It was a morning of community togetherness, a recognition of service above self, and a celebration of 50 years of compassion at the Hopkinsville Human Rights Commission Unity Breakfast Thursday morning.
Attendees were able to enjoy musical selections performed by the City of Hopkinsville’s Amanda Brunt and Darryl Anderson, the posting of the colors by Girl Scouts Troop 3065, an acknowledge of the Native American tribes that called this land home before us and a special keynote speaker.
Dr. Raymond Burse is a Hopkinsville native, Rhodes Scholar and is currently serving as the Chair of the Kentucky Commission on Humen Rights. He spoke on his love for this community and how unity will give us true strength, likening us to a twine rope—apart, the strands are fragile, but together, they hold strong.
In a special event, David Thurmond—the son of Hal and Bettye Thurmond—was on hand to present the prestigious Hal and Bettye Thurmond Award, and he spoke on his parents and the pride and love they had for Hopkinsville—which is why they were so driven to make it a better place to live for everyone, regardless of class or race. That lead to the creation of the Human Relations Commission in Hopkinsville.
Then, he presented the award this year’s recipient, Francine Gilmer. Gilmer became emotional accepting the award and said she accepts is on behalf of her parents, who got her started on a path of service.
The Mayor’s Unity Award was presented by Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight to Gwenda Motley and the Judge’s Unity Award was presented to Dawn Patricia Thomas by Christian County Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam. The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to the Thomas A. Sims Lodge #170 and former Judge-Executive Steve Tribble was awarded the Standard Award for Excellence.
