MTSU seeks ‘unsung hero’ nominations for 2025 Unity Luncheon honorees

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University is again accepting nominations of the “unsung heroes” within the community to be honored at the 29th annual Unity Luncheon celebration in February 2025.

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 the institution honors selected community members during the university’s Black History Month celebration.

Danielle Rochelle, director, Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs — Danielle Rochelle

The luncheon recognizes Black American citizens who have contributed their time and talent for the enrichment and welfare of the entire community and the state of Tennessee.

“The university is always honored to recognize those throughout our community who quietly devote their time and talent to uplift others,” said Danielle Rochelle, director of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs. “So we encourage the community to submit their nominations of those deserving ‘unsung’ servants who positively impact the quality of life in their communities.”

Nominees must be age 50 or older who have resided in the Middle Tennessee area for at least 20 years or more and who have made outstanding contributions to their community. Honorees will be selected by a university committee vote 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. To date, there have been 146 unsung heroes honored.

Those wishing to nominate an individual for this year’s awards can submit a form online or click here to download the PDF nomination form and send it through email. The nomination form explains each available category to choose from and information regarding the Unity Luncheon.

The deadline for all nominations will be Jan. 6, 2025.

The Unity Luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in the MTSU Student Union Ballroom, 1768 MTSU Blvd. The ticketed, banquet-style event will include an award presentation to the honorees and will feature a guest speaker to be announced.

Visit https://www.mtsu.edu/aahm/unity_luncheon/ for more information regarding the Unity Luncheon and ticket sales, which will begin in early November.

— Jimmy Hart (Jimmy.Hart@mtsu.edu)