Russellville’s 8th of August celebration kicks off with opening ceremony

RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. – An emancipation celebration is underway in Russellville, and 38 years in, they’re proving one thing: “They not like us.”

“This 8th of August celebration is more than a date, moderator. It’s a testimonial. It’s not just history, it’s identity… and as we gather to rejoice and rekindle the fire of purpose, I’ll bring to you this word: They not like us,” Pastor Michael Lockhart from Elevated Baptist Church in Franklin said during an opening ceremony.

The celebration kicked off Wednesday with that ceremony of worship, food for thought and rejoicing as the next few days turn into a joyous occasion.

“It’s really a great opportunity for this community to come together, and this is a big part of our city. It’s a big part of our county. At the end of the day, we’re all God’s children, but sometimes we don’t act like it… but this is good to bring us all together. There’s a lot of good activities going on. Most of all, I believe there’s a lot of good fellowship. God works in a lot of ways, and it don’t necessarily have to be talking,” Mayor Mark Stratton says.

The mayor is excited to take part in the ceremony each year, and has one way to describe it: an honor.

“I use that word a lot, but this is truly… it’s an honor to be asked to come here to speak or to greet or whatever it is. It is truly an honor… and I think it just shows the support of this whole city that loves God and fears God,” he says.

The celebration continues into the weekend.