MTSU Unity Luncheon speaker: ‘Community can grow if we find things in common’ [+VIDEO]

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 29^th annual Unity Luncheon celebrating “unsung heroes” in the community.

The Rev. Jason Scales, pastor of Believers Faith Fellowship, served as keynote speaker for the 2025 Unity Luncheon honoring unsung heroes in the community, which was held Thursday, Feb. 6, at Middle Tennessee State University Student Union Ballroom in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

“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.”

Middle Tennessee State University Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Khalilah Doss, third from left, joined the university in honoring six “unsung heroes” during the 2025 Unity Luncheon held Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Student Union Building on campus in Murfreesboro Tenn. Pictured, from left, are Darryl Chaney (contribution to Black arts); Sherica Nelms (education); Tammy York (staff honoree); Doss; Thaya Morant (excellence in sports); Regina Harvey (community service); and the Rev. Vincent Windrow (advocate of civility). (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

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.

The Middle Tennessee State University Gospel Choir performs the civil rights anthem, “We Shall Overcome,” on stage in the Student Union Ballroom on campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn., during the 2025 Unity Luncheon held Thursday, Feb. 6. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

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.

To learn more about each honoree, click here.

Middle Tennessee State University Student Government Association President Michai Mosby welcomes the crowd at the 29th annual Unity Luncheon honoring six unsung heroes in the community on Thursday, Feb. 6, in the Student Union Ballroom on campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

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.

— Nancy DeGennaro (Nancy.DeGennaro@mtsu.edu)

Watch a recap of the event here: