Dr. Raymond Burse speaks during Human Rights Commission’s Unity Breakfast in Hopkinsville | PHOTOS

Hundreds of supporters of the Hopkinsville Human Rights Commission gathered at The Bruce to celebrate the organizations mission of unity, and award outstanding members of the community during their 50th Unity Breakfast.

By Daynnah Carmona October 24, 2024 11:53 am

Human Rights Commission hosts 50th Annual Unity Breakfast in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Oct. 24, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)

HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Hundreds of supporters of the Hopkinsville Human Rights Commission gathered at The Bruce to celebrate the organizations mission of unity, and award outstanding members of the community during their 50th Unity Breakfast.

During the event, over 600 guests had a chance to witness a presentation of colors from Girl Scout Troop 3065, and a musical performance from Amanda Brunt and Darryl Anderson. With the theme of 50 years of compassion, the HRC invited Hopkinsville native Dr. Raymond Burse as this year’s keynote speaker.

Human Rights Commission hosts 50th Annual Unity Breakfast in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Oct. 24, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)

Burse previously served as Vice President & General Counsel of GE Appliances & Lighting and was a partner in the law firm of Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, Louisville, Kentucky, from July 1989 to August 1995. He was also President of Kentucky State University from 1982 to 1989 and was selected a Rhodes Scholar in 1973, studying for two years at St. John’s College, Oxford University in England. He is currently the Chair of the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights.

“I’m just a regular boy from Hopkinsville,” said Burse during his address to the crowd. “Wherever I’ve gone and whatever I’ve done, I’ve always come back to reflect on the words of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, there’s no place like home.”

During his speech, he continued to reflect on the importance of unity in today’s world, holding every member of the community responsible for forwarding the continued mission of unity and acceptance through their action. “In my 73 years, I have not seen or remembered a time where we have been more divided,” said Burse. “We all see unity as a noun, but to achieve it, it must be a verb.”

Various awards were presented to deserving members of the community after the keynote speech.

Volunteer of the Year Award – Thomas A Sims Lodge #170.
Standard Award for Excellence – Steve Tribble
Unity Awards – Gwenda C. Motley and Dawn Patricia Thomas
Hal & Bettye Thurmond Award – Francene Gilmer

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