LOUISVILLE (July 29, 2020) – Two members of the Fischer administration – Kendall Boyd, Chief Equity Officer, and T Gonzales, director of the Center for Health Equity – spoke today before the Metro Council’s Community Affairs, Health and Education committee to recommend the Council and Mayor’s office jointly declare racism as a public health crisis in the city.
“Identifying and working to eliminate structural racism has been a priority for me and my team for over a decade, but there’s much more to be done,” Mayor Greg Fischer said of the recommendation. “Now, as we see people in our streets and in streets across the nation demanding fundamental change, we must have a new sense of urgency to make this declaration and do the hard work of dismantling racism and creating real transformation. I look forward to partnering with Council on this work.”
“The time has come for a community-wide discussion about how we could correct racism as a public health problem. All of us have come in contact with some form of discrimination in our lives. For many people, it causes stress and worry as you try to work, raise a family or just try to get a head in life,” said Shanklin. “If not addressed it can cause many different health issues. We should talk about how to get this out into the open and educate everyone about the physical and mental drawbacks of racism and discrimination in order to treat people fairly and with respect. When we do, we will be on the road to a healthier community.”
The Metro officials noted that Louisville’s declaration could come as a Metro Council resolution, ordinance, or via an Executive Order by the Mayor. Ideally, they said, the Council and Mayor would partner on the declaration and in acting on resolutions and ordinances that improve health in communities of color, and support local, state, regional, and federal anti-racism initiatives and other efforts to advance efforts to dismantle systemic racism.
Boyd noted that several other cities in the country have already declared racism as a public health crisis, including Columbus, Ohio, as well as Indianapolis, Memphis, Tennessee, and Kansas City, Missouri.
“Racism is bad for everyone’s health,” Gonzales said. “We need significant and quick action to make sure everyone in Louisville has what they need to thrive.” Councilwoman Dorsey said Council staff has been gathering information on best practices in other states, focused on the idea that a declaration of any kind must come with resources to address “this health crisis like we would any other health crisis.” Boyd said after the meeting that the administration’s next step would be to draft a resolution declaring “Racism as a Public Health Crisis” for Council consideration.
Mayor Greg Fischer today updated the community on changes he’s pursuing on police reform, including contacting the Kentucky State Police (KSP) to conduct the investigation in LMPD officer-involved shootings where a person is killed or injured.
In his remarks, the Mayor also addressed questions that residents have raised about the Breonna Taylor case, as well as “how we got here, and where do we go from here.” The Mayor described this as a challenging “and, in many ways, painful time for our city and our country,” as we simultaneously deal with the COVID-19 health crisis, an economic downturn, and calls for racial justice.
The Mayor acknowledged the frustration that people feel about the slow pace of justice in the Breonna Taylor case, noting that LMPD has turned over its Public Integrity Unit file to Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s office and complied with all requests for additional information and material.
To watch the recording of Mayor Fischer's formal statement, click here.
The Mayor added that he’s aware that “there are people in our community who are upset at me, for decisions I’ve made or decisions they wish I’d make. I understand that and I hear you. What I ask of you now is to acknowledge that what we’re facing is a choice, and it’s not about Black vs white or protesters vs police. It’s about the past vs the future. One we can’t change, and one we can – if we work together.
In closing, the Mayor said, “This is a critical moment for our city as well as our country. Because of the national interest in justice for Breonna Taylor, America’s eyes are on Louisville. Let’s demonstrate what we already know – that in our city, we have the combination of civic pride, wisdom, courage and compassion to be that American city that takes itself from tragedy to transformation.”
Community survey on police chief search extended to July 17
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 2, 2020) — Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that the Chicago-based consulting firm Hillard Heintze, a Jensen Hughes company, will perform the comprehensive, top-to-bottom review of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) that he called for last month.
“It is clear we need to reimagine what policing looks like, and that includes taking deep, hard looks to see what’s working well, and what we can be doing better,” Mayor Fischer said. “Our next permanent police chief will be responsible for ensuring that LMPD’s policies, procedures and structure align with the goals and values of our entire city, and this review will be a vital tool in ensuring a complete understanding of the department’s strengths and weaknesses.”
