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  • Karl Williams of Mt. Vernon is one of the people selected by the Jefferson County African American Heritage Committee to celebrate their outstanding work for the community during Black History Month. Williams has worked for Walgreens for 39 years, 20 of those in Mt. Vernon. RORYE O’CONNOR/REGISTER-NEWS

    WILLIAMS
February 9, 2012

JCAAHC highlights citizens

RORYE O’CONNOR/REGISTER-NEWS CNHI

MT. VERNON — Karl Williams, the inbound manager at Walgreen’s Distribution, has worked there for 39 years, 20 of which has been in the King City.

Debbie Kendrick-Hopgood followed in her grandmother’s and father’s footsteps as the head of Kendrick Paper Stock Company, and has worked there since 1980.

The Jefferson County African American Heritage Committee selected the two Mt. Vernon residents during a roundtable discussion to be highlighted as model citizens during Black History Month, said the Rev. Cleo Holt, JCAAHC board member.

Williams and Kendrick-Hopgood are “individuals you don’t always hear about in the community,” Holt explained.

“This is the first time we’ve identified people in the community during Black History Month,” Holt said. “Part of our intent is to keep the history alive in Jefferson County in relation to African Americans. If we don’t keep a record, we can’t pass it on to our grandchildren and things of that nature.”

Holt said the pair are some of the people who remain “behind the scenes,” but are making a positive impact on the Mt. Vernon community.

Kendrick-Hopgood has worked for Kendrick Paper for about 32 years, she said.

“My grandmother started the business in her garage in the 40s, and my dad took over in 1956,” she said. “I came on board in 1980.”

The company is a fleet of tractor trailers covering the Midwest, which develops recycling programs and performs waste audits, among other services.

Kendrick-Hopgood said she thought the idea of recognizing outstanding African Americans during Black History Month was nice.

“I’m flattered and honored that they would view me in that light,” she said.

Williams said he was pleased to be recognized by the JCAAHC.

“I was honored and humbled when I heard the news,” he said. “Cleo and I talked and he though I was a good example for some of the African American community in these days and times.”

Williams, a Memphis, Tenn., native, moved to Mt. Vernon with the construction of the Walgreens Distribution center.

He said he also enjoys playing golf and serving as a member of his church, Blackwell Temple AME Zion.

“I’m not the type that seeks any limelight,” he said. “I like to stay under the radar, but it’s nice to be thought of in that way.”

 

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