Not far from the famous Round Table on campus, three young men of Christian County were knighted by Hopkinsville Community College President & CEO Dr. Alissa Young Thursday afternoon — charged with protecting the bronze bell hooks statue for life.
The honor stems from the efforts of Ayden Brison, Blake Burrius and Demarein Gill back on September 25, 2022, when the trio stayed close by Round Table Park.
It’s on this particular warm afternoon that HCC officials were planning and preparing for hooks’ 70th posthumous birthday party — which culminated in the statue’s reveal.
From there, Dr. Young tells the story of “inquisitive gentlemen,” curious why the hooks’ statue was being shrouded from the public.
Brison, Burrius and Gill got a sneak peek of the work, and after hearing about hooks’ history from HCC educators, declared they would watch over the statue and park until people rolled over from the luncheon.
Kind as it was to offer, they understandably could’ve gone on home. But instead, Dr. Young said they kept their word.
All three were given certificates, a small token of appreciation and facsimile toy spears from the Marvel film “Wakanda Forever.”
And Dr. Young heaped praise.
Gill said after his family moved here, he became really good friends with Brison and Burrius. They picked Round Table Park as a safe place to be themselves.
He said they’ve already been on the job of protecting the statue, and will continue to frequently patrol the small grove.
Burrius remembers that particular Sunday afternoon well.
He plans on guarding the park for life.
Brison had a message for anyone hoping to be like he and his two friends.
And while Burrius and Brison thanked each other for friendship, it was Gill who stole the show.
Among those in attendance were several HCC dignitaries and faculty, as well as Judge Andrew Self and his wife — personally thanking the young men for their efforts.
FULL PRESENTATION:
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