RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - The African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County will celebrate a decade of preserving local history this November with its 10th Anniversary “Lighting The Way” celebration. The event will take place at the Student Union Ballroom on the MTSU campus and will feature a night filled with dinner, theatre, and a special auction - all to commemorate the organization's many achievements.
Over the past ten years, the Society has made significant strides in preserving African American history within Rutherford County, including the uncovering of multiple cemeteries that had long been unrecognized. One of the most notable efforts has been spearheaded by Mary Watkins, who has worked diligently to organize the names of individuals buried in these forgotten cemeteries or sections that were designated for early African Americans.
In one deeply affecting instance, Watkins' efforts helped a man from California visiting Murfreesboro locate the burial site of his brother, a place he had been searching for… Thanks to the Society’s extensive research and record-keeping, the man was finally able to pay his respects, demonstrating the meaningful impact the organization’s work has on families and the community at large. Watkins told us the man was also able to locate the burial site of his parents, who were laid to rest at the Benevolent Cemetery that runs along S. Church Street… The group has also compiled a list of over 30 local African American Churches that are 100+ years old.
The "Lighting The Way" celebration will not only honor these accomplishments and others, but also serve as a reminder of the ongoing mission to uncover and preserve the often-overlooked history of African Americans in Rutherford County. The evening’s events on November 9th at 7PM are expected to draw attention to the invaluable contributions the Society continues to make in safeguarding local heritage.
Date of Upcoming Event: Sat. (Nov. 9, 2024) 7PM The African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County invited the public to a 10th Anniversary "Lighting The Way" celebration at MTSU's Student Union Ballroom (1768 MTSU Blvd.). This special evening includes dinner, theatre and an auction. Tickets are $65 for adults; $30 for those age 22 and younger.
PODCAST ABOVE THIS ARTICLE: Today, WGNS’ Scott Walker talks with members of the African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County Tennessee about their 10th Anniversary “Lighting The Way” celebration. Guest include Mary Watkins, Robin Blackman and Wilma McClain, who discuss the special historical play, coming up, auction and gala dinner in the Student Union Ballroom at MTSU. The three also bring listeners up to date on other activities of the historical group to include uncovering multiple cemeteries that were previously unrecognized and over 30 local African American Churches that are 100+ years old.
