Posted by: KFTC staff on February 3, 2018
Following five years of successful annual membership meetings at General Butler State Park, the KFTC Steering Committee voted to relocate the KFTC Annual Meeting to Berea College on August 3-5, 2018.
The vote followed a year-long conversation in which committee members met with KFTC staff and Berea College representatives to explore a possible relocation.
The annual meeting is an important and necessary part of KFTC’s efforts to build grassroots power in Kentucky. It provides unique opportunities for members and folks who are interested in KFTC from every corner of the state and different backgrounds to come together for a weekend of gaining leadership skills, building community and having fun.
Posted by: Lois Gillespie on February 2, 2018
Years ago, a popular song had the refrain, “What a difference a day makes.” For me, I’d alter those lyrics to “What a difference a comment makes.” For it was this comment, “I’m afraid for our democracy” uttered during a political conversation a year ago that led me to the Kentuckians For The Commonwealth Constitutional Convention lobby day on January 23.
In the past year I’ve learned more about what that comment means and now I’m afraid for our democracy, too.
Posted by: KFTC staff on January 30, 2018
In 2017, the Madison County chapter hosted a groundbreaking State of the City Address in Berea that changed the culture of this annual event.
Previously, the event had been held during business hours and was hosted by the Berea Chamber of Commerce, which used it as an annual fundraiser.
After conversations with Mayor Steve Connelly, the chapter was given the opportunity to re-envision the event and make it more welcoming and inclusive of many folks.
Posted by: Joe Gallenstein on January 26, 2018
Hundreds of Scott County residents came out to oppose the application by the Central Kentucky Landfill to have 170+ acres near it being rezoned from agricultural use to industrial in order to allow
Posted by: Joe Gallenstein on January 26, 2018
Members of the Northern Kentucky chapter hosted a film screening of Get Out, the acclaimed directorial debut of Jorand Peele. The film, which deals with race relations in the U.S.
Posted by: Sarah-Sage Hoffman on January 25, 2018
On December 8, KFTC members in the newly formed Cumberland chapter (Knox, Pulaski, Laurel and Whitley counties) and representatives from the Kentucky Primary Care Association hosted a Facebook live
Posted by: KFTC staff on January 23, 2018
Posted by: Joe Gallenstein on January 17, 2018
For the 16th straight year, the Georgetown-Scott County NAACP Unit celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a march and program commemorating the legacy and message of the late civil rights leader. In the current environment that we are in, with growing income inequality, elected leaders playing to racial and religious differences, and a struggle to define what it means to be American, it was an important day to stand together.
Posted by: Becca Parrish on January 15, 2018
One of the most persistent issues in the United States is learning how to support diverse communities. Our history has created a dynamic whereby our towns are enriched by many cultures and backgrounds, but our society is still reckoning with systemic and entrenched racism.
In November 2017, the Madison County KFTC Chapter’s Racial Justice Committee met and decided to expand its structure to include a community-building focus to its approach in addition to its more action-focused work. This work was spearheaded by members Wendy Warren (steering committee representative) and Shannon Roberts Smith.
The goal of the community-building focus of the Racial Justice Committee is to provide space for committee members and allies to form relationships outside of planning and implementing campaigns and/or actions. Also, they hope to broaden reach and encourage conversations that can be difficult for many members of the community who are new to racial justice work.
Posted by: KFTC staff on January 10, 2018
In a historic win for Fairness in western Kentucky, Paducah has become the ninth city in Kentucky to adopt an anti-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ+ people.
On January 9, more than 250 people packed the Paducah City Hall chambers, about two-thirds of the crowd showing support. After lengthy public testimony and debate, the measure passed by a 4 to 1 vote.
The ordinance prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. An amendment to include exemptions for religious business owners failed by a similar 4 to 1 vote. Such an exemption exists in state law, however.