To continue this reading or to access the survey, click here.
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To watch Louisville's PSA in English, click here.
To watch a PSA in Spanish, click here.
To watch a PSA in MAM, click here.
Click here for the latest updates, news and information on Louisville's Resource Center!
As Louisville’s COVID-19 case counts continue to increase, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and Dr. Sarah Moyer, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) and the city’s chief health strategist, called on residents to be diligent in working together to stop the spread of the virus.
“In many areas of the country where cities opened weeks before us, they’re seeing extreme spikes in cases,” said the Mayor. “Their hospitals are experiencing surges and nearing capacity, and they’re putting restrictions back in place. We don’t want that to happen in Louisville. But it’s up to all of us to prevent that.”
“Our businesses are working hard to keep employees and their guests safe by adhering to Kentucky Healthy at Work COVID-19 guidelines,” said Connie Mendel, assistant director, LMPHW. “But stopping the spread of the coronavirus also falls on patrons. When you visit your favorite restaurant or bar, please follow their rules and processes. Wear a mask until it’s time to eat or drink and If it’s crowded, avoid it, and go to your next favorite place.”
During today’s press briefing, Dr. Moyer noted that COVID-19 testing opportunities continue to increase with more people wanting to be tested, which may result in longer wait times for appointments for some. A complete list of testing locations can be found here.
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Sheltering in place is much easier and more comfortable when you have a safe place to do it. To help protect Louisville's homeless population during COVID-19, that meant finding out what the community needed most and then working with a variety of partners to make it happen.
To watch our community in action, click here.
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 The COVID-19 pandemic postponed the annual Summer Blessings food packaging event, which was scheduled to take place April 16 during Mayor Greg Fischer’s “Give A Day” week of service and is a partnership between Blessings in a Backpack, Texas Roadhouse, Louisville Parks and Recreation and the Louisville Parks Foundation.
The program was started in 2017 to ensure food insecure children were not negatively impacted during the summer, when school is out of session.
But COVID-19 set in, forcing the packing event to be cancelled. It may have prevented the physical gathering of volunteers, but the work continued, with a new desire to expand the program, based on the steep rise in food insecurity due to the pandemic.
Thanks to Texas Roadhouse, the Kentucky Restaurant Association, the Kroger Foundation, and the Louisville Parks Foundation, Summer Blessings was already prepared to supply 8,000 food packages this summer. Due to the anticipated increased need, the Louisville Parks Foundation applied for, and received, emergency grants from the Kentucky Colonels, Delta Dental, and the One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Louisville.
“So many in our community have risen to the occasion recently, and the expanded Summer Blessings Program is just another great example of the way Louisvillians look out for one another”, said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Thank you to Texas Roadhouse, the Louisville Parks Foundation, Blessings in a Backpack, and all the organizations who generously stepped up to support this program to feed our children during the summer months.”
“COVID-19 made this a challenge, but we have a lot to celebrate,” Brooke Pardue, CEO of the Louisville Parks Foundation, said. “We’ve been able to bring in additional partners who realize food insecurity in Louisville is at a critical stage this summer. I’m thrilled and inspired by the generosity of all of our partners, and extremely proud of how this program has grown.”
Currently, Louisville Parks and Recreation’s 13 community centers are closed due to the pandemic as the department awaits reopening guidance from state and local health officials, but the centers are staffed and will begin distributing the food packs immediately.
“We are working on a plan to reopen the centers, but in the meantime, parents and families are welcome to call ahead or even stop by their neighborhood community center Monday – Friday between 9am and 6pm to pick up food packs,” Johnson said. “We may not be open for programs and classes, but we do have staff on site to help.”
For international news, local resources and additional info on COVID-19 click here.
More than $42 million in federal CARES dollars will fund new programs
LOUISVILLE, KY (June 30, 2020) – Starting Wednesday, July 1, Louisville Metro Government will begin accepting and processing applications for both the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grants and Eviction Prevention COVID-19 Relief Fund. Funding for the two new programs comes from federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security) Act money, with each program receiving $21.2 million toward their mission.
