Hopkinsville Unveiled Mural Honoring bell hooks
A new mural at the local tourism office commemorates the late author on what would have been her 74th birthday.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in African-American
Officials have unveiled a mural honoring Gloria Jean Watkins, the celebrated author better known as bell hooks, in her hometown of Hopkinsville. The artwork was installed at the Hopkinsville-Christian County Convention and Visitors Bureau to coincide with her 74th birthday.
Why it matters
The mural celebrates the lasting cultural legacy of Watkins, who published over 40 books during her lifetime. Her work remains a significant influence in literary and academic circles.
The mural is located at 1730 East 9 Street. It features iconography including a Cardinal, the Trail of Tears logo, and portraits of Abraham Lincoln and Muhammad Ali.
The players
bell hooks
Born Gloria Jean Watkins, she was a renowned intellectual, feminist theorist, and author of over 40 books who was born in Hopkinsville.
Lacy Hale
She is an artist who was named the Appalachian Artist of the Year in 2021 and created the commissioned mural for the Kentucky 250 theme.
The details
Created by Appalachian Artist of the Year Lacy Hale, the mural was originally produced for the Kentucky 250 theme at the Kentucky State Fair. The project honors the life and contributions of the Hopkinsville-born author, who died in 2021.
Timeline
2021: Gloria Jean Watkins passed away.
2021: Lacy Hale was named Appalachian Artist of the Year.
September 25, 2026: The mural was unveiled on the 74th birthday of bell hooks.
Roadmap
The mural is part of a broader trend of utilizing public art to codify local cultural histories within state-wide commemorative frameworks. This positions Hopkinsville alongside other regional efforts to preserve the legacies of influential figures through the Kentucky 250 initiative.
Residents and visitors can view the installation during regular hours at the Hopkinsville-Christian County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The mural serves as a new cultural landmark for the community.
The takeaway
The mural honors the profound literary contributions of bell hooks while integrating local and state historical symbols into the urban landscape. It serves as an invitation for the public to reflect on the academic and cultural impact of the late author.
Further reading
Discover more cultural history in the African-American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Whopam.
