volunteer, and leader. His legacy will inspire MTSU students and the community for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his numerous leadership roles and membership positions with a myriad of organizations, Mr. Freeman served two terms as Chairman of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, where he was known for his passionate persistence and commitment to education, and was also appointed to the Tennessee Board of Regents by Governor Bill Haslam; and
WHEREAS, Darrell S. Freeman, Sr. was a prominent member of our community, and it is fitting and proper for the Metropolitan Council to recognize his significant impact on the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County. He will be remembered for his passion and advocacy for creating opportunities for others, as well as his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as honoring the life of Darrell S. Freeman, Sr. and recognizing his contributions to Nashville and Davidson County.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.