Small business assistance
The Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grants program, administered by Louisville Forward, will provide up to $50,000 to small businesses with the goal of helping prevent business closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At least 50 percent of the program funds would be dedicated to businesses in in low-to-moderate income census tracts.
To find out more information and apply, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/small-business-covid-19-relief-grants
Eviction prevention
Eviction Prevention COVID-19 Relief Fund aims to aid low-to-moderate income households that are delinquent on rent payments as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will pay for up to three months of rent for households facing COVID-related delinquencies.
Individual households may begin applying for rental assistance through the Office of Resilience and Community Services immediately. To be eligible, households must earn at or below 60 percent of the area median income ($45,840 annually for a family of four) and have had their income impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To find out more information, check eligibility and to apply, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/develop-louisville/eviction-prevention.
One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund
Now there's an even easier option for applying for the One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund. Eligible households seeking assistance can apply online and submit required documentation via a secure portal.
Income eligible households, with a verifiable loss of income - directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic - and a demonstrated need, may be eligible to receive payment assistance up to $1,000 per household. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis until available funding is expended. Share a downloadable flyer by clicking here.
Applications for Summer Cooling Subsidy and Crisis Components accepted through Oct. 31, 2020
LOUISVILLE, KY (July 7, 2020) – Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services joins with Community Action Agencies across the state to begin accepting applications for the new Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Cooling Program. Designed to help offset the cost of higher electric bills due to rising temperatures, the program is the network’s latest resource to help families during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Applications will be accepted now through October 31, 2020, or until funds are depleted.
“Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) is proud to serve as part of the Community Action Kentucky network, and we’re so grateful this assistance is available to help our residents, said Tameka Laird, director of Louisville Metro RCS. “We want Louisvillians and all of our state’s residents to remain healthy, especially when dangerously high temperatures can make homes unsafe.”
Modified service delivery for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)All six LIHEAP offices remain closed for walk-in clients in an effort to help stem the spread of COVID-19. Residents can still apply for LIHEAP by utilizing secure drop boxes in front of seven locations.
Jefferson County residents wishing to apply must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online by clicking here.. The toll-free service is currently open and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Applicants will be assessed for both the Subsidy and Crisis programs and may receive benefits from both programs if eligible.
LIHEAP required documentation, along with the downloadable LIHEAP Family Profile form and the Remote Processing form, should be dropped off at the LIHEAP site you select, on the day of your appointment.
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A comprehensive history of the women’s suffrage movement in the United States, from 1776 to 1965.
Most suffrage histories begin in 1848, when Elizabeth Cady Stanton first publicly demanded the right to vote at the Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York. And they end in 1920, when Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, removing sexual barriers to the vote. And Yet They Persisted traces agitation for the vote over two centuries, from the revolutionary era to the civil rights era, excavating one of the greatest struggles for social change in this country and restoring African American women and other women of color to its telling.
In this sweeping history, author Johanna Neuman demonstrates that American women defeated the male patriarchy only after they convinced men that it was in their interests to share political power. Reintegrating the long struggle for the women’s suffrage into the metanarrative of U.S. history, Dr. Neuman sheds new light on such questions as:
Why it took so long to achieve equal voting rights for women?
How victories in state suffrage campaigns pressured Congress to act?
Why African American women had to fight again for their rights in 1965?
How the struggle by eight generations of female activists finally succeeded?
To get a copy of your own, follow the link here.
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Narrated by Julianna Margulies and Lorraine Toussaint, the series of 8-to-10 minute animated shorts will be released digitally weekly on Wednesdays starting March 4, 2020, Women’s History Month, to August 26, 2020, Women’s Equality Day.
Illuminating the stories of extraordinary American heroines from the early years of feminism, American Masters — Unladylike2020 is a multimedia series consisting of a one-hour special for broadcast and 26 digital short films featuring courageous, little-known and diverse female trailblazers from the turn of the 20th century.
