Monday morning, the community gathered at HCC to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision for justice and equality. In Hopkinsville, that message was front and center during a program hosted by the Hopkinsville–Christian County Human Rights Commission.
Human Rights Commission Executive Director Raychel Farmer said that honoring Dr. King requires more than reflection.
Farmer reminded attendees that Dr. King’s work remains unfinished, and that responsibility now falls on today’s communities.
click to download audioThe celebration’s keynote address came from Mount Olive Baptist Church Pastor Reverend Joe Leavell, who spoke about Dr. King’s calling, justice, and the lived experience of Black Americans in the United States.
click to download audioLeavell explained that Dr. King never defined himself simply as an activist.
click to download audioLeavell challenged the audience to think about justice not as an idea, but as a responsibility.
click to download audioHe also spoke about systemic inequality, using the image of America as a melting pot.
click to download audioLeavell tied Dr. King’s message to present-day disparities and called for action through connection, not division.
click to download audioFollowing the program, Farmer said the community response showed strong support, even without the march.
Community members echoed that sentiment, including attendee Markeeta Wilkerson.
