Several locals to be honored at new Unity Within Diversity event

On Feb. 18, several local people will be honored at the inaugural Unity Within Diversity program. 

Held at the Ruffin, the event will honor retired physician Dr. Jesse Cannon, firefighter/paramedic Mark Heaston, former teacher/historian Hattye T. Yarbrough and the evangelical and community service of the late Grace Phelps.

“Each of these people has made a difference and been a pillar in the community,” emcee Tony B. Dickerson, a Covington native who is also a musician, said. “They’ve made some really great strides.”

The theme of the event is “What a difference uniting makes” and will feature performances by local gospel choirs, music groups, dance ministries and soloists, like Deborah Thomas. Guest speaker will be Pastor Quinten Barlow.

Dickerson said he hopes the program brings the community together.

“We want to bring a stronger sense of unity to Covington and Tipton County.”

The Tipton Arts Council, with partial funding through a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission, is sponsoring the event.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. Admission will be $5.