These women achieved many firsts, including earning an international pilot’s license, becoming a bank president, founding a hospital, fighting for the desegregation of public spaces, exploring the Arctic, opening a film studio, and singing opera at Carnegie Hall.
Presenting history in a bold new way, American Masters — Unladylike2020, produced and directed by Charlotte Mangin, brings these incredible stories back to life through original artwork and animation, rare historical archival footage, and interviews with descendants, historians and accomplished modern women who reflect upon the influence of these pioneers. Click here to learn more!
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In 1912 London, a young working mother is galvanized into radical political activism supporting the right for women to vote, and is willing to meet violence with violence to achieve this end. The film screening is free and open to the public. Registration is required.
Tuesday, August 18, 2020 from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Doors open at 5:30pm. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Hosted by Muhammad Ali Center.
Be sure to register today at https://19291.blackbaudhosting.com/19291/Film---Suffragette
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The League joined the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights on a letter sent to the U.S. House of Representatives in favor of final passage of H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act.
Dear Representative:
On behalf of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of more than 200 national organizations committed to promoting and protecting the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States, and the 66 undersigned organizations, we write in strong support of H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act. We oppose any Motion to Recommit.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) is one of the most successful civil rights laws ever enacted. Congress passed the VRA in direct response to evidence of significant and pervasive discrimination across the country, including the use of literacy tests, poll taxes,
intimidation, threats, and violence. By outlawing the tests and devices that prevented people of color from voting, the VRA and its prophylactic preclearance formula put teeth into the 15th Amendment’s guarantee that no citizen can be denied the right to vote because of the
color of their skin.
To read this letter in full, click here.
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The year 2020 will mark the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment which gave women the right to vote and the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The Frazier History Museum, The League of Women Voters, and The Louisville Metro Office for Women will work with more than 100 community partner organizations to coordinate Louisville’s celebration of these two milestones in women’s quest for the vote.
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Celebrate the strategies and tactics of suffrage with a new interactive experience. She Resisted invites you to explore the final decade of the women’s suffrage movement through its most powerful images, brought to life with color for the first time.
In this new interactive, American Experience brings you an intimate look at the women who forever transformed the politics of social and political change in America. Sign up here for the PBS American Experience Newsletter and start receiving great content like today’s about women’s right to vote!
Women's Equality Day Save the Date
Women’s Equality Day Author Talk (VIRTUAL EVENT)
Carmichael’s Bookstore, 2720 Frankfort Avenue
Friday, August 21 at 8pm
Author Tina Cassidy will be interviewed by journalist Pam Platt. Cassidy writes about women and culture. She is the author of Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait? Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson and the Fight for the --Right to Vote, Birth: The Surprising History of How We Are Born; and Jackie After O: One Remarkable Year When Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Defied Expectations and Rediscovered Her Dreams. Books may be ordered at https://www.carmichaelsbookstore.com/book/9781501177774.
Women’s Equality Day (VIRTUAL EVENT)
Saturday, August 22, 9am – noon
SAVE THE DATE! Presented by the Louisville Metro Office for Women, the League of Women Voters Louisville, and the Frazier History Museum a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and includes presentations and inspiring speakers. Poet and artist Hannah Drake will present an original work, Tina Cassidy, author of “Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait? Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson and the Fight for the --Right to Vote” will offer the keynote address.
The Frazier History Museum’s exhibition “What is a Vote Worth?: Suffrage Then and Now” examines Kentucky’s unique role in the fight for suffrage and places Kentucky’s suffrage movements within the context of the national movement, while exploring the specifics of our state’s particular journey, its stars and its villains, its triumphs and defeats. The exhibition also explores what suffrage looks like today.
The exhibition is now on view through spring of 2021. For hours and more information visit, https://fraziermuseum.org/.
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Your opportunity to become a Frazier History Museum member at a discounted rate is quickly disappearing! Join today to receive $20 off any membership level. Click here to get started!
Use discount code NEW2020 at checkout. Hurry, this offer ends August 31, 2020!
