Teens United!
Teens United (TU) is an area organized by members of Oasis Center’s International Teen Outreach Program (ITOP), which is made up of immigrant, refugee, and New American youth from Nashville. The TU planning committee is indicative of the wide range of diversity in Nashville, with students representing many different backgrounds. The TU Area offers a variety of performances, demonstrations, and youth centered activities, as well as cultural games for the whole family.
At Teens United you can participate in activities such as origami making, bracelet making, henna tattoos, worry dolls, a language wall, paint your flag, and potholder making.
Located on the east side of the Great Lawn.
2025 Teens United Stage Schedule
10 am
Glencliff High School Drumline
10:30 pm
Karen Hernandez
[Singing]
11 am
Akyl Manauis
[Drums and Singing]
11:35 am
Aurea Paloma Moore
[Singing with Guitar]
1:30 pm
Raices de mi Tierra
[Kids Performance - Cultural Dance]
2:00 pm
J & J Music
[Singing accompanied by guitar & violin]
2:30 pm
Raices de mi Tierra
[Cultural Dance]
3:15 pm
J & J Music
[Singing accompanied by guitar and violin]
3:45 pm
Karen Hernandez
[Singing]
4:15 pm
Krishna Kala
[Kathak, Indian classical Dance]
5:00 pm
Nashville Island
[Caribbean Steel Drum Music]
ACTIVITIES
Pyramids Race – Egypt
The Pyramids of Egypt are ancient stone tombs built for pharaohs over 4,000 years ago with the most famous at Giza. The great pyramid of Khufu is the largest and the only surviving wonder of the ancient world. Build from millions of stone blocks they protected ruler’s bodies and treasures for the afterlife, showing the Egyptian’s amazing building skills.
Alebrijes – Mexico
The Alebrijes are spirit guides, as they were depicted in the 20-day cycle of the Zapotec calendar. Being strongly connected with nature, Aztec people created these symbolic creatures mixing two living animals with anthropomorphic characteristics. They are a brightly colored Mexican folk sculptures of fantastical creatures traditionally made from papier Mache or wood.
Lenca Tribe Wooden bead bracelets – Honduras
Wood bracelets are a direct representation of nature’s beauty and resilience. Each bead, carefully carved from a piece of wood, retains the energy and life force of the tree it came from. This natural connection is believed to help wearers ground themselves, fostering a deeper sense of peace and stability.
Leis – Polynesia
Polynesian uses leis often feature flowers like orchids, jasmine, and sampaguita. It is used on various occasions such as weddings, graduations, and welcome ceremonies. Regional variations include using abaca in Ilocos and shells in Mindanao, reflecting local influences.
They are also given to guests, leaders, and loved ones as a symbol of honor, respect, and warm hospitality. The white blossoms represent purity and sincerity, making the lei’s not just a decoration, but a heartfelt gesture of welcome and appreciation. Â
Barriletes – Guatemala
The Barriletes are giant skits that represent a communication link with the dead. This festivity is a tradition connected to their Mayan ancestry. The culture of making colorful giant kites and flying them over the cemeteries of Guatemala is a form of honoring and communicating with ancestors, family members and friends that have passed on. These kites are also large, 40 meters in diameter and can take up to 6 months to build.
Paper Lanterns – China
The Chinese people use paper lanterns with lights during festival because it represents the release of worries and hope, good luck and for a brighter future. In traditional light lantern festival, they also represent family unity and the wish for happiness. And they also celebrate on the 15th day of the first lunar month; this festival marks the end of Chinese new year’s celebration. People also solve riddles written on the lanterns and enjoy traditional foods like Tang yuan (sweet rice balls) The soft glow creates a joyful, beautiful atmosphere for the celebration.
Navajo Sand Painting Frame
The Navajo sand painting is a sacred art form created by the Diné people of the American Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah). It is known for its deep spiritual meaning, symbolic designs, and use in healing ceremonies. Instead of being permanent, these sand paintings are temporary works of art made from colored sand, crushed rocks, and other natural materials. They depict sacred figures, animals, and elements of the cosmos, connecting the patient and community with balance, harmony, and spiritual healing. Children can explore this tradition through simplified art projects that use colored sand to create symbolic patterns inspired by Navajo culture.
Taino Symbols Rock
Taino symbols are a rich form of communication found in petroglyphs carved into rocks, representing deities, nature, and daily life, without a formal written language. Key symbols include the trigonolito (God of Fertility), Guey (the sun), the Atabey (Goddess of earth and water), and the spiral (representing balance and life’s cyclical nature). Other symbols include the Coqui frog, representing everyday life, and stylized animal and human figures, used in sacred and ceremonial contexts. The TaÃno people originated in the Orinoco-Amazon region of South America, migrating to the Caribbean islands around 400-1700 B.C. Their presence in the region included islands such as Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.Â
For more information contact:
Carmen Nelson cnelson@oasiscenter.org
Oasis Center
THE YOUTH OPPORTUNITY CENTER
1704 Charlotte Avenue, Suite 200
Nashville, TN 37203
Direct Dial: 615/983-6852
Main Office: 615/327-4455
Fax: 615/329-1444
www.oasiscenter.org