Middle Tennessee residents now have more time to help thank and honor neighbors who’ve spent their lives dedicated to the greater good.

MTSU’s Black History Month Committee has expanded the deadline to submit nominees for its annual Unity Luncheon awards to Wednesday, Dec. 28. Nominations may be submitted at www.mtsu.edu/aahm/unity-awards.php.

The Unity Luncheon, an MTSU tradition since 1996, occurs during the university’s annual celebration of Black History Month each February. The event honors unsung heroes who are 60 years of age or older, have lived in Middle Tennessee for 25 years or more and who have made outstanding contributions to their community.

You can see a list of previous Unity Award recipients here.

Awards are presented in categories of education, community service, civility, excellence in sports and contributions to black arts. Nominations may be submitted in one category only.

The 2017 Unity Awards Luncheon is scheduled for Feb. 16 in MTSU’s Student Union Ballroom. Advance ticket information is available at www.mtsu.edu/aahm.

For more information, contact Daniel Green, director of MTSU’s Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs and chair of the MTSU Black History Month Committee, at 615-898-5812 or daniel.green@mtsu.edu.

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)