Author

John Partipilo

John Partipilo

Working as a photojournalist for 40 years, Partipilo has won awards such as NPPA Best of Photojournalism and nominated for two Pulitzers. His photography has also been featured in national and international publications. Most importantly Partipilo’s work is about people — people in their different environments and people in their different stages of life. That’s the heart of his work. To him people are so important, because they all have a unique story.

Kwame Leo Lillard in front of the Freedom Riders mural on Jefferson Street in Nashville. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Nashville’s Freedom Riders: HBCU students risked all to end segregation

By: , and - March 2, 2021

On Feb. 27, 1960, John Lewis, then a student at American Baptist College, joined other college students in Nashville as they sat down at the “whites only’’ lunch counter at Woolworth’s in the heart of downtown to begin their work integrating the city’s stores. Students at HBCUs, including Tennessee State University, Fisk University, Meharry Medical […]

Agents from the FBI and ATF converge at a residence in South Nashville looking for evidence in the Christmas Day RV bombing. (Photo: John Partipilo)

FBI, ATF search Antioch house of bombing suspect

By: and - December 26, 2020

Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives converged on an Antioch house named as the residence of a person of interest in the Christmas Day RV bombing on Nashville’s Second Avenue. Neither local nor federal agencies have named the suspect, but agents were seen entering a house […]

Christmas morning bomb devastates Downtown Nashville block

By: , , and - December 25, 2020

At around 6:27 on Christmas morning, what appears to be an intentionally-set bomb detonated on Second Avenue in downtown Nashville just outside an AT&T infrastructure building. The Metro Nashville Police Department reports the bomb was inside a vehicle, believed to be a recreational vehicle (RV.) No one was killed and three people were reported injured. FBI […]

Ballet Folklorico Sol de Mexico dancers Ruby Rodriguez, Maricruz Vilchis, Jose Luis Escoto and Alan Solis perform traditional dancing during Mexican Independence Day at Plaza Mariachi. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Nashville celebrates El Dia de Independence

By: and - September 15, 2020

For many of Nashville’s citizens, Sept. 16 is a cause for celebration. Tennessee’s population has boomed over the last decade, with droves of immigrants seeking to build a new home far from their countries of origin. Following the 2009 bipartisan movement to shoot down an effort to make the city’s language “English Only,” immigrant communities […]

"My voice, my right" protest in Franklin Monday. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Franklin protest of recent legislation draws hostility from Confederate statue supporters

By: and - August 18, 2020

A protest in Franklin of a controversial bill the legislature passed recently devolved into shoving when counter protesters became agitated over chalk graffiti on the Confederate statue in the town’s square. The “My Voice, My Right” protest was organized by a coalition of groups and individuals including the Franklin Equity and Justice Coalition, Franklin Teens […]

Renato Soto. (Photo: John Partipilo for the Tennessee Lookout)

Living Treasures: The Craftsman and the Change Agent

By: and - August 3, 2020

Tennessee is full of them: Unique living treasures, men and women who give our state culture, character and color. Photojournalist John Partipilo has for years been contemplating a series of portraits called “Living Treasures” and brings it to fruition now. There’s no better time than a year of pandemic and social upheaval to look with […]

In July 2020, a masked security guard stands watch inside the Frist Museum in the series, "The New Normal." (Photo: John Partipilo)

The New Normal – Part 7: Very few visitors at the Frist

By: and - July 31, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered virtually every aspect of life and created a new normal for Nashville residents. To capture the ways life has changed, award-winning photographer John Partipilo spent several weeks in the community and the result is an eight-part series of photos. The Frist Art Museum has been a popular attraction for residents […]

(Photo: John Partipilo for the Tennessee Lookout)

Part 6: To-go orders increase at Five Agaves restaurant in Old Hickory

By: and - July 30, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered virtually every aspect of life and created a new normal for Nashville residents. To capture the ways life has changed, award-winning photographer John Partipilo spent several weeks in the community and the result is an eight-part series of photos. Five Agaves, a Mexican food restaurant in Old Hickory, has seen […]

Outdoor seating at Lockeland Table in East Nashville. (Photo: John Partipilo for the Tennessee Lookout)

The New Normal -Part 5: Plastic barriers, free masks at Lockeland Table

By: and - July 28, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered virtually every aspect of life and created a new normal for Nashville residents. To capture the ways life has changed, award-winning photographer John Partipilo spent several weeks in the community and the result is an eight-part series of photos. At the popular neighborhood restaurant Lockeland Table, the pandemic has overhauled […]

(Photo by John Partipilo for the Tennessee Lookout)

Life in Church Street Park

By: and - July 27, 2020

Church Street Park, a pocket park on downtown Nashville’s Church Street, has long been a gathering spot for the area’s homeless. It’s across the street from Nashville Public Library, where homeless individuals can access bathrooms and computers and easily accessible by bus for those who have fare money. Recently, the park seems more crowded than […]

(Photo: John Partipilo for the Tennessee Lookout)

The New Normal – Part 4: Long outdoor lines at Howard School Metro government buildings

By: and - July 24, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered virtually every aspect of life and created a new normal for Nashville residents. To capture the ways life has changed, award-winning photographer John Partipilo spent several weeks in the community and the result is an eight-part series of photos. Social distancing requirements have forced the Metro departments operating out of […]

The New Normal, Part 3: After being closed for months, Jefferson Street Sound reopens

By: and - July 23, 2020

  The COVID-19 pandemic has altered virtually every aspect of life and created a new normal for Nashville residents. To capture the ways life has changed, award-winning photographer John Partipilo spent several weeks in the community and the result is an eight-part series of photos. Jefferson Street Sound, a museum launched by local music historian […]