The 28th Unity Luncheon at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) featured a keynote speech from Cary E. Holman, the Director of Schools for Franklin County School District. Holman, an MTSU graduate and experienced educator, highlighted the importance of unity and shared knowledge. He involved the audience in a call-and-response activity, showing that despite varied backgrounds, everyone could answer his questions similarly. His speech reinforced the luncheon’s theme, ‘Where There Is Unity, There Is Strength.’
Holman, also an associate pastor at Believers Faith Fellowship in Christiana, emphasized the value of unity. He suggested that recognizing our differences is important, but unity brings strength. He drew from his experiences as an educator to support his argument, stating that shared experiences and knowledge already foster unity.
University President Sidney A. McPhee also addressed the gathering, expressing his appreciation for the Unity Luncheon, a tradition since 1996. The event, part of MTSU’s Black History Month activities, acknowledges ‘unsung heroes’ in the Midstate. McPhee stressed the need to honor those who have significantly contributed to the community.