Paul Clements is a seasoned historian and author with nearly five decades dedicated to studying and writing about history. His work began with a focus on architectural history, culminating in the publication of his first book in 1987, “A Past Remembered,” a detailed two-volume exploration of antebellum homes in Davidson County. Over time, his interest shifted towards capturing the living history of Middle Tennessee through personal narratives. This focus is evident in his latest publication, “Tell Them We Were Rising,” which compiles 23 stories highlighting the experiences of Black individuals navigating slavery and the Jim Crow era, both in Nashville and surrounding areas. 1