Annual Unity Breakfast Honors Local Heroes And Inspires Change

**Tishauna Douglas is the winner of this year’s Hal and Bettye Thurman Award**

The 49th annual Unity Breakfast hosted by the Hopkinsville Human Rights Commission was held Thursday morning.

Tishauna Douglas was presented with the prestigious Hal and Bettye Thurman Award during the event, where four awards were given to residents who have made significant contributions to the community.

Human Rights Commission’s Ishani Shah said that Douglas devotes her time to several area and national organizations.

Douglas, a single mother to three sons from three different fathers, stated that statistically speaking, she shouldn’t be where she is.

Douglas added everything that she’s a part of revolves around her God-given purpose.

She wrapped up her speech with a five-word charge to everyone in attendance.

HRC City of Compassion Committee member Joyce Brooks presented this year’s volunteer award to Mindy Hargrove.

HRC’s Crystal Ferreira presented the Standard Award of Excellence to former Hopkinsville Community College Sociology professor Dr. Kevin Felton.

Dr. Felton taught over 20,000 students during his tenure at the college from 1977 to 2019.

Finally, the Mayor’s Unity Award, presented by Mayor James R. Knight, Jr., was given to retired Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation Superintendent Tab Brockman.

This year’s theme – “unarmed truth and unconditional love.” The breakfast featured a short panel discussion hosted by Hoptown Chronicle’s Jennifer Brown – where UHA Junior Edie Adams, HHS Senior Kylie Batts, CCHS Freshman Stephan Lovan, Jr., and HCA Junior Anabelle Nicholson each shared their insights.

Brown asked each of them what this year’s theme meant to them and where someone can experience unconditional love in the community. Additionally, they were asked what community organizations can do to involve more youth.