Community mourns Nashville civil rights hero Vencen Horsley

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A man who courageously participated in the sit-in civil rights movements of the 1960s in downtown Nashville has died.

According to multiple Metro Councilmembers, Vencen Horsley passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Horsley demonstrated peacefully alongside the late Rep. John Lewis in 1963 and was arrested for disorderly conduct in 1964.

Horsley lived in Hermitage and was a beloved member of the Nashville community. He graduated from Tennessee State University and worked at the DuPont plant in Old Hickory.

News 2 spoke with Horsley when he was volunteering to help educate fourth-graders about the historic sit-ins by Black people at public lunch counters in Music City to fight for the right to sit at the same tables at white students.

“The times I was put in jail, and the times I was physically abused was worthwhile,” said Horsley. “When I look at see these young people enjoying themselves, then I can say, truthfully, all my experiences was worthwhile.”

“My challenge to the children, every generation, is they must make an effort to make their communities better,” explained Horsley in 2020.

Horsley was remembered by Metro Councilmember Erin Evans as a "pillar of our community."

Yesterday I learned that we lost a great man who was truly a pillar of our community and our city, Vencen Horsley. Vencen was a Nashville civil rights leader, known all over for his role in the city's sit-ins, and a student of the teachings of the late John Lewis.

Long before I knew of his civil rights legacy I knew him as a fellow board member of the Donelson Hermitage Neighborhood Association. He worked often with youth in our area sharing his experiences on the civil rights movement.

I'll link to some of the stories and images in my next newsletter that will give anyone who didn't get a chance to know him a better understanding of what a tremendous loss this is for Nashville.

One of the things that always impressed me about Vencen is his never ending encouragement for the people around him he thought were doing good things. He would send us a message on social media or share an encouraging word at a community meeting.

He didn't try to tear down anyone he disagreed with. Instead he just continued to lift up the people with whom he agreed.

Below is a picture of Vencen and I, and one of he and Mrs. Doris Horsley when he was being awarded a key to the city by Mayor John Cooper.

I am going to miss him.

Erin Evans, Metro Councilmember District 12

Councilmember Courtney Johnston posted:

I’m shocked and very saddened to wake to the news of @vencen.horsley1 passing. What a life he led! He made the world a better place and he brightened my day consistently with his private messages of support, encouragement and appreciation as I know he did for so many others. He did good but he also made people feel good and I’ll never forget that or him. My prayers are with his family suffering such a great loss. Cheers to a life well lived and all the joy you brought, my friend. Rest well in Heaven.

Courtney Johnston, Councilmember District 26

Councilmember Jennifer Gamble called Horsley a great role model, encourager, and friend to many.

I'm deeply saddened to learn about the passing of civil rights legend, Mr. Vencen Horsley. He was a great role model, encourager, and friend to many. My sincere condolences are with his wife and family. He will truly be missed.

Jennifer Gamble, Councilmember District 3

Horsley was given the key to the city by then-mayor John Cooper in 2021. No details about his celebration of life were immediately released.