Are local squares in communities known for diversity?

It is amazing to look back at history and see the variety of events that have taken place on the square in Murfreesboro, TN. While the history is not always pretty, it is still intriguing to consider the magnitude of events that literally touch every race, background, religion or belief.

The first documented execution on the local square took place in 1813, according to research dug up by County Historian Greg Tucker. The deceased was described as a black male known only as “Jess.” The Sheriff at the time conducted the execution.

During the Civil War the Union Army took control of Murfreesboro and used the courthouse as an observation and signaling tower in 1862.

Many stories still circulate about a young stranger who happened upon Murfreesboro where he told a crowd that he would climb the courthouse. The man who came to be known as “The Human Fly” did indeed climb the courthouse in 1923 and made it to the top where he slipped and fell to his death while waving. By the way, his body was never identified.

Men draped in white robes, better known as the notorious Ku Klux Klan, marched around the square in 1987.

Uncle Dave Macon Days started on the lawn of the courthouse with banjo pickin’ fun in 1978 and continued on the square until 1989. At that point the event moved to Cannonsbugh.

In the late 80’s and early 90’s, go cart races happened around the courthouse. When curbs and islands of concrete were installed it killed the racing idea all together.

For years, the square has been the ending point for the annual Murfreesboro Christmas Parade.

Last year, Muslim Youth met on the square and handed out flowers and cards of encouragement to those passing by.

And now for the second year, the square has been the home to Boro Pride, celebrating the LGBT community - which is where this photo was taken this past Saturday.

Astonishing really to look back and simply observe the variety of groups and individuals that would normally clash.

In closing, a little diversity...

"Well I'm not the world's most physical guy
But when she squeezed me tight she nearly broke my spine
Oh my Lola la-la-la-la Lola
Well I'm not dumb but I can't understand
Why she walk like a woman but talk like a man
Oh my Lola la-la-la-la Lola la-la-la-la Lola"

"Well I'm not the world's most masculine man
But I know what I am and I'm glad I'm a man
And so is Lola
La-la-la-la Lola la-la-la-la Lola
Lola la-la-la-la Lola la-la-la-la Lola"

-The Kinks, "LOLA" 1970

On the outside of the fence

It was interesting, I walked inside the fence and outside the fence of the Gay Pride event in Nashville today. What I saw on the inside were the kids who were picked on in 7th grade, but grown up now. I saw the guys who took art class serious and took creativity to a whole new level, but were not accepted by the jocks. I saw the girls who were not part of the stylish clique of the week in high school. I saw the men who had fathers that abused them... I saw they had a place to fit in while inside the fence. I saw they were fully accepted no matter their size, dress or attitude while inside the confines of the fence.

On the outside of the fence I saw only three people arguing with those on the inside about the choices made on the "other side" of the fence, as if the choices I make (or they make) on the outside of the fence are always 100% perfect or positive in some way - - It was like those on the outside were looking into what they viewed as chaos that they failed to somehow control or capture.

Sometimes it's helpful to walk on the inside of the fence to see the outside.

"Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to cast a stone." - Jesus Christ