Kentucky
‘Racism is alive and well’: 4 takeaways from a discussion on civil rights in Kentucky
Kentucky has come a long way since 10,000 people marched to the state capitol in 1964, demanding an end to segregation at businesses statewide. But 60 years later, the struggle against racism is still alive and well.
That was the theme that emerged during a panel discussion Thursday, where several people involved in the historic March on Frankfort reflected on the event and what it means to keep fighting discrimination in 2024.
The discussion was part of the Frazier History Museum’s Bridging the Divide Series, in partnership with the Courier Journal and Louisville’s Office of Equity.
Below are a few highlights from the conversation − available to watch in full on the CJ’s YouTube page.
March on Frankfort had a rippling effect
The March on Frankfort − led by Martin Luther King Jr. and retired baseball player Jackie Robinson − was organized as a call to action for state lawmakers who were debating two civil rights bills proposed in the house and senate.
The bills would have made it illegal for businesses and other public accommodations to discriminate against Black people. And while neither won approval in 1964, the march set the stage for the passage of the Kentucky Civil Rights Act in 1966.
The passage made Kentucky the first southern state to institute such a bill, and it also gave teeth to the state’s commission on human rights, which until that point did not have legal authority to rule on complaints of discrimination, said John J. Johnson, who served as executive director of the commission for 13 years.
Today, the commission investigates discrimination complaints for all protected classes, including age, sex, religion and disability.
“All of that would have never been in place had it not been for the march in 1964,” Johnson said.
No national figure has replaced Martin Luther King Jr.
In 1964, King was the drawing power for thousands of Kentuckians who wanted to hear the acclaimed activist speak. But 60 years later, no one person wields the same influence in the ongoing fight for racial justice, several panelists said.
“There is no one to compare with Martin Luther King, who could galvanize the whole civil rights movement around him,” said Raoul Cunningham, president of the Louisville Branch NAACP.
Johnson said many individuals and groups continue to work to improve the lives of Black people, however. And the question now is “are we supporting them?”
“We can talk about how Martin King is not with us, but what stops me from doing what I can, doing my part?” he said.
Kentucky, U.S. are in a time of ‘reaction’
Throughout history, every positive step toward reducing racial inequalities has been followed by a negative reaction, said Sen. Gerald Neal, a member of the Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus.
And following the racial justice protests of 2020, the U.S. and Kentucky are now “in a period of reaction.”
“A sophisticated reaction. A targeted and intentional reaction,” Neal said, referencing several proposed state bills filed by Republican lawmakers that could have harmful repercussions for Black residents.
“You’ll find interaction between the same players on these bills,” he said. “It’s very intentional. And what’s happening toward Louisville is part of that. … Racism is alive and well.”
Education is important to overcome discrimination
Chaka Cummings, executive director of the Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky, said more discussions like Thursday’s panel are needed to honor Black heritage and to show people that anyone can help make a change.
“There’s a lot of Black legacy in this state, and that doesn’t always get explored in classrooms the way that it should be explored,” he said.
Lamont Collins, founder of the Roots 101 African American Museum, added that Black history is American history, and “it should not be taught 28 days a year.”
“What would it mean for a young Black boy to hear that he’s the descendent of kings and queens, that his history forged philosophy, mathematics, science,” Collins said. “Would he not walk different? Would he not talk different? That’s why history is so important.”
Reach reporter Bailey Loosemore at bloosemore@courier-journal.com, 502-582-4646 or on Twitter @bloosemore.
The Kentucky Wildcats are back in action Friday to face the Jackson State Tigers in the second game of the BBN Invitational.
To put it simply, Jackson State is bad, very bad. Sitting at 0-5 and ranked 321st in KenPom, the Tigers will likely be the worst opponent Kentucky will play all season.
Coached by Mo Williams, one of LeBron James’ old teammates with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Tigers have only finished above .500 twice in the last decade. This season, Jackson State is predicted to finish fourth in the SWAC.
Mark Pope recently said he wanted to build a standard, regardless of opponent and, and that will be tested on Friday.
Let’s take a look at the matchup.
More 3-Point Attempts
Admittedly nitpicking, one of the things that Mark Pope was not happy with in Kentucky’s win over Lipscomb was the amount of three-point attempts. While they shot nearly 50 percent from deep, going 12-25, Pope wants to see the number of attempts closer to 35.
The Tigers have allowed their opponents to shoot 47.8 percent from deep, the second-worst mark in the country. Pope and the staff will certainly generate a game plan to take advantage of this. Expect to see 30+ attempts.
Ball Movement
Despite beating Lipscomb by 29 points, the Wildcats had a season-low in assists with just ten. For context, Kentucky had averaged more than 23 assists per game entering the matchup.
