HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – While the planned march down the roads of Hopkinsville was canceled due to extreme cold, the program was still packed with community members who joined to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King. The theme was Mission Possible: Protecting freedom, justice, and democracy in the spirit of nonviolence 365.
“It is with great pride and humility that we gather here today to honor the life and legacy of one of the most remarkable leaders in our history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Raychel Farmer, HRC Executive Director. “On this day we celebrate not just the man, but the movement he inspired, the ideals he championed, and the hope he left behind for generations to come.”
The Hopkinsville Human Rights Commission presented the event at the Hopkinsville Community College auditorium. During the program, the crowd raised their voices to sing the Black National Anthem led by Renee Fort. Christian County students Taylor Butler-Gilmore and Malaya Wesley performed an emotional dance performance and Stephan Lovan Jr. read a portion of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Dr. Alissa Young, Hopkinsville Community College President also addressed the crowd saying, “Dr. King’s words and actions remind us that progress is made when we stand together, when we work toward a future where opportunity and dignity are extended to all.”
The keynote speaker for the event was Nicole Poindexter, who has a long history in Christian County Schools as an educator, guidance counselor, assistant principal, and principal. She is currently the director of full-service community schools for the district.
“Our work is not finished. Dr. King showed us the way, but it is now our responsibility to carry that torch forward,” said Poindexter during her impassioned speech. “As we honor Dr. King today, let us remember that his mission is not a distant dream, it is a mission possible. A mission that each of us can help make a reality. I have a dream, you have a dream, we have a dream. Keep dreaming, keep believing, have faith in God to believe that changes will continue to come! Because the mission is possible.”
Christian County Middle School won the school challenge during the program for high attendance at the event. Festivities continued throughout the day with the Fisk Jubilee singers performing at the Alhambra later in the day, along with an art contest for students.
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