MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Looking for common ground while accepting our differences strengthens a
community, the Rev. Jason Scales told hundreds gathered Thursday, Feb. 6, at Middle Tennessee State
University for the 29th annual Unity Luncheon celebrating “unsung heroes” in the community.
“Unity is when a group of people understand a common goal by developing mutual understanding,” said
Scales, who was introduced to the crowd by his wife, Barbara Scales, former director of MTSU’s June
Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students and now an administrator at Motlow State
Community College.
In keeping with the event’s theme, “Where There Is Unity There is Strength,” the keynote speaker 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.
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.”
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.
MTSU is an equal opportunity, non-racially identifiable, educational institution that does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities.
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.
Rochelle concluded the luncheon: “I hope you take the words spoken here today by Jason Scales and you
apply it to your life, and you apply it to making better connections with people around you.”
For more information about 2025 Black History Month activities, visit https://mtsu.edu/aahm or
email Danielle.Rochelle@mtsu.edu.
