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Bonnie Johnson
July 07, 2026
Media ArticleEdwin W. Chavous, coordinator of Kentucky State University's Third Thursday Thing Workshop, has been honored with the Community Builders Award by the Frankfort/Franklin County NAACP.
The recognition was presented during the organization's Annual Freedom Fund Celebration on June 26, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Frankfort.
The celebration, held under the theme "Fierce Urgency of Now," recognized individuals making meaningful contributions to their communities through leadership, education, and public service.
NAACP President Ramona Griffin presented the award to Chavous in appreciation of his continued commitment to community engagement and educational outreach.
Since taking over leadership of the Third Thursday Thing program in 2024, Chavous has expanded the long-running agricultural education initiative while building on its strong foundation.
Established in 1997 with support from the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, the workshop was founded by Dr. Marion F. Simon, followed by Dr. Jessie Lay before Chavous assumed the coordinator role.
Now in its 29th year, the program continues to provide monthly workshops focused on sustainable agriculture and research-based production practices.
Hosted at Kentucky State University's Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, the sessions combine classroom instruction with hands-on field demonstrations for producers, Extension professionals, agency staff, and agricultural leaders from Kentucky and neighboring states.
Under Chavous' leadership, the educational program has expanded through the addition of the Fourth Wednesday Beef Cattle Program and efforts to introduce workshops at more locations across Kentucky, making training opportunities accessible to a wider audience.
The initiative also supports the professional development of Kentucky State Cooperative Extension agents.
Program coordinators Joni Nelson and Savanna Miller continue to assist with organizing educational activities.
Over nearly three decades, Third Thursday Thing has remained a valuable resource, covering topics such as crop production, livestock management, soil health, conservation, pest management, marketing, value-added agriculture, beginning farmer education, and emerging agricultural technologies while encouraging collaboration throughout the agricultural community.
Photo by: kysu.edu
