Awards handed out at return of Unity Breakfast

With a theme of ‘Our unity is our strength and our diversity is our power,’ Hopkinsville’s Human Rights Commission Unity Breakfast returned Thursday morning after a year off for the pandemic.

Madisonville native Terrance Sullivan, who spent much of his childhood in Hopkinsville, is the executive director of the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights. He urged everyone to be cognizant of how differently others experience the world and use that information to educate themselves daily.

The prestigious Hal and Bettye Thurmond Award was presented to longtime educator, author and former Hopkinsville High School assistant principal Levi Peterson. Peterson thanked his wife, Margaret, who helped him become successful from a young age.

Mayor Wendell Lynch presented this year’s Mayor’s Unity Award to the Salvation Army and Jennie Stuart Health for their continued efforts throughout the pandemic.

Christian County Judge-Executive Steve Tribble presented the Christian County Health Department with the first-ever Judge’s Unity Award.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Bernard Standard Award for Excellence went to Hopkinsville Community College President Dr. Alissa Young.