Bernard Standard’s last Unity Breakfast as executive director of the Hopkinsville Human Rights Commission included one surprise he had not written into the program of speeches and awards.
The commission’s chairman, the Rev. Ron Hicks, broke the news by announcing that an award had been created in Standard’s honor, and he was its first recipient.
Standard is retiring early next year after nearly 30 years with the commission, and the award named for him will honor someone in the community who promotes human rights, Hicks announced.
Standard, in turn, asked every current and former commission board member to stand and be recognized. He said his work was made possible by theirs.
Hal and Bettye Thurmond Award
In other awards, Hopkinsville Police Chief Clayton Sumner received the prestigious Hal and Bettye Thurmond Award, which is given annually at the Unity Breakfast to someone who makes a difference in the community through a commitment to human relations.
“It really amazes me that I stand here,” Sumner said, acknowledging conflicts involving police and residents in other communities.
(Photo by Jennifer P. Brown)
“It is no secret that law enforcement has been in the spotlight for things that are not right,” he said.
Sumner said his recognition reflects the work done by the department’s officers.
Saying he respects the passion and energy often seen in protest movements, he added, “Don’t let negativity always lead the way.”
Sumner joined HPD 16 years ago. Last year, he was named the Kentucky League of Cities’ Employee of the Year.
Two other awards were presented Thursday at the Unity Breakfast, which attracted an estimated 575 people.
Mayor’s Unity Award
The Mayor’s Unity Award was given to Terrence Davis and the staff of the Boys and Girls Club, and the Mayor’s Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to the Boys and Girls Club Board. The board has raised approximately $600,000 for an expansion of the Boys and Girls Club facilities on Walnut Street, including a dining room and kitchen, the mayor noted. Angie Major accepted the award for the board.
Raoul Cunningham, past president of the Kentucky Association for the Advancement of Colored People, was the keynote speaker.
The Hopkinsville High School Junior ROTC presented the colors. Christian County High School’s chorus performed.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. She spent 30 years as a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition.
