HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Rachel Farmer began as the executive assistant for the Hopkinsville-Christian County Human Rights Commission in 2019 with the intention of making a true difference in the community. After years of learning the ins and outs of the commission, she was appointed as the executive director in July of 2023. One year later, she is proud of her ability to sustain the agency and earn the trust of the community while finding her footing through changes.
“I’ve had great leadership, great people to kind of stand on their shoulders that have modeled what this position is,” Farmer told Christian County Now. “It’s been an eye-opening year, a bit of a rollercoaster at first, but it’s been a success, and we are excited about the year we have just completed.”
The last fiscal year was spent assisting members of the community who experienced discrimination, while providing programming centered around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. At the moment, Farmer is the only staff member for the Hopkinsville-Christian County Human Rights Commission, but along with a very dedicated 15-member board, she feels prepared to take on her second year.
“We are small but mighty, and we get it done,” said Farmer. “Being the positive and fighting the good fight in our community I think is important.”
History of HRC in Hopkinsville
The commission was established in Hopkinsville in 1963 through a city ordinance. At that time, the country was deep in the civil rights movement with the commission being established the same year the march on Washington D.C. occurred. “Hopkinsville was very progressive, and we are very proud of the work they did during that time to establish our agency and to start the work,” said Farmer.
Their overall mission is to promote unity, understanding, accountability, and equal opportunity among all people. People in the community who feel they have been discriminated against or experience injustice can reach out to the office for resources and assistance. They also work with communities to establish fair housing and promote civil rights.
“We are one of the most diverse communities in the commonwealth of Kentucky, and I think that speaks volumes especially because of the work we do advocating for civil rights and making sure there is equal treatment,” Farmer explained.
Among other services, they can provide mediation or help file formal complaints through the state. By utilizing the state’s legal team, investigations can begin, or additional mediation can be provided. The state also has the ability initiate appropriate settlements and resolutions through the legal system.
Farmer said they never turn people away and walk people through the sometimes overwhelming process. If they are unable to help, they can find someone who can. “There are still a lot of people that don’t know about us and unfortunately they don’t learn about us until they go through something and need our services,” she added.
Events throughout the year
The local agency’s biggest event of the year, the Unity Breakfast, is coming up in October at The Bruce. Ticket sales and sponsorships generate necessary funds for the HRC and provides an opportunity to award people in the community that help forward their mission. The Hal & Bettye Thurmond Award, Unity Award, Bernard Standard Award for Excellence, and the Volunteer of the Year Award are all given.
During Women’s History Month, the HRC awards scholarships to female students and give out the Fannie Bronson Postell Woman of the Year Award. Their other annual event is the Black History Trivia Bowl which offers youth an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of African Americans in the United States. They are also integral in creating proclamations for the city of Hopkinsville that promote inclusivity.
Farmer is hoping they will continue to extend their reach in county, and plan on prioritizing programming on Oak Grove, specifically centered around fair housing. Overall, she is continually thankful for the support of the community. To find out about upcoming events or to utilize their services, visit the Hopkinsville-Christian County Human Rights Commission website.