Kentucky

‘Racism is alive and well’: 4 takeaways from a discussion on civil rights in Kentucky

Published

1 year ago

February 23, 2024

‘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.

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Kentucky

Starting Lineups for West Virginia vs. Kentucky

Published

9 hours ago

June 1, 2025

Press Room

The West Virginia Mountaineers (43-14) will take on the Kentucky Wildcats (31-25) Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. EST with the action streaming on ESPN+.

WEST VIRGINIA

1. Skylar King (.303)

2. C Logan Sauve (.287)

3. LF Kyle West (.347)

4. RF Jace Rinehart (.317)

5. DH Sam White (.358)

6. 2B Gavin Kelly (.297)

7. 1B Benjamin Lumsden (.125)

8. SS Brodie Kresser (.288)

9. 3B Armani Guzman (.312)

P Robby Porco (3.60 ERA)

KENTUCKY

1. 2B Luke Lawrence (.304)

2. LF Cole Hage (.320)

3. SS Tyler Bell (.303)

4. 1B Carson Hansen (.266)

5. 3B Patick Herrera (.287)

6. RF Ryan Schwartz (.327)

7. DH Hudson Brown (.255)

8. C Devin Burkes (.216)

9. P Scott Rouse (5.57 ERA)

WVU GAME NOTES

– The Mountaineers are the No. 2 seed in the regional and are joined by host and No. 11 overall seed Clemson, No. 3 Kentucky, and No. 4 USC Upstate. It is the only regional this season to feature multiple teams that made Super Regionals in 2024 (Clemson, WVU, Kentucky).

– Logan Sauve and Griffin Kirn were named All-Big 12 First Team while Kyle West and Jack Kartsonas earned spots on the second team. Gavin Kelly was named to the All-Freshman Team while four others – Jace Rinehart, Sam White, Chase Meyer, and Reese Bassinger – were honorable mention.

– The Mountaineers won their first 13 games of the season, the fourth-best start in program history.

– Steve Sabins is in his first season at the helm in Morgantown. He has spent the previous nine seasons on staff with the Mountaineers, including the past three as Associate Head Coach.

– In the Big 12 Preseason Poll, the Mountaineers were picked fourth, the highest predicted finish since joining the league.

– West Virginia has finished with a .500-or-better record in 11 of 12 seasons in the Big 12.

– The Mountaineers’ 56-game schedule features 14 meetings with teams that reached the 2024 NCAA

Tournament.

– 2025 will be the 11th season the Mountaineers play at Wagener Field at Kendrick Family Ballpark. The field was named after Rick and Jay Wagener on Aug. 30, 2021, following a major gift donation to the program. Rick Wagener was a standout pitcher at WVU from 1968-71. The ballpark was renamed after alum and principal owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ken Kendrick and his family, in 2024.

– WVU is set to play 25 home games this spring. The squad has had a winning record at the facility for eight straight years and is coming off a season in which it went 17-6 in games played in Morgantown.

– The Mountaineers are coming off a historic season in 2024, advancing to the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time in program history. WVU swept through the Tucson regional as the three seed before falling in two tight games at North Carolina.

Kentucky

Key organizations to celebrate state's 233rd birthday on Kentucky History Day June 7 in Frankfort – NKyTribune

Published

1 day ago

June 1, 2025

Press Room

Key organizations to celebrate state's 233rd birthday on Kentucky History Day June 7 in Frankfort – NKyTribune

Staff report

The Kentucky Historical Society and others will celebrate Kentucky’s 233rd birthday on Kentucky History Day, sponsored by WesBanco, June 7 in Frankfort.

The events are free and open to the public. The day starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m., and it’s a day packed with vibrant festivities that showcase the best of what makes Kentucky extraordinary.

Dive into the rich tapestry of Kentucky’s culture through a variety of activities that highlight the state’s tourism, arts, heritage, and history.

Experience the heart and soul of Kentucky with captivating living history demonstrations, engaging performances, and interactive exhibits that will transport attendees through time. This is more than just a celebration — it’s a sensory exploration of the state’s unique identity.

Mark your calendar and prepare for a fun-filled schedule of events featuring the Department of Parks, Kentucky Heritage Council, Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Arts Council, Kentucky Humanities Council, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s KY Proud Program, Kentucky Artisan Center, and so much more.

Don’t miss out on this vibrant celebration of Kentucky’s legacy and future. Interested in volunteering for this event? Click here.

