HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Human Rights Commission in Hopkinsville is already preparing for their 2025 Unity Breakfast, which celebrates dedicated and passionate community leaders through the theme of “Humility…Unity…Peace.”

Through Sept. 26, nominations are open for the distinguished awards that will be distributed during the 51st Annual Unity Breakfast on Oct. 23. This gives people an opportunity to honor impactful individuals in Hopkinsville and Christian County.

Awards open to nomination

The Hal & Bettye Thurmond Award is given to an individual who’s making a different to improve the community through their dedication to human relations. Is named after two figures who’s work in the community integrate housing, lunch counters, and public school is renowned. They also worked diligently to improve race relations in Christian County in the 1950s and 60s, earning them a posthumous induction into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame.

The Unity Award simply acknowledges a person who has contributed to the spirit of unity and promoted harmony in the community. The Hopkinsville Mayor and Christian County Judge Executive each present an award to an individual in the city limits and the county.

The Bernard Standard Award for Excellence celebrates outstanding service and devotion that goes above and beyond the call of duty. This award recognizes an individual who sets a high standard of excellence in making the community better.

The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to a volunteer that work tirelessly in the community. A nomination should describe the type of volunteer work they do, and how it benefits the community.

When submitting a nomination, people are asked to attach a photo along with a statement or brief biography detailing the accomplishments of the individual explaining why they are deserving of the nomination.  All applications can be found on the Hopkinsville Human Rights Commission website.

After nominations are received, the HRC will redact identifying information before they are turned over to the Unity Breakfast Committee for review and scoring, according to Raychel Farmer, HRC Executive Director.

For the Unity Awards, top candidates are sent to the Hopkinsville Mayor and Christian County Judge Executive for final selection. The HRC’s Compassion Committee selects the Volunteer of the Year Award winner. Nominees will be notified no later than Oct. 3.

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