HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Human Rights Commission of Hopkinsville-Christian County has announced their first Pride in the Park. This event will be an open mic and picnic on June 13 at the greenway amphitheater by the library. Local poets, musicians, authors and vocalists are invited to participate.
Jada Morris with HRC told Christian County Now that this is their first time hosting a Pride event in Hopkinsville. However, they have been able to facilitate official proclamations to publicly recognize Pride Month, which have been read at Hopkinsville City Council meetings by Mayor James R. Knight each year since 2022.
“In the four years that I’ve lived here, I noticed that there were no Pride parades or events for my queer friends and family to celebrate who they are and connect with other queer folks in this community,” Morris said, adding that HRC Director Raychel Farmer felt the same way. “We both decided it was time to utilize HRC’s platform, which values inclusion and belonging, to host a Pride event and let our LGBTQ+ community members know that they are valued and vital members of Hopkinsville.”
From 1-3 p.m. on June 13, several local food trucks will be on side during the event, along with continuous live music and a craft station with the open mic. Morris said anyone and everyone is welcome to attend, and it is an all-ages event. Currently a local children’s book author will be participated as well as local poets and a drum circle performance.
“We want this to be the first of many Pride celebrations in Hopkinsville,” said Morris. “Everyone is encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and come prepared to relax and have fun as we celebrate Pride month together.”
People interested in signing up can contact the HRC of Hopkinsville-Christian County at 270-887-4010, or email jmorris@hrchoptown.org.
| STAY UPDATED ON LOCAL NEWS: Sign up for the midday Christian County Now newsletter.