Preliminary Schedule of Events:

Old State Capitol Lawn
• 10 am-5 pm – Demonstrations, Kids’ Activities, Interpreters, and Booths

Celebrating Kentucky’s History, Tourism, Arts, and Heritage
• 10-11 am – Native American Performance
• 11:00 am-noon – Dulcimer Performance (Louisville Dulcimer Society)
• 12:30-2 pm – West African Drums (Aseye)
• 2-2:30 pm – Fife and Drum Performance (SAR)
• 2:45-3:45 pm – 19th Century Brass Band (Saxton’s Cornet Band)
• 4-5 pm – Latin Bluegrass Band (YAPA)

Old State Capitol
• 10 am-5 pm – Self-guided Tours
• 11:30 am-12:30 pm – Henry Clay Drama
• 12:30-1:30 pm – Bluegrass Instrument Petting Zoo
• 2-3 pm – Historic Folk Dance Lesson

KY History Center & Cralle-Day Garden Museum
• 10 am-5 pm – Self-guided Tours
• 11 am-2 pm – Color the Collection
• 2-4 pm – Write with a Quill

Brown-Forman Room
• 9-11 am – Kentucky History Awards Breakfast
• 2:30-3:30 pm – Kentucky History Trivia

Cralle-Day Garden
• 11 am-5 pm – Tintype Photos with River City Tinyype (registration opens May 7)
• 11:30 am-2 pm – 17th Century Scottish Ballads
• 11:30 am-2 pm – Kentucky State Parks Burgoo & BBQ

Kentucky Military History Museum

• 11:30 am-12:30 pm – Rifle and Cannon Firing Demonstration

Historic Downtown Frankfort
• 10 am-5 pm – Frankfort Heritage Organizations, photo opportunities, military vehicles, food vendors, and more on Broadway Street.

Title Sponsor is WesBanco and other sponsors include Solid Light, Inc., Expree Credit Union, Republic Bank & Trust Co., Russell Capital Management Clean Gas, Inc., The State Journal, and Whitehead-Hancock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

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Kentucky

How Ole Miss baseball’s pitching options will factor in elimination game vs Western Kentucky

Published

2 days ago

May 31, 2025

Press Room

How Ole Miss baseball’s pitching options will factor in elimination game vs Western Kentucky

OXFORD — The Rebels need to borrow the blueprint that Murray State used to beat them if they want a chance to stay alive.

Regional No. 1 Ole Miss baseball lost 9-6 to No. 4 Murray State on May 30. The loss puts the Rebels, the host team after earning the No. 10 national seed entering the NCAA tournament, in an early hole. They will face Western Kentucky, another 40-win team staring elimination in the face, on May 31 (1 p.m. CT).

Murray State’s upset, which sent a shockwave through the Oxford Regional, was derived in large part from Nic Schutte’s workhorse, 119-pitch performance. The Rebels (40-20) may need something similar against WKU (46-13).

“When their starter throws 120 pitches, it’s usually not good for you,” Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco said.

Ole Miss will benefit greatly from its starter against Western Kentucky — probably ace Hunter Elliott, or he risks not throwing in the Oxford Regional — going deep into the game. The Rebels used much of their top bullpen talent in the loss against Murray State. Starter Riley Maddox was pulled after three innings. Mason Morris threw 54 pitches. Gunnar Dennis threw 14. Will McCausland threw 33. Connor Spencer, the closer, threw 11.

How does Bianco feel about his bullpen the rest of the way with his top options, especially Morris and McCausland, depleted?

“I don’t know,” Bianco said. “We’ve got a lot more pieces left, but when you have to get into the losers bracket, there’s going to be other guys that have to step up and pitch well. It starts with tomorrow. You’ve got to get through the game.”

Second baseman Judd Utermark reiterated the Rebels’ “Shower well” motto after the loss. It means players must have a short-term memory.

“It’s obviously frustrating, it being postseason,” Utermark said. “This is my first regional game. I had high hopes for us today. Ultimately we can’t control anything about this game anymore. We just have to put it past us.”

Western Kentucky has a strong offense. The Hilltoppers ended Conference USA play with the best team batting average (.318) and hits (542) in the league. Bianco said the key to Ole Miss overcoming its early stumble will be by taking one game at a time, starting with WKU.

“Somebody does it every year,” Bianco said. “Somebody loses Game 1 and makes it through. I like this club and I know we’ll stick together. I think you’ve got to be careful of trying to look to the finish line and look to the next step. The next step is tomorrow.”

Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_

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