The Hopkinsville-Christian County Human Rights Commission is seeking nominations for Heritage Awards that will be presented during an Eighth of August emancipation celebration.
Individuals and churches may nominate community members “whose service, leadership, faith, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Hopkinsville-Christian County,” organizers said.
“Because our churches have long served as pillars of leadership, service, and community building, we are asking local churches to nominate one individual who has helped shape our community through their commitment to others,” the nomination form states. “Nominees may be recognized for their contributions in areas such as faith, education, civic engagement, community service, mentorship, business, advocacy, or other efforts that have positively influenced the lives of those around them.”
The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, July 22. The nomination form is available here.
The awards will be presented during the Gathered in Love Heritage Dinner, set for 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at Virginia Street Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 210 S. Virginia St. A soul food meal will be served.
While the awards are a new aspect of the local emancipation observance, the Human Rights Commission and the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County have collaborated for several years as sponsors of the Eighth of August celebration.
Tickets for the event, available here, are $20 per person (plus a $3.18 processing fee).
Traditionally communities in Western Kentucky, including Hopkinsville, have celebrated the emancipation of their enslaved ancestors on Aug. 8, which is believed to be the date that many in the region first learned of their freedom.
