The Hopkinsville Human Rights Commission celebrated 60 years of service to the community on Saturday, and they celebrated the leadership of the past while welcoming the leadership of the future.
Speaking with WHOP News, newly appointed Executive Director Raychel Farmer says they recognized Hal and Betty Thurmond, known for their civil rights activism in Christian County, but also Louis McHenry, who was the driving force behind the establishment of the Human Relations Commission in the 60’s.
They also presented the first Louis P. McHenry Civil Rights Advocate Award, to the McHenry family in his honor, and it will be an award the HRC continues to present to others heading into the future. Stepping into her new role, Farmer says she feels the responsibility of those who came before her and she looks to live up to those expectations.
She has hit the ground running, and Farmer says she intends to spread the word and mission of the Human Rights Commission far and wide to make sure everyone knows they are here to help.
Farmer says the biggest challenge facing the HRC currently is funding, but she’s looking into ways to save on operating costs while still providing quality services, and work closely with local government and agencies to develop good partnerships moving forward.