The Freedom Award is given to citizens who best exemplify the ideals of Dr. King's vision, while the Keepers of the Dream will honor and recognize all the outstanding citizens of Louisville who have received this honor. The 2024 Keepers of the Dream program will highlight Black Joy. The civil rights movement was a trying time but, through the crevices of trauma, Black Americans still managed to find hope and joy.

Mayor Craig Greenberg will present the Freedom Award honoring the 2024 recipients, Carolle Jones Clay and State Senator Gerald Neal. 

Carolle Jones Clay is Senior Vice President - Managing Director of Community Relations for Republic Bank & Trust Company and was named President of the Republic Bank Foundation in February 2020. Carolle serves on numerous community boards, including the Louisville Downtown Partnership, the University of Louisville Depression Center Advisory Council, and Kentucky Historical Society to name a few. 

Carolle was the 2023 recipient of the WLKY Spirit of Louisville Foundation and Churchill Downs Inc., “The John Asher Spirit Award”. This award was created to honor a community leader who personifies the same humanitarian passion as the late John Asher, the legendary face and voice of Churchill Downs, in their business, civic and philanthropic efforts.

Senator Gerald Neal represents District 33 (Louisville) and is the second African American to serve in the Kentucky State Senate. In 2022, he was elected Leader of the Kentucky Senate Democratic Caucus. 

Senator Neal is the founder of the Kentucky African American All Children’s Caucus which was dedicated to addressing issues of educational diversity, and the promotion of high educational standards facilitated by appropriate methodologies. He also is the founder of The African American Community Agenda Initiative (AAI) which focus on policy research, development, and community education. He has received numerous honors, including induction into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame, the Gallery of Great Black Kentuckians, and the National Bar Association Hall of Fame.

The Keepers of the Dream begins at 4 p.m. with preshow entertainment in The Kentucky Center lobby by Redline Performing Arts. The program begins in Whitney Hall at 5 p.m., and will feature performances by River City Drum Corp, Keen Dance Theatre, and Redline Performing Arts. Also featuring LaNita Rocknettes School of Dance, The Real Young Prodigys, The Louisville Living Room, Joshua Percell and Courageous, UofL African American Theatre Program, and much more. A post-show performance from River City Drum Corp will take place in the lobby following the program. 

This event is free and open to the public, FREE parking available in The Kentucky Center Garage.

The Freedom Award reception is generously sponsored by Republic Bank. The Freedom Award is created and donated by Ché Rhodes, Associate Professor and Head of Studio Glass at the University of Louisville, Hite Art Institute.

501 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202

Visit Old 502 Winery for a fun and creative evening of Plant Nite! You'll get to plant a beautiful succulent garden in a stylish container while enjoying a selection of Old 502's finest wines. Plus, you'll get to take home your creation and show it off to your friends! Enjoy a glass of wine with every ticket purchase. 

Get your tickets here. 

915 E. Liberty St., Louisville, KY 40204

Join the Louisville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. for the inaugural Harlem Nights in the Derby City! The event will feature live music, Motown Bingo, culinary stations, door prizes, giveaways, and more! 

General Admission tickets include 1 complimentary Motown Bingo Card (extra cards are available for purchase), $10 value chips, and 1 signature drink ticket.

VIP-High Rollin' tickets include general admission access, $25 value chips for VIP access to the High Rollin' for Donors gaming room, an additional drink ticket, and a Swag Goodie Box. 

Purchase your tickets here. 

Proceeds benefit The Family Scholar House, The Healing Place, and LAC Community Outreach. 

1860 Mellwood Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

Come dance with Louisville Silent Disco at TEN20 this Friday! Enjoy and OG silent disco experience with 3 channels of music - Decades on red, Hip Hop on blue and Pop/Top 40 on green.

For $10 you get a pair of headphones that have 3 different channels of music playing simultaneously. Choose which channel you want to listen to and have fun dancing with friends!

Get your tickets in advance here. 

1020 E. Washington St., Louisville, KY 40206

There’s no better place to make pter-iffic memories playing with adorable baby Dinos, excavating fossils, or even training a raptor while surrounded by behemoths like sky-scraping Spinosaurus and, the King himself, Tyrannosaurus rex! 

Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest, most popular Dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family. Observe a herd of life size dinosaurs including Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus, and an incredible T-Rex inside the Kentucky Exposition Center!

Get your tickets here. 

937 Phillips Ln., Louisville, KY 40209

Warm up this weekend with Atrium Brewing as they call on all Chili Concocting Compadres around the city! 

Both taprooms will be hosting a City-Wide Chili Cookoff offering ten entries per taproom. Each chili will be voted and scored by the public. One shall emerge victorious with prizes and honor galore.

Each entry is required to bring at least one gallon of chili and a ladle for serving. They will supply tasters and spoons for all of your judging needs. To sign up, reach out in person at either taproom or via Instagram or Facebook.

1154 Logan St., Louisville, KY 40204

Dragons, bat-boys, and fae. Oh my! Step into a world of all things romance and fantasy this Saturday for a fundraiser for the Kentucky Burlesque Festival.

Party the night away with music, food and drinks, and a silent auction going throughout the night, as well as a few raffle items! 

This event is 21 and up only. Get your tickets here. 

1860 Mellwood Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

Join Goodtimers for their annual Soul Sunday MLK Weekend Dayparty at the Tavern on Fourth. Enjoy sounds by DJ Emptybeats, games, food and drink specials, and keep an eye on the NFL playoffs! 

Dress code strictly enforced, no hoodies, solid tees, ball caps, athletic wear, or purses larger than a clutch. Must be 21 and over to attend. 

Tickets are available here. 

427 S. 4th St., #B, Louisville, KY 40202

The Alpha Lambda Education Foundation (ALEF) is proudly hosting the Hope Breakfast in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event aims to raise funds for scholarships, community outreach, and mentorship programs that benefit the entire community. 

This year’s event will return to the Louisville Omni with the doors opening at 8 a.m. The program will commence promptly at 9 a.m. WLKY's Caray Grace will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies, ensuring a memorable experience. An exciting lineup of speakers has been planned, including Edler Jonhatan Jr., Justice Angela McCormick Bisig, Lonita Baker, Esq., and Senator Gerald Neal.

Reserve your seat and get tickets here. 

400 S. 2nd St., Louisville, KY 40202

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Muhammad Ali Center will be open free to the public on Monday. The Center will be showing Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the top of each hour.

In addition, the Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students (MACCS) will host their annual, “Continuing the Dream, Continuing the Legacy” youth leadership panel discussion at noon.

Visitors can shop at the Muhammad Ali Center Museum Store during this time, which will be offering a special promotion all day. 

144 N. 6th St., Louisville, KY 40202