MTSU is again seeking nominations for the “unsung heroes” throughout the community who will be honored at the upcoming Unity Luncheon, held each February as part of the university’s Black History Month celebration.

Community members are invited to nominate people who meet the following criteria: age 60 or older who have resided in the Middle Tennessee area for 25 years or more and “who have made outstanding contributions to their community.”

Nominations can be made in the following categories: education, community service, advocate of civility, excellence in sports and contribution to black arts.

Winners will be recognized at the 23rd annual Unity Luncheon, which will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 2019, in the MTSU Student Union Ballroom.

The Black History Month Committee at MTSU began the tradition of honoring unsung heroes in 1996 and has honored more than 100 community members since its inception.

More category details, an online nomination form and a list of past honorees can be found at www.mtsu.edu/aahm/unity-awards.php. A printable nomination form is available here.

Nominations must only be submitted in one category.

The nomination deadline is Jan. 4, 2019.

For more information, contact Daniel Green, director of the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs at MTSU, at 615-898-5812 or Daniel.Green@mtsu.edu.

The unsung community heroes honored at MTSU’s 2018 Unity Luncheon Feb. 15 are, from left, Anthony McAdoo, recognized for years of community service; Barbara Tuckson, recognized for her lifetime in service to education; Mary R. Patterson Watkins, recognized for her contributions to African-American arts; John Harris, recognized as an advocate for civility; and Raymond Bonner, recognized for his excellence in sports. (MTSU file photo by Andy Heidt)