The Scovel Street Neighborhood Watch includes a variety of ethnic groups, some are old timers and some are new neighbors. We live on a short stretch of Scovel Street right off 28th Street at the entrance to Tennessee State University. About three years ago we became concerned with the poverty, crime and litter in our area. A small group of us began to meet to plan ways to beautify the back alleys and to make the neighborhood safer for the children who live here. As you know, when drugs are being trafficked it affects the children’s lives’ in many ways. The streets become dangerous and the children become both victims and obstacles to those selling and to those using. Our Neighborhood Watch Group decided we’d look out for each other’s welfare whenever we could. We realized that in our own small and individual ways we could make a difference! We began to plant flowers, pick up trash, and to see that our yards were being well kept. Spending time in our yards has allowed us to interact with one another and build relationships. Just our presence helps to fight crime in our area.

Our group has supported the neighborhood children in many various projects, such as making murals, creating a community garden, and giving the students opportunities to attend cultural events. Jefferson Street and the Hadley Park area have historically supported jazz and blues music for many years. Marion James, “Nashville’s Queen of the Blues” lives on our street and sponsors a group of children that march in the parades on Jefferson Street. Ms. James calls them the “Little Bow Wows Marching Unit.” This is a great honor for these children to ride Marion’s float as it goes down the road at the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade. Ms. James founded “The Marion James Blues Society” for musicians that need financial aide and assistance. Her organization also sponsors activities for the children of the Hadley Park and Jefferson Street area.

Our neighborhood has a multifaceted population including people that have suffered the ravages of drug abuse to prominent families and attorneys that are part of the cultural heritage of Nashville’s black history. When you have an opportunity to listen to Marion James tell of the days when she was singing on Jefferson Street along with Jimi Hendrix and others, it can be a fascinating experience.

Our streets, with the help of Nashville’s finest—the Metro Police Department, are safer. Having a relationship with the local police has helped increase our sense of security at home. Over the past three years the neighbors on Scovel Street have become fast friends, which adds additional security to our homes and to our neighborhood, building a greater quality of life for the residents in our neighborhood.

Renee Somers / President Neighborhood Watch