Black History Archives

How we can denounce racism by honoring bell hooks’ legacy

by Jennifer P. Brown
January 30, 2022

When racists "Zoombombed" a memorial for Hopkinsville native and author bell hooks, Hoptown Chronicle editor Jennifer P. Brown encouraged the community to take a nod from the author and stand against hate.

A local lawman’s place in Ky. history

by Jennifer P. Brown
January 16, 2022

Bill Dillard was Kentucky's first Black sheriff, elected twice in Christian County before he became caught up in an FBI drug investigation.

Hopkinsville native Ted Poston to be inducted into Ky. Writers Hall of Fame

by Jennifer P. Brown
January 14, 2022

Recognized as the dean of Black journalists in America, Ted Poston covered major stories on civil rights, politics and Black culture as a staff writer at the New York Post from the mid-1930s until his retirement in 1972.

Museum director Keller to give program on Hopkinsville’s civil rights era

by Jennifer P. Brown
January 13, 2022

The virtual program at noon Wednesday, Jan. 19, will focus on the 1960s in Hopkinsville.

Former mayor Al C. Rutland Jr. dies at 81

by Jennifer P. Brown
December 28, 2021

Rutland's friends knew him as a natural storyteller, and he had an impressive memory of local political figures and events.

Commentary: Remembering my rural neighbor, bell hooks

by Kim Kobersmith
December 20, 2021

The acclaimed author, poet, and professor leaves a lasting legacy, particularly in the small Kentucky town she called home.

bell hooks will never leave us – she lives on through the truth of her words

by Karsonya Wise Whitehead
December 17, 2021

As a leading Black intellectual, hooks pushed the feminist movement beyond the preserve of the white and middle-class, encouraging Black and working class perspectives on gender inequality.

Muhammad Ali’s Hopkinsville connection

by Jennifer P. Brown
September 19, 2021

In his youth, and perhaps later, Cassius Clay — who went on to become one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century — spent time in Hopkinsville visiting relatives.

Emancipation celebration Sunday at Pennyroyal Area Museum

by Jennifer P. Brown
August 7, 2021

The museum will be open, free of charge, from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday with a focus on several Black history speakers and artifacts.

Review: Book details overlooked experience of Black residents in coal communities

by Jim Branscome
June 23, 2021

The mining town of Lynch, Kentucky, is a good example of the diversity overlooked by history. In 1940, about one-third of the town's 12,000 residents were Black. And 38 nationalities were represented among employees recruited from Ellis Island.

Western Kentucky residents plan to mark Juneteenth with community celebrations, empowerment

by Liam Niemeyer
June 18, 2021

Residents in some western Kentucky communities are planning to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday this Saturday with gatherings featuring local businesses, a voter registration drive and in one case, a protest.