MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - Bradley Academy, in partnership with Patterson Park, will host its annual African American Cultural Celebration later this month, bringing together students, families, and community members for an evening centered on history, creativity, and cultural pride.
The event will take place Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Bradley Academy in conjunction with Patterson Park. This year’s theme, “Legacy and Light: Inspiring Tomorrow Through Art,” emphasizes the importance of honoring African American heritage while inspiring future generations through artistic expression.
Attendees can explore a wide range of interactive and educational experiences, including a Student Living Wax Museum, African American art and genealogy exhibits, local history displays, and community partner resource tables. The celebration will also feature soul food tastings and live music performed by Ernest Newsom.
Student performances will be a central part of the evening, with showcases by the Bradley Choir, Scales Steel De Boro, Wee Care Pre-K, Bradley ESP, the Bradley Theater Group, 4.0 Movement Studio, and Diamond Youth Development.
Artwork created by students from Hobgood, Bradley, Reeves-Rogers, John Pittard, and Mitchell-Neilson elementary schools will be displayed throughout the event, highlighting the talents of young artists across the community.
In addition, several local artists will be honored during the celebration for their contributions to the arts and community, including Sasha Burnette, Aerial Mosely, Mary Watkins, Barbara Hodges, and Leroy Hodges.
Bradley Academy is recognized as the only STEAM-designated, arts-integrated elementary school in Tennessee, offering a curriculum that blends science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to support student excellence and creativity. More information about the school, its mission, and the application process can be found at BradleyAcademySchool.net.
MORE - Bradley Academy, originally built in 1955 as Bradley Elementary School, has evolved over decades into a dynamic and innovative learning environment rooted in both tradition and progress. Expanded in 2000 to include a new front office, related arts classrooms, and a media center, the school embraced arts integration in 2006 when it became a Value Plus School, adding a Drama department that immerses students in theater through classes, performances, and annual trips to the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta. In March 2020, Bradley Academy earned STEM accreditation, reflecting its commitment to preparing students for future careers through a 2050 Mindset focused on collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. Serving approximately 385–400 students in grades K–6, the school offers comprehensive programs including special education, ESL, academic interventions, related arts, and strong social-emotional support services. Deeply connected to the Murfreesboro community, Bradley Academy continues to stand out as a unique and welcoming place for learning.
