Black History Archives

WKMS series explores the Kentucky origins of Jim Crow opression

by Tracy Ross
September 30, 2020

"The Reckoning: Facing the Legacy of Slavery" traces the history and lasting impact of slavery and Jim Crow oppression in Kentucky, exploring many of the issues that have exploded into public consciousness throughout the country in 2020.

An anthology of Appalachian literature walks on new ground

by Jim Branscome
September 21, 2020

Hopkinsville native bell hooks is among several dozen authors featured in the anthology that explores unique Appalachian struggles, questions, and values.

Hopkinsville marchers commemorate the American centennial of women’s suffrage

by Jennifer P. Brown
August 19, 2020

"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation." — The 19th Amendment

Hopkinsville native John Brim regarded as one of Chicago’s most talented blues musicians

by Jennifer P. Brown
June 18, 2020

Brim said he learned to play guitar while listening to Tampa Red and Big Bill Broonzy records.

Depression era physician built a swimming pool for black residents of Hopkinsville

by Jennifer P. Brown
June 11, 2020

Patterson Tilford Frazer Jr. was born on a tenant farm at Allensville in 1889. He earned his medical degree in Nashville and later practiced medicine in Hopkinsville, where he installed a swimming pool for black residents.

Music icon Little Richard played for Black clubs in Hopkinsville during the 1950s

by Jennifer P. Brown
June 4, 2020

As part of the Chitlin' Circuit, Hopkinsville was host to Little Richard, Ray Charles, Ike and Tina Turner and many other famous Black musicians from the 1930s through the '60s.

Hopkinsville rally speaker: ‘It could happen to me. It could happen to you’

by Jennifer P. Brown
May 31, 2020

Protestors gather at Christian County Justice Center to rally against police brutality and call on local residents to get involved to address racism.

Susan B. Anthony spoke in 1879 to a Hopkinsville audience that overwhelmingly did not support women’s suffrage

by Jennifer P. Brown
March 20, 2020

The South Kentuckian newspaper reported on Anthony's speech and stated local men "don't want the woman dabbling in politics ..."

Civil rights attorney Louis McHenry’s teenage daughter Gail was a delegate to the 1968 Democratic National Convention

by Jennifer P. Brown
February 28, 2020

Gail McHenry was 19 years old when she served as the youngest delegate at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Ebony magazine carried a three-page story about her that fall.

Wendell Lynch, Hopkinsville’s new mayor, reflects on family history and the city’s future during oath ceremony

by Jennifer P. Brown
February 24, 2020

Hopkinsville native and retired bank president, Wendell Lynch was sworn in as Hopkinsville's first Black mayor on Feb. 23, 2021.

Philip C. Brooks Sr. built Hopkinsville’s only hospital for Black patients during segregation

by Jennifer P. Brown
February 20, 2020

Dr. Phillip C. Brooks Sr. was a graduate of Attucks High School. He built the hospital in his hometown during World War II.

Honoring the past and inspiring the future this Black History Month

by Constance Alexander
February 18, 2020

The rich cultural heritage of Calloway County’s African American communities gets scant attention from the community at large, so a booklet like the one marking the 50th reunion of Douglass High School is precious.