International Nashville (Brentwood, Nolensville: theater, public schools, live)

[JMT]

I'm in Nashville for the week along with educators from all over the state for some meetings. For lunch today we went to a Mexican place on Nolensville Road. Now, I'd been down Nolensville Road before but that was eons ago when it was filled with pawn shops and a couple of porno theaters. Today, I was stunned to see how many ethnic restaurants are on that road. And I don't mean just Mexican and Chinese. In addition to a host of shops and restaurants from all over Latin America we saw a couple of Ethiopian places as well as signs written in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Arabic.

A director at Metro schools gave us a surprising stat, too: there are 131 languages and 146 countries represented in Metro Nashville's public schools.

While all those languages can be a headache for school administrators, I think it's a wonderful problem to have. I also think that it speaks very well for Nashville to be such a magnet for immigrants from all over the world. It's an exciting time to be in Nashville!

[nashvols]

Yes, in general, I do think it is great that the city has become an international magnet of sorts...but yes, it is a headache for school administrators. In fact, some of those kids come from countries where they do not grasp written language the same way we do here.

[Edgefield D]

I worked for a year at Social Security (all I could handle)....but my favorite part was issuing social security numbers to all the immigrants. I was SHOCKED how many people arrive in Nashville every day. Lots of Egyptians and Somalians. The immigrants were by far...my favorite people to help. Very grateful.

[BirdieBelle]

It extends into some of the suburbs as well. Kenrose Elementary in Brentwood has families representing 23 nationalities.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by Edgefield D

I worked for a year at Social Security (all I could handle)....but my favorite part was issuing social security numbers to all the immigrants. I was SHOCKED how many people arrive in Nashville every day. Lots of Egyptians and Somalians. The immigrants were by far...my favorite people to help. Very grateful.

I would've loved to be there and see all of that. I realize that a flood of non English speaking immigrants can put a strain on our school system and other public services, but I think, over all, it can be a very good thing.

Now if only BNA could have some nonstop flights to Europe again...

[Edgefield D]

It was great and odd at the same time. Sometimes I didn't feel like I was in Nashville. Most of them came through Catholic Charities...so they had someone who could interpret for them. I remember that a lot of them smiled a lot. Then, there were those who became citizens and would come in to update their status. There was also frustration on both sides though...I can't imagine moving to another country with nothing and not being able to speak the language. People do it every day though.

Maybe someday...on the flight to Europe....

[bennett311]

I play soccer with a group of Kurdish people. It's at a park near Nolensville Rd. They are a lively bunch and as friendly as can be. Coming from Atlanta, there was no shortage of diversity there and Nashville is seeing portions of it as well.