What’s being billed as the first-ever Unity Celebration for McMinnville and Warren County will be held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 20. The event is open to anyone who wants to attend.

The celebration is co-sponsored by the Black History Museum of Warren County and Young Men United and takes from Dr. King’s legacy of advocating for the rights of all Americans and the premise that American is a stronger country when we come together for the common good.

A committee that has been working on the 2025 Black History Month programs felt that many people were losing sight of the MLK holiday that was first observed in 1986. During a recent planning meeting, committee member James “Mickey” Gwyn asked the group what’s happening locally on MLK, Jr. Day? The silence from those gathered provided the answer.

Ella Richmond quickly responded that she didn’t know of any plans, but the folks in the room were the ones who could get it done. This led to a brainstorming session which generated many options. Alicia Strode suggested a march might be appropriate since Dr. King was well known for leading marches. Another option mentioned by Catherine Kisenyi was traveling to Nashville to participate in the annual march held in that city. The committee members left the meeting with a mandate to come back prepared to make a final decision at the next meeting.

At the early January meeting, a Unity Celebration was adopted. The concept recognizes the diverse population of Warren County and honors the coalition of different ethnic groups Dr. King assembled as he led his non-violent protests. 

Also, as a tribute to Dr. King, Strode suggested a Unity Walk through the east end of McMinnville where participants could recreate the marches of the '50s and '60s. The group is still awaiting City approval to hold the Unity Walk.

It was a consensus among the group that with the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans and the truck bombing in Las Vegas, this was an ideal time to come together, regardless of race, creed or color, to define the old saying “United We Stand – Divided We Fall."

The Unity Walk (if approved) will start at 11 a.m. at the Bernard Gym. The day’s events will continue at the Bernard Gym at noon where Kylan Trim will recite Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, Bishop Michael Harris of the North Hills Church of God of Prophecy will provide a keynote address and refreshments will be served. 

If you would like to help with the event or have questions, please contact James “Mickey” Gwyn at mickeygwyn@comcast.net.