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A resolution honoring the life of Dr. Bobby L. Lovett and recognizing his outstanding leadership and many accomplishments as Professor Emeritus at Tennessee State University.
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WHEREAS, Dr. Bobby L. Lovett passed away on December 23, 2022. He was a champion for the history of civil rights in Nashville and the United States, and he had the desire to spread the word of this history to his students and to the masses. Dr. Lovett was a scholar and a gentleman who advanced Tennessee State University's reputation as one of America's best historic Black universities; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lovett was Tennessee State University Professor Emeritus and prominent author and scholar of African American history. Prior to publishing a book on African American history in Nashville, Dr. Lovett also co-founded the Planning Committee for the Nashville Conference on African American History and Culture. The Conference celebrates the contributions of African Americans to Nashville and Tennessee, and will hold its 42nd anniversary in Nashville on February 10, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lovett was a longtime professor and administrator in Higher Education. A lifelong learner, teacher, and mentor, he was well known and respected in his profession. Dr. Lovett was not only a pillar in the Tennessee historical community, he was also a civically engaged leader in the Nashville community throughout his life. Dr. Lovett talked and wrote about subjects that had national significance, but always related them to Nashville; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lovett authored eight books, most on Black history in Nashville and Tennessee, and he acted as an historical adviser as a member of various board and commissions in the city and state. Dr. Lovett also served as historian for his longtime church, First Baptist Church Capitol Hill in Nashville; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lovett started his career in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, teaching in the public school district, a job he took after attending college and graduate school in Arkansas. He became a professor at Tennessee State University in 1973, where he taught and eventually became Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences until retiring in 2010; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lovett wrote a comprehensive history on Tennessee State University after publishing another book on historically Black colleges and universities throughout the United States. Dr. Lovett served as a model and set the example for many historians that came through Tennessee State University’s College of Arts and Sciences; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lovett was deeply devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife Lueatrice Green Lovett and his five children; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize Dr. Bobby L. Lovett for his many years of dedicated service to Tennessee State University, to the Nashville community, and to the entire State of Tennessee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as honoring the life of Nashville historian and Tennessee State University Professor Emeritus Dr. Bobby L. Lovett and recognizing his outstanding leadership and many accomplishments as Professor Emeritus at Tennessee State University.
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.