HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Community members gathered early Thursday morning at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming and Hotel for the 52nd Annual Unity Breakfast. Hosted by the Hopkinsville-Christian County Human Rights Commission, the Unity Breakfast is held to celebrate community diversity and recognize businesses and individuals who make a difference.

This year’s theme is titled “Rooted in Compassion…Moving Forward with Hope.” The breakfast began with a performance from local musician and Hoptown Idol winner Traicoryon West, setting the scene for an uplifting and inspiring morning. Keynote speaker Dr. Ron K. Patterson, President of Murray State University spoke on the importance of organizations like the Human Rights Commission in communities.

“This breakfast is more than just a meal,” he said. “It embodies community and reminds us that our lives are interconnected.”

Patterson spoke on the everchanging, complex world, including media, economic upheaval and mental health issues that drastically affect youth today, and the growing need for the community to step in now more than ever.

“Complexity is not an excuse to do nothing,” Patterson said. “Instead, it challenges us to act more wisely, and encourages us to be patient, creative and collaborative.”

Several awards were given, including the annual Hal and Bettye Thurmond, presented by Human Rights Commission Board Chair Crystal Ferreira, awarded to Amanda Huff-McClure and April McClure of Corner Coffeehouse.

“We’ve been a part of this community for 13 years, and this community has not only accepted our family with open arms, they’ve embraced us.” McClure said. “When we opened Corner Coffeehouse 10 years ago, we wanted to create a space that would give back to the community.” She expressed gratitude for everything the community has done for her family and humbly accepted the award.

Here are other awards that were distributed during the ceremony:

  • Volunteer of the Year: Tom Bell
  • Standard Award for Excellence: Holly Boggess, Community Development Services Assistant Director,
  • Mayor’s Unity Award: 100 Women Who Care
  • Oak Grove Mayor’s Unity Award: Eric Hauser, director of Oak Grove Community Center
  • Judge Executive’s Unity Award: Alissa Keller, director of the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County

“Rooted in compassion, may we continue moving forward with hope together as we work to strengthen connections, build a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging, and create a better tomorrow for generations to come,” Raychel Farmer, Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission stated.