Hopkinsville, KY

The Human Rights Commission invites all interested citizens to attend the 47th Annual Unity Breakfast on Thursday, October 28, 2021, from 7:30 to 8:45 A.M. at The Bruce Convention Center.

Formerly known as the Mayor’s Unity Breakfast, the Unity Breakfast is held in October of each year in conjunction with the annual Human Rights Week. The theme of this year’s breakfast is Our Unity is Our Strength, and Our Diversity is Our Power, with Terrance A. Sullivan, J.D. as keynote speaker. Mr. Sullivan serves as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights.

Tables of 8 can be purchased for $160. Individual tickets are $20 each, and will be $30 at the door. To purchase tables/tickets or for more information, contact the HRC office at 270-887-4010 or hrc@hopkinsvilleky.us.

Sponsorship Opportunities are available for the 2021 Unity Breakfast. If you or your business/organization would like to be a sponsor of the Unity Breakfast, click HERE for more information.

THANK YOU to our 2021 Unity Breakfast Sponsors!

Hal & Bettye Thurmond Award

Each year a Hal & Bettye Thurmond Award is awarded to an individual or group who’s making a difference to improve the community through their dedication to human relations. This award is presented by the Hopkinsville Human Rights Commission. 

Download the Hal & Bettye Thurmond Award Nomination Form (PDF)
OR
Submit the Hal & Bettye Thurmond Award Nomination Form Online

Unity Awards

The Unity Award is awarded to an individual or group in the Hopkinsville community who contributes to the spirit of unity. This award is presented by the Mayor of Hopkinsville. A new Unity Award has been added this year to include residents of Christian County (outside the Hopkinsville city limits) and will be presented by the Christian County Judge Executive.

Download the Mayor's Unity Award Nomination Form (PDF)
Download the Judge's Unity Award Nomination For (PDF)
OR
Submit the Unity Award Nomination Form Online

Bernard Standard Award for Excellence

This award acknowledges outstanding service and devotion that goes above and beyond the call of duty, recognizing an individual who sets a high STANDARD of excellence that has made our community better.

Download the Bernard Standard Award for Excellence Nomination Form (PDF)
OR
Submit the Bernard Standard Award for Excellence Nomination Form Online

Volunteer of the Year Award

Human Rights Commission and the City of Compassion Committee would like to recognize and honor a volunteer for their outstanding service to Hopkinsville. Hopkinsville-Christian County residents are invited to nominate a volunteer they believe deserves this meritorious award.

Download the Volunteer of the Year Award Nomination Form (PDF)
OR
Submit the Volunteer of the Year Award Nomination Form Online

2019 Building Community Video

Download the 2017 Love & Unity Project Presentation (PDF)

Hal & Bettye Thurmond Award Recipients 

  2019   Police Chief Clayton Sumner
  2018   Joetta Stewart 
  2017   Barney Bishop                                            1995   Elizabeth Spencer
  2016   Bonnie Lynch                                               1994   Howard Myers                                         
  2015   Angie Major                                                  1993   Linda Pearson
  2014   Tom Bell                                                           1992   Russell Weatherwax
  2013   Kurt & Susan Anderson                          1991   Norman Freeman
  2012   Rev. Buddy Slaughter                               1990   Tom C. Steiner
  2011   Nikki Durham                                               1989   Fannie Louise Maddux                                           
  2010   Elaine Love                                                     1988   J.T. Lynch
  2009   Jesse Quarles                                                1987  Mary Francis Loving 
  2008   Charles Turner                                             1986  Roger W. Holloway
  2007   Suzy Schlegel                                                1985  J. Raymond Lord
  2006   Mary Smith                                                     1984  Norma Berens
  2005   Wally Bryan                                                    1982  Eugene Pool
  2004   Marby Schlegel                                             1981   Rev. A.R. Lasley
  2003   Penny Chewning                                          1980   Frank J. Thomas
  2002   Wynn & Linda Radford                             1979   Carolyn Self
  2001   Wendell Lynch                                               1978   Joseph V. Rose
  2000   Garnett Smith                                                1977   K.O. Cayce, Sir
  1999   Marlin & Rochelle Anderson                 1976   Mamye B. White
  1998   Diane Croney - Turner                              1975   Francis Eugene Whitney
  1997   Jim & Joyce Adams                                      1974   Mrs. John Blane, Sr.
  1996   Barbara Waggoner                                      1973   Mary Virginia Parrish


Unity Award Recipients

  2019 Boys & Girls Club of Hopkinsville-Christian County
  2018 Frances Dunbar & Cary Sharber   
  2017  Bill & Kaye Munday                                                            
  2016   Indian Physicians Alliance for Community Service                     
  2015   Rev. Dr. M.O. & Renee Fort                                                                     
  2014   Challenge House Movement                                                                  
  2013   Isabel Soberal                                                                                                  
  2012   Graham and Rita Harvey                                                                           
  2011   Jim Wisby
  2010   Dr. Vernell Larkin
  2009   Wally Bryan 
  2008   Matthew Harris
  2007   Inner City Advisory Committee 

Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients

  2019 Boys & Girls Club Board
  2018  CCHS AFJROTC