The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights is accepting nominations for the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame
The Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates “the accomplishments of courageous men and women who have led the struggle for equality and justice in Kentucky,” the commission said in a press release.
The public is encouraged to “nominate both deceased and living community leaders who have made significant contributions to advancing civil and human rights, helping to make Kentucky a better place to live, work, and visit.”
Nominations will be accepted from March 1 through June 30. Additional information and nomination forms are available online. Completed forms may be submitted to by email to kchr.mail@ky.gov or by mail to 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 020, Louisville, KY 40202.
The location for the 2026 induction ceremony will be announced later.
The 2024 ceremony was conducted in Hopkinsville, when Louis P. McHenry, a civil rights attorney who practiced in Hopkinsville, was inducted posthumously.
Gov. Edward T. Breathitt, a Hopkinsville, native was inducted in the first hall of fame class in 2000.
Others from Hopkinsville who are in the hall of fame include Hal and Bettye Thurmond, Walter Shamble and bell hooks (Gloria Jean Watkins).
