In 1965, a group of women with a passion for serving their community created the Hopkinsville Modernette Civic Club, and on Saturday at Bruce Convention Center, members of the organization celebrated the club’s 60th anniversary.
The club is a historically Black organization that provides academic scholarships for local students and supports nonprofits. The organization was originally a social bridge club before it transformed into a civic club.
To start the anniversary celebration, Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight congratulated the club for reaching this milestone. For six decades, Knight says the Modernettes have been a force of good giving time and resources to benefit the community and the next generation.
Knight then presented a certification of commendation to the members of the club for their outstanding service to the community.
While celebrating the anniversary, the clubs’ founders were spotlighted. The club had thirteen founding members, and two of them, Billie Todd and Martha Franklin, are still members. Their fellow members surprised them with plaques thanking them for 60 years of service. Todd and Franklin are the co-founders of the club, and Todd is the clubs’ current president.
Todd says 60 years is a long time, but year after year, the club’s impact on the community continues to grow, and she’s excited for what the future will bring.
When the club formed, Todd says none of the members had any idea how long it would last, but she is thankful to have reached this milestone while supporting the community.
After being presented with the plaque, Franklin says finding ways to help other people has always been on her mind, and she enjoys giving back to her community.
More information about the club and its upcoming events is available on Facebook at The Modernette Civic Club Inc. of Hopkinsville, KY.
