RETIRED AIR FORCE COL. PAM STEVENSON, who is the minority floor leader of the Kentucky House Democratic caucus and a candidate in the 2026 U.S. Senate race, gave the keynote address to a large crowd at the NAACP Banquet Gala on Saturday, Oct. 11. (Photo by Lynn Pruett)
THE WOODFORD COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE NAACP held its 2nd annual Banquet Gala on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Kentucky Community & Technical College System campus in Versailles. Pictured at the event, from left, Woodford County Judge-Executive James Kay, chapter President Reverend William Saunders, keynote speaker retired Air Force Col. and Kentucky State Rep. Pam Stevenson, Fayette County District Judge Melissa Murphy, Woodford County Magistrate Larry Blackford and Versailles Mayor Laura Dake. (Photo by Lynn Pruett)
Keynote speaker Col. Pamela Stevenson gave a thoughtful, emphatic and clear message at the 2nd Annual Woodford County National Association of Colored Peoples (NAACP) Banquet and Gala, Oct. 11, at the Kentucky Community and Technical College ballroom, which was well-attended by members of the Woodford County community.
“What we are experiencing today from our government is not normal,” she said.
As a military attorney and Air Force colonel, Stevenson served her country around the world, negotiated hostage crises, prosecuted child sex criminals and violent crimes.
Stevenson, a Democrat from Louisville, is the current minority floor leader in the Kentucky House of Representatives, serving her third term. She is a candidate for the United States Senate in the 2026 election cycle. She’s a wife, mother and a minister in her family church.
County Judge-Executive James Kay kicked off the evening with a dynamic speech about the history of successful Black activists and a charge to carry on this necessary work for justice for all.
NAACP Co-Chair Reverend William Saunders described the four NAACP scholarships given out annually to high school seniors.
Fayette County District Court Judge Melissa Murphy gave the opening prayer, then led the audience in the Black National Anthem.
Reverend Floyd Green of the historic Versailles Baptist Church introduced Paula Alexander-Delpech, dean of Student Success at Frontier Nursing University, who described the collaboration between the university and the NAACP, and set up Stevenson’s argument that healthcare is a right.
Reverend William D. Clark blessed the food, a sumptuous meal catered by Jakeeta Sydney.
The City of Versailles was a gold sponsor. Mayor Laura Dake and councilmembers Mary Bradley, Lisa Johnson, Chantel Bingham, Ann Miller, Fred Siegelman and Gary Jones attended, as did candidates for US House 6th District, Erin Petrey and Cherlynn Stevenson.
After the meal, Woodford County Magistrate Larry Blackford introduced Stevenson. When she spoke, the energy rose.
Her message, in summary, was that power concedes nothing. We must accept reality. We built this country. Now is the time to fight for it. You must stand for something. You cannot do nothing. There is something in you that the world needs today. Who wants to move forward? Who wants to make sure America is still here for your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren? Who are you standing for? Who is going to save you? Waiting for this all to pass is a mistake. We must make sure the America we say we are continues to exist.
Reverend Saunders offered closing remarks, noting the crucial contributions Co-Chair Brenda Richards made. Reverend William D. Clark gave the benediction.