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During this unprecedented time, we at the Frazier have shifted from our usual way of doing things and expanded our efforts to bring virtual content to you. Over the past four months, we have continued to be Where the World meets Kentucky through Virtual Frazier, delivering to over 30,000 people highlights from our collection, ‘history all around us’, and coronavirus capsule entries from members of our community. From families and teachers to school systems and nursing homes, we are humbled at the positive response we have received to Virtual Frazier and our continuing ability to spark curiosity from home.
While Virtual Frazier has kept you connected through the pandemic, the Frazier is officially open and invites you to join as a member to experience even more. From trekking the Lewis & Clark Experience and embracing The Spirit of Kentucky® to marveling at the KentuckyShow! and toasting with Master Distillers in our Masters Series programs, there is something for everyone to experience and enjoy at the Frazier! With our official reopening comes the opening of What is a Vote Worth? Suffrage Then and Now and The Van Winkle Family Collection.
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If you would like to further your Frazier experience, we invite you to become a part of the Frazier Family TODAY! When you join as a member, you are making an impact on the Museum by supporting our general operations and ensuring we continue to bring you the exhibits and experiences you have come to love and enjoy. Be the first to know – your membership allows you to experience more of what makes the history, culture, and people of Kentucky so special. As a member of the Frazier you directly impact our community by helping tell the stories of Kentucky and connecting them to our future.
Members at every level experience MORE at the Frazier – and more is on the horizon! Don’t miss out on exclusive member only hours the first Sunday of each month, member events, priority registration, and free or discounted tickets to events, free admission, and more!
With everything we have in store, we hope you will consider joining now!
Your membership is important to us, now more than ever.
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P.S. - If you prefer to join by mail, please download the mail-in form.
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The Museum is a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization as defined by the IRS, EIN #61-1378343. Your membership/donation may qualify as a taxable donation for federal income tax purposes.
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The opening of BallotBox, a contemporary art exhibit examining past and present voting rights and the intersection of the 19th Amendment, the Voting Rights Act and this big election year has been postponed. The exhibit will run through Dec. 4 at Louisville Metro Hall, 527 W. Jefferson St., Louisville.
The art is on display but the opening day events scheduled for March 12 have been postponed because of coronavirus. The reception will be rescheduled once the public health threat subsides.
Metro Hall is still closed to the public, but in addition to the virtual tour of the exhibition, BallotBox is on the Virtual Cultural Pass. The 2020 Virtual Cultural Pass offers families in Greater Louisville with children ages 0-21 access to participate in arts and cultural activities provided by nearly 50 venues, free of charge, from June 1 through August 8, 2020. The BallotBox Cultural Pass has questions from the artists in the exhibition that address voting rights, and are designed for ages 9 - 21 (and beyond!).
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The Muhammad Ali Center is now OPEN! This exhibit runs through the end of August at the center.
The Muhammad Ali Center is honored to announce the topic of their seventh annual “Shining a Light” International Photography Contest and subsequent documentary-style exhibition, to celebrate the anniversary of the ratification of the United States’ 19th constitutional amendment. This exhibit, Women’s Fight for the Right, will commemorate the centennial anniversary by honoring the women around the world who have fought and continue to fight for the right to vote without bias, without violence, and without fear. The exhibit will focus on women’s suffrage on a global scale, explore the narrative of suffrage, and reflect on women who have fought, throughout history and all over the world, for the right to use their voices.
https://alicenter.org/temporary-exhibitions/
During this period, all Educational and Public Programming has been suspended. For Education and Programming inquiries, please contact Education@alicenter.org or call 502-992-5341. To reschedule or cancel your School or Group Tour, please email education@alicenter.org
The Ali Center will continue to welcome school groups, tour groups, and motor coach bookings when it is deemed safe to do so. To request a school/group visit, please complete the Group Tours Interest Form through our website:
https://form.jotform.com/62434761294156
You may also contact the Education team at education@alicenter.org or call 502-992-5341.
More information on our Group Visits can be found at https://alicenter.org/visit/group-visits/ and School Visits at https://alicenter.org/visit/group-visits/school-trips/
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