Murfreesboro Post
MURFREESBORO WEATHER

Pastor tells MTSU luncheon to ‘sit as equals’




Rev. James McCarroll, pastor of First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, delivered a message of community strength during the 24th annual Unity Luncheon at MTSU last week. JAMES CESSNA/MTSU

Rev. James McCarroll, pastor of First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, delivered a message of community strength during the 24th annual Unity Luncheon at MTSU last week. JAMES CESSNA/MTSU

With less than a few hours’ notice, the Rev. James McCarroll delivered a powerful message to several hundred people attending the 24th annual Unity Luncheon on Feb. 20 at Middle Tennessee State University.

McCarroll’s 15-minute talk, titled “The Call to Come-Unity,” shared how the local community can come together in unity and harmony.

“Where There is Unity, There is Strength” was the theme of the 2020 Unity Luncheon, held in the Student Union Ballroom. The Unity Luncheon honors African American “unsung heroes” who have devoted their lives to serving the Middle Tennessee community.

Yanika “Nikki” Smith-Bartley, vice president and special counsel at Nashville-based Asurion LLC, was to bring the keynote address. However, illness prevented her from attending, so McCarroll, pastor of First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, answered the call.

“We come to the table as equals — different positions, same power,” McCarroll said. “Make space to hear each other’s voices. Create a space where we can sit as equals.

“We transition from focusing on our subcultural agendas to surrendering to the holy agenda of God’s version of community. All are subjected to the truth of God’s sovereignty and not any single group’s supremacy. (And) hear and adopt the prophetic call to new community.”

This year’s group of Unity Luncheon honorees included:

• Contribution to Black Arts: Phyllis Adams, Motlow State Community College speech and theatre professor

• Excellence in Sports: MTSU football “Mod Squad” members Edmond Miller and Raymond Bonner

• Advocate of Civility: Marcus S. Lucas Sr., retired human resources manager

• Community Service: Robbie Snapp, MTSU administrator and community volunteer

• Education: Leonora “Ms. Boe” Washington (posthumous), longtime Rutherford County Schools educator (Cousin Valerie Whitlow accepted on her behalf.)

Leave a Reply