Middle Tennessee State University‘s Black History Month Committee is accepting nominations of community members to be honored at the 28th annual Unity Luncheon celebration in February 2024.

Coordinated through and hosted by the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs, the Unity Luncheon is an MTSU tradition that has been around since 1996 where we honor our “unsung heroes” within the community during the university’s Black History Month celebration. The luncheon recognizes Black citizens who have contributed their time and talent for the enrichment and welfare of the entire community and the state of Tennessee.

This year, honorees age 50 or older who have resided in the Middle Tennessee area for 20 years or more and who have made outstanding contributions to their community are selected from among submitted nominations in the following categories: Education; Community Service; Advocate of Civility; Excellence in Sports; and Contribution to Black Arts. Multiple honorees may be selected in individual categories.

Honorees will be recognized and receive their awards at the Unity Luncheon, which will be held on Feb. 8, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the MTSU Student Union Ballroom.

Deadline to submit nominations is Jan. 5, 2024. To nominate an individual and for category details, visit https://www.mtsu.edu/aahm/unity-awards-withform.php and submit a form electronically by clicking on the “2024 Unity Luncheon” option under the “Unity Celebration” dropdown.

You may also visit https://www.mtsu.edu/aahm/unity-awards.php for more information regarding the Unity Luncheon and to access the list of past honorees. Or contact Danielle Rochelle, director of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs, at 615-898-5812 or Danielle.Rochelle@mtsu.edu.

— Jimmy Hart (Jimmy.Hart@mtsu.edu)