Independence and freedom were celebrated again in Hopkinsville Sunday afternoon as the Human Rights Commission and Pennyroyal Area Museum hosted an 8th of August celebration.
While the Emancipation Proclamation was issued to free slaves on January 1, 1863, it wasn’t until August 8 that most slaves in Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee received their freedom.
Hopkinsville Mayor Wendell Lynch reminded that not all Americans were freed with the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July, 1776.
He and Christian County Judge-Executive Steve Tribble read a proclamation noting the significance of the 8th of August.
The festivities also featured historical reenactments, oral history music, kids’ activities and much more.