HOPKINSVILLE, KY – The Human Rights Commission and the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County are collaborating for a lineup of community events including a festival and awards ceremony to celebrate the Eighth of August, otherwise known as Emancipation Day.
In areas of Western Kentucky and Tennessee, this day commemorates when Andrew Johnson announced the freedom of enslaved people on his land, triggering emancipation across the region on Aug. 8, 1863.
The first event will be the Gathered in Love Heritage Dinner and Awards which will honor community members whose service, leadership and dedication has made an impact on Hopkinsville alongside a soul food dinner. This is a ticketed event, with seats still available. It will be held at Virginia Street Church from 2-4 p.m. on Aug. 2.
Going into the Eighth of August weekend, the museum will host a conversation with the Humphries Family, where people can witness storytelling and reflection, celebrating family bonds, shared history and more. This will be at 6 p.m. on Aug. 7 with a reception preceding it at 5:30 p.m.
On Aug. 8, the public is invited to the Sunshine & Soul Culture Fest, which will be a gathering of culture and community featuring music, dance, history, art and more. The free festivities will take place at the Pennyroyal Area Museum on East Ninth Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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