- Martha Silva and Tara Lentz are the co-executive directors of Conexión Américas at Casa Azafrán.
Ten years ago, Conexión Américas planted the seed for a community center where organizations could work together under one roof and provide services to a rapidly growing immigrant community.
Today, Casa Azafrán stands proudly as a non-profit collaboration and inspiration for community centers across the country. It has developed into a central economic and cultural hub for Nashville’s immigrant and refugee population through public-private partnerships, housing services, public art and so much more.
We casa is also home to eight peer nonprofit resident partners: the American Muslim Advisory Council, Catholic Charities, Casa Azafrán Early Learning Center, Family and Children’s Service, the Global Education Center, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Neighborhood Health, and Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors.
The joyful and vibrant spirit of Casa Azafrán will bring the community together to celebrate our 10th anniversary and these partnerships on Thursday, December 8th.
It’s ‘Like No Other Place in Nashville’
Before Casa Azafrán, critical resources were spread far apart or were nonexistent, creating barriers for many, especially new Nashvillians.
Casa Azafrán is like no other place in Nashville, offering opportunities for meaningful interaction and cross-cultural exchange between immigrants and native residents.
Entering Nashville’s International Corridor from Nolensville Pike, you can’t miss Casa Azafrán. The “Migration” mural designed by Colombian artist Jairo Prado is located above the main entrance.
The 30×12 foot mosaic represents the movement of people across many lands. This year, the newest addition to the center was unveiled during Hispanic Heritage Month: the “We All Belong” mural by Mexican artist Rubén Torres that celebrates heritage, culture and the changing fabric of Nashville. In addition to these important pieces of public art, Casa Azafrán also offers a community art gallery that exhibits a rotating art by Latinx and artists of immigrant origin throughout the year.
An American president came to our center
We were fortunate to receive national recognition for what our center embodies. In 2014, the Urban Land Institute awarded Casa Azafrán the Excellence in Development Award, saying, “It should be an example across the country on ‘smart building and design’ meeting ‘economic and cultural investment’ through public/private partnerships.” “
And one of the highest honors that Casa Azafrán experienced was the visit of President Obama to Casa Azafrán in 2014. During his visit, the sitting president met with immigrant community leaders and described the urgent need for immigration policy changes.
Housed in Casa Azafrán is Mesa Komal, a licensed, affordable commercial kitchen that supports food entrepreneurs—immigrant and native-born—in starting and growing food trucks, market retail and catering businesses.
The first of its kind in Nashville, this innovative culinary incubator has served more than 60 micro-entrepreneurs.
Casa Azafrán’s impact over the past 10 years has not been limited to a building. Created through a public-private partnership and community engagement process, Azafrán Park opened in 2018, adding much-needed open green space to our neighborhood.
Today, the park is home to public art, a pavilion for events and play areas for young Nashvillians.
As Latinx and immigrant communities continue to grow, we hope to see the growth and expansion of the spirit of Casa Azafrán along with it, as we continue to advocate and create spaces for immigrant families who are too often pushed to the fringes of our city.
Whether you are new to Nashville, want to start a business, seek health or legal services, are interested in cultural programs, or have time to spend volunteering, Casa Azafrán has proven that there is a welcoming space for all of us to stay for decades what’s coming
Join us as we continue to create spaces and opportunities for new and existing Nashvillians to thrive, collaborate, and truly get to know one another. Nuestra casa es tu casa.
Martha Silva and Tara Lentz are the co-executive directors of Conexión Américas at Casa Azafrán. Learn more at www.conexionamericas.org.
