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Banquet Recognizes Those Who Work for Radical Change

We are deeply grateful and send a heartfelt thanks to all those who made Scarritt Bennett Center’s Radical Change Banquet a fabulous success!  

The fundraiser was held on October 16 and was themed Journey Inward to Journey Outward Towards Hope Peace and Justice. The event logo depicted a labyrinth, which is a contemplative tool used by people to go inside and explore their mind and soul to learn, renew and return to this life as bearers of hope, peace and justice.

American feminist, social justice humanitarian, author, and actor Ashley Judd keynoted the banquet. Judd joined the Scarritt Bennett family after she attended a bible study led by Racial Justice Ministries Director Rev. Kelli X.

A pre-banquet Meet & Greet with Ashley Judd was a time of connecting with new and old friends. Special guests and their families had the opportunity to meet Ashley and our Tower of Justice Award recipients in historic Bennett Hall.

There were hugs, lively conversation and connections made throughout the Meet & Greet which culminated in spontaneous hymn sing around the piano featuring the musical stylings of Rev. Linda Furtado, Director of Spirituality and the Arts at Scarritt Bennett.  The voices of Ashley Judd and Scarritt Bennett supporter Rev. Betty Procter and were among those blended during this mountain top moment.

“What a Radical night! The Radical Change Banquet was more than a celebration — it was a call to action,” shared Rev. Tolbert. “Together, we journeyed inward to reflect on who we are and outward to embody hope, peace, and justice in our communities. Each honoree reminded us that radical change begins when we have the courage to love boldly, serve faithfully, and build a world where justice truly prevails. I am deeply grateful to our staff, partners, and guests who made this evening a testament to the transformative spirit of Scarritt Bennett Center.”

After guests took their seats, the W. Crimm Singers offered a medley of traditional hymns which set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Newschannel5weekend anchor, Tony Sloan, served as emcee and guided guests through the evening program while they enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring a seasonal salad, chicken stuffed with cornbread & figs served on a sweet potato puree and lemon bars with blueberry preserves for dessert. 

Rev. Dr. LaShante Walker, senior pastor, Howard Congregational UCC offered the Invocation and Blessing, after which greetings were received by Bishop David Graves, Episcopal Leader of Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church, Delishia Porterfield, at large member of Metro Council, and Rep. Harold Love, TN State Representative. Guests were treated to Radical Change video that featured testimonials from some Scarritt supporters Alum Ruth Williams, Rev. Betty Proctor, and Rev. Omarian Lee.

Mike Hodge, Scarritt College Alumni & Scarritt Bennett Center board member offered the occasion and presented the Champion of Scarritt Award to Kathryn Mitchem who, as a mentor, educator and friend to generations of students, left an indelible mark on our community. Hodge encouraged those gathered to consider donating to a special giving campaign in her honor to update and enhance the International Peace & Justice Garden and Labyrinth located on the campus of Scarritt Bennett.

During each Radical Change Banquet, Scarritt Bennett Center honors those individuals and organizations whose work in the community exemplifies each of our four pillars: Women’s Empowerment; Racial Justice; Transformative Education; and Spiritual Formation.

Rev. Edwin C. Sanders, II received the Spiritual Formation Award, the Tennessee Immigration & Refugee Rights Coalition received the Racial Justice Award, Rev. Ingrid McIntyre received the Women’s Empowerment Award and Creative Girls Rock received the Transformative Education Award. Learn more about the Tower of Justice Award recipients!

As guests were enjoying desert, Rev. Kelli X and Ashley Judd took the stage for an up-close and personal conversation around issues of faith and social justice, and our collective responsibility to dismantle systems of patriarchy that keep women and people of color at the margins.

Ashley Judd’s wisdom is rooted in her deep faith and commitment to justice. She shared memories from childhood and anecdotes about her family and growing up time in the Eastern Kentucky region of Appalachia in a Methodist church and scenes from her vast experiences traveling across the world to be in solidarity and learn from women who are deemed as less-than by their culture.

Scarritt Bennett Executive Director Rev. Dr. Sondrea Tolbert presented Judd with the  Belle Harris Bennett Award for her vision, service and guiding example of what it means to be living in the Kindom of God as well as a basket of love with co-branded Scarritt Bennett and TeaTeaandCompany Tea along with Holy Play book by Rev. Dr. Kirk Byron Jones

The Radical Change Banquet could not have happened without the support of our sponsors which include:

Platinum Sponsor – Anonymous

Silver Sponsor – Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau

Media Sponsor – The Tennessee Tribune

Table Sponsors

Elizabeth Kruger

Mike Hodge

Nashville Organize for Action and Hope (NOAH)

Pennuel Ridge Retreat Center & Edgehill United Methodist Church

Tennessee Higher Education Institute

Truxton Bank

Join us in making sure that Scarritt Bennett Center remains a vibrant community hub for people down the street and across the country. Make your donation to Scarritt Bennett here.

Go to our Facebook page for more pictures and videos of the evening!

More photos coming!