This past week (August 23rd), the African American Heritage Society - Rutherford County (AAHSRC) was honored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for their notable accomplishments within the Rutherford County community.

The ceremony was held at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).

Mary R. Watkins, the President of African American Heritage Society stated, "We are honored and grateful to receive the NAACP Freedom Fund Community Service Award tonight. Even though what we do is not for recognition, but to document, preserve and share the history of African Americans contribution to Rutherford County and the world. It is so important that we do this for the younger generation and those generations to come so that our history does not continue fade as the older generation fades. So much of our rich history has already gone to the grave."

"I appreciate Mary Watkins and all the members of the African American Heritage Society Rutherford County do to remember our county's rich history," said State Representative Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna). "I especially want to thank the late George Smith for all his efforts, his legacy will never be forgotten."