Reverend Ronnie L. Whitney Sr.
Rev. Ronnie Whitney has been a pillow of quiet strength in the Nashville community for many years. He has always volunteered and worked in the community by saying, “to God be the glory.”
Rev. Whitney is a native Nashvillian, graduating from Cameron High in 1966. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Tennessee State University, and a certificate in theology from I.T.C., Atlanta, Ga.
Rev. Whitney served as pastor of St. James CME Church in Lavergne, Tenn. for 18 years. He presently serves as the resident clergy at Caper’s Memorial CME church under the leadership of Rev. Buford. He has also received the highest honor as elder in the Methodist Church.
“Church membership is down 11%, because we are not placing enough focus on our youth,” said Whitney.
“When I was a child, we had to go to church,” Rev. Whitney said. “Today children are allowed to make the decision if they will or will not attend church. This is dangerous to our children and their future.”
Rev. Whitney’s career in law enforcement included 17 years with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Department.
“During my career with the Sheriffs Department, I have watched our children and young Black males go in and out of the system like a revolving door,” said Whitney. “This repetitious decline of our African American males and children prompted me years ago to connect with the NAACP and get involved.
“I have been a member of the NAACP for approximately 20 years and have served both as an employee and volunteer. I am presently a board member of the organization and have served as chairman of Religious Affairs and a ‘complaint officer.
“We have to build more community-based programs for our children. We must focus more on our children and youth in organizations such as the NAACP.
“I commend Judge Rachel Bell for locating the Community City Court in the McGruder Family Center, to help individuals with driver’s license issues, and with the understanding of certain laws that impact one’s future.
“I also commend KEVA’s ‘Keeping Every Vision Alive,’ a local organization that sponsors the annual event ‘Silence the Violence.’ This event focuses on bringing the community together in activities and the discussion of violence in our city and communities.
“There is a voice of hope for our people, but we can only hear that voice if we go back to the land where our forefathers died and work together for the common good of all of our people.”
