MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — “Community can grow if we find things in common.”

This was the message Reverend Jason Scales delivered to hundreds gathered at the 29th annual MTSU Unity Luncheon held in Murfreesboro on Thursday, February 6. The theme of this year’s event was, Where There Is Unity There is Strength.

Reverend Scales wife, Barbara Scales, introduced him at the luncheon. Barbara is the former director of MTSU’s June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students and a current Motlow State administrator.

During his keynote address, Rev. Scales talked about the importance of maintaining harmony and promoting a sense of belonging.

“I believe we have to open our hearts and our minds, learn to forgive and set new paths, so moments like this can shape what I believe America and the rest of this world can be if we all learn how to live together and find things in common,” said Scales, pastor of Believers Faith Fellowship in Christiana and Shelbyville.

He also explained that unity doesn’t necessarily mean uniformity.

“It embraces diversity while maintaining solidarity and cohesiveness. It’s a shared sense of identity amongst people in that community,” Scales said. “Our community can grow if we find things in common.”

Six unsung heroes honored

Hosted by the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs, under the direction of Danielle Rochelle, the Unity Luncheon pays homage to the community’s unsung heroes who were chosen by the university’s Black History Month Committee.

Honorees are age 50 or older who have resided in the Middle Tennessee area for 20 years or more and have made outstanding contributions to the community in a variety of categories. To date, there have been 146 unsung heroes honored — with six more added to the list this year. This year’s honorees include:

Education: MTSU alumna Sherica Clark Nelms, chief program officer at the nonprofit Martha O’Bryan Center in Nashville, has spent her 20-year career advocating and encouraging underrepresented students in higher education.

Contribution to Black Arts: Murfreesboro native Darryl Chaney, founder and director of Christ Fellowship Chorale, has spent over 40 years in music ministry to choirs, congregations and community groups. He currently serves Cherry Grove Baptist Church in Murfreesboro.

Excellence in Sports: Lifelong Murfreesboro resident Thaya Morant developed a love of running over 50 years ago. Since then, the 70-something grandmother has competed in dozens of races, including more than 20 half-marathons, while inspiring and empowering others to stay physically active.

Advocate of Civility: The Rev. Vincent Windrow, retired associate vice provost for student success at MTSU and coauthor of the university’s True Blue Pledge, is a passionate advocate of community engagement and dedicated to fostering respectful dialogue and inclusive environments. He serves as pastor of Olive Branch Church in Nashville and Murfreesboro, where he has been instrumental in promoting community cohesion and respect for diverse narratives.

Community Service: Smyrna resident Regina Harvey, cofounder and director of Dominion Financial Management, balances compassion and encouragement as a financial coach. Harvey was recognized for her passion for meeting new people and helping them discover and accomplish their financial goals.

Tammy York, enrollment coordinator in MT One Stop, was presented with the Unsung Hero Staff Award for her compassionate mentorship to colleagues and her passion for helping students reach their educational goals.

In addition to the awards ceremony and keynote address, the MTSU Gospel Choir inspired the crowd with heartfelt performances of civil rights anthems, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “We Shall Overcome.” MTSU Student Government Association President Michai Mosby served as emcee for the sold-out event and SGA Vice President RJ Ware led the crowd in reciting the university’s True Blue Pledge. If you would like to watch the event, click here.

For more information about 2025 Black History Month activities, visit https://mtsu.edu/aahm or email [email protected]. •

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