“That’s not us. That’s not who we are,” Pope said after the game.
While there wasn’t a lot of selfishness, the ball just wasn’t ‘flying’ as it has been early this season. This is a priority for the staff and this mature group, and they will aim for 25+ assists.
Keep JSU off Free-Throw Line
Jackson State ranks in the top 100 nationally in one area: Free throws made per game. So, Kentucky, defend without fouling.
Kentucky’s offense makes headlines, but the defense has played very well to start the season, holding all four opponents to under 73 points. Let’s see if they can get down in a stance and defend well for 40 minutes vs. a team that stresses contact and drawing fouls.
Opposing Players to Watch
C Shannon Grant 6-11, 290 lbs
- 7.5 PPG
- 4.8
- Preseason All-SWAC First Team selection
G Jayme Mitchell Jr 6-5, 190 lbs
- 15.0 PPG
- 3.8 RPG
- 44.4% 3P
F Romelle Mansel 6-9, 220 lbs
- 10.8 PPG
- 5.8 RPG
- 31.7% FG (second most FG attempts on the team)
Time: 7 PM ET on November 22nd
Location: Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY
TV Channel: This game will not be on TV and is streaming only,
Online Stream: SEC Network+, ESPN+, and the ESPN app.
Radio: Tom Leach and Jack Givens have the radio call on the UK Sports Radio Network.
Replay: WatchESPN and SEC Network (check local listings).
Rosters: UK | JSU
Stats to Know: UK | JSU
KenPom: UK | JSU
Team Sheet: UK | JSU
Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook has yet to release the odds for the game, so check Thursday afternoon for an official spread. Multiple projections give Kentucky a 99% chance of winning: Bart Torvik (99%), EvanMiya (99.9%), and ESPN (99.0%). The exception is KenPom (92%).
Predictions: KenPom (93-63), Haslametrics (96-63), Bart Torvik (95-61), and EvanMiya (96-59) all are going with a 30+ point victory, Kentucky!
Be sure to send us your Kentucky vs. Jackson State score predictions! And Go CATS!!
The Kentucky Wildcats are now getting prepared for one of their hardest games on the schedule as they travel to Austin for a date with the Texas Longhorns.
This disappointing season has also been riddled with injuries across the board for the Cats. Whether it has been offense or defense, Mark Stoops’ squad has not been close to full strength, really, one time this season.
That will be the case again in Austin, as the first injury report of the week has been released.
With D’Eryk Jackson and Gerald Mincey out alongside DJ Waller, it’s Courtland Ford and Kahlil Saunders who carry questionable designations as of Wednesday.
For some good news, however, JJ Weaver seems likely to play, as he is listed as probable.
In addition, Deone Walker, Barion Brown, and Jamon Dumas-Johnson are no longer on the injury report, so they’re set to return this week.
Going to be an interesting afternoon in Austin. Let’s see if any more names pop up on this report as the week continues.
NC State football vs Georgia Tech score: Live updates, highlights from ACC game
Lawsuit challenges Hawaii’s gun ownership ban for young adults
Obituary for Alton Herman Erickson at Eckersell Funeral Home
Numerous Big Lots stores appear to shift course on closing, including Illinois and Indiana locations: report
Recap: Stanford WBB falls to Indiana on the road
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Ted Cruz urges White House to halt $1.25B in 'digital equity' funds
UK imposes sanctions on Isabel dos Santos, Ukrainian oligarch Firtash
This year's FAFSA is officially open. Early review says it's 'a piece of cake'
Read the Verdict in the Civil Case Against Amber Guyger
Democrat Tammy Baldwin details recipe for running in a swing state after victory in Trump-won Wisconsin
-
Business1 week ago
Column: OpenAI just scored a huge victory in a copyright case … or did it?
-
Health1 week agoBird flu leaves teen in critical condition after country's first reported case
-
Business5 days agoColumn: Molly White's message for journalists going freelance — be ready for the pitfalls
-
World1 week agoSarah Palin, NY Times Have Explored Settlement, as Judge Sets Defamation Retrial
-
Politics4 days agoTrump taps FCC member Brendan Carr to lead agency: 'Warrior for Free Speech'
-
Science2 days agoTrump nominates Dr. Oz to head Medicare and Medicaid and help take on 'illness industrial complex'
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25739950/247386_Elon_Musk_Open_AI_CVirginia.jpg "Inside Elon Musk’s messy breakup with OpenAI")
Technology3 days agoInside Elon Musk’s messy breakup with OpenAI
-
Lifestyle4 days agoSome in the U.S. farm industry are alarmed by Trump's embrace of RFK Jr. and tariffs
