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Carrying Forward: The Legacy We Inherit
Welcome to a special live taping of the Emunah Podcast (Emunah
is Hebrew for faith and belief), recorded at historic 15th
Avenue Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. This sacred space holds deep
family and historical significance for host Dr. Tamara Henry, whose
grandfather, Rev. W. R. Murray, served as the churchs pastor for 24
years and helped shape generations of faith and community leadership.
This episode is the first installment of a two-part live podcast
series exploring the theme Legacy, Memory, and Erasure. The series
features descendants of Rev. Murray and his son, Walter R. Murray Jr.,
one of the first African American undergraduate students at Vanderbilt
University and the universitys first Black trustee.
Episode One: Carrying Forward The
Legacy We Inherit
In this episode, voices from the younger generation of the Murray
family reflect on what it means to inherit a legacy shaped by faith,
courage, and social change. Panelists explore the emotional weight of legacy,
the responsibility to preserve history, and how storytelling protects family
and community memory from being forgotten or erased.
The conversation asks essential questions:
mean to carry a legacy you didnt choose?
legacy feel like a giftand when does it feel like a burden?
generations honor the past while shaping the future?
Through personal stories and honest reflection, this episode highlights
how identity, faith, and memory shape the way legacy moves forward across
generations.
Featured Panelists
Simone Murray Thomas
Simone Murray Thomas is the granddaughter of Rev. Murray Sr. and daughter
of Walter Junior Murray and Donna Taylor. She works as a biocompatibility
scientist for a major medical device company and lives in Tinton Falls, New
Jersey, with her husband Mike and their pets.
Charisse O. Henry
Charisse O. Henry, a great-granddaughter of Rev. Murray Sr., serves as a Patient
Services Administrator at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (Queens). A former
classical pianist, she has traveled internationally for work and study,
including time in Venezuela and the Commonwealth of Dominica. She is the
daughter of James and Tamara Henry and granddaughter of Lillian Murray Cooke.
Capt. Brian Jackson
Captain Brian Jackson is a United Airlines pilot based at Los Angeles
International Airport and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Organization
of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). With an extensive background in
aviation mentorship and leadership, he represents the continuing impact of
legacy through professional excellence and service. He is the grandson of Dr.
John S. and Mrs. Etna Jackson, descendants of Rev. Murray Sr.
Key Takeaways
only what is left behindit is what we intentionally keep alive.
has a responsibility to protect and advance inherited stories.
can feel both empowering and overwhelming.
our history shapes identity, purpose, and action.
essential to preventing cultural and family erasure.
inherited, not chosenbut it can be reimagined.
forward matters as much as what we receive.
Memorable Quotes
to Black legacies?
just what someone leaves behind.
feel like to carry a legacy?
legacy feel like a gift?
leave?
Bonus: Surprise Outtakes
The episode concludes with special outtakes featuring additional Murray
family voices:
Brandon Franklin great-great-grandson of Rev. Murray Sr., medical
insurance adjuster in Lakeland, Florida.
Ian Dinkins great-great-grandson of Rev. Murray Sr., communications professional
at the University School of Nashville.
Dr. Sharon Jackson granddaughter of Rev. Murray Sr., retired
cardiovascular epidemiologist and biostatistician, ordained minister, and
scholar of the Hebrew roots of Christian faith.
Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you.
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://wordconsultingllc.com
Share your reflections, comments, and ideas for future episodes of the Emunah
Podcast.
View all episodes
By Tamara M. Cooke Henry, Ph.D.Welcome to a special live taping of the Emunah Podcast (Emunah
is Hebrew for faith and belief), recorded at historic 15th
Avenue Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. This sacred space holds deep
family and historical significance for host Dr. Tamara Henry, whose
grandfather, Rev. W. R. Murray, served as the churchs pastor for 24
years and helped shape generations of faith and community leadership.
This episode is the first installment of a two-part live podcast
series exploring the theme Legacy, Memory, and Erasure. The series
features descendants of Rev. Murray and his son, Walter R. Murray Jr.,
one of the first African American undergraduate students at Vanderbilt
University and the universitys first Black trustee.
Episode One: Carrying Forward The
Legacy We Inherit
In this episode, voices from the younger generation of the Murray
family reflect on what it means to inherit a legacy shaped by faith,
courage, and social change. Panelists explore the emotional weight of legacy,
the responsibility to preserve history, and how storytelling protects family
and community memory from being forgotten or erased.
The conversation asks essential questions:
mean to carry a legacy you didnt choose?
legacy feel like a giftand when does it feel like a burden?
generations honor the past while shaping the future?
Through personal stories and honest reflection, this episode highlights
how identity, faith, and memory shape the way legacy moves forward across
generations.
Featured Panelists
Simone Murray Thomas
Simone Murray Thomas is the granddaughter of Rev. Murray Sr. and daughter
of Walter Junior Murray and Donna Taylor. She works as a biocompatibility
scientist for a major medical device company and lives in Tinton Falls, New
Jersey, with her husband Mike and their pets.
Charisse O. Henry
Charisse O. Henry, a great-granddaughter of Rev. Murray Sr., serves as a Patient
Services Administrator at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (Queens). A former
classical pianist, she has traveled internationally for work and study,
including time in Venezuela and the Commonwealth of Dominica. She is the
daughter of James and Tamara Henry and granddaughter of Lillian Murray Cooke.
Capt. Brian Jackson
Captain Brian Jackson is a United Airlines pilot based at Los Angeles
International Airport and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Organization
of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). With an extensive background in
aviation mentorship and leadership, he represents the continuing impact of
legacy through professional excellence and service. He is the grandson of Dr.
John S. and Mrs. Etna Jackson, descendants of Rev. Murray Sr.
Key Takeaways
only what is left behindit is what we intentionally keep alive.
has a responsibility to protect and advance inherited stories.
can feel both empowering and overwhelming.
our history shapes identity, purpose, and action.
essential to preventing cultural and family erasure.
inherited, not chosenbut it can be reimagined.
forward matters as much as what we receive.
Memorable Quotes
to Black legacies?
just what someone leaves behind.
feel like to carry a legacy?
legacy feel like a gift?
leave?
Bonus: Surprise Outtakes
The episode concludes with special outtakes featuring additional Murray
family voices:
Brandon Franklin great-great-grandson of Rev. Murray Sr., medical
insurance adjuster in Lakeland, Florida.
Ian Dinkins great-great-grandson of Rev. Murray Sr., communications professional
at the University School of Nashville.
Dr. Sharon Jackson granddaughter of Rev. Murray Sr., retired
cardiovascular epidemiologist and biostatistician, ordained minister, and
scholar of the Hebrew roots of Christian faith.
Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you.
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://wordconsultingllc.com
Share your reflections, comments, and ideas for future episodes of the Emunah
Podcast.