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Kentucky Adds Two New Sites to U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Civil Arts Project

In recognition of Black History Month, Governor Beshear and Secretary Berry announced today that Kentucky will now be home to the newest sites on the historic the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville and the SEEK Museum in Russellville, Kentucky mark the latest additions to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail making Kentucky home to 5 sites on the historic trail. Three additional trail sites are also located in Kentucky: Berea College in Berea, the Louisville Downtown Civil Rights Trail and Whitney M. Young Jr.’s birthplace in Simpsonville.

“As part of Black History Month, Kentucky is proud to announce these two additions to the historic U.S. Civil Rights Trail,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Both sites honor trailblazing, courageous Black Kentuckians, and we are confident that these incredible landmarks will allow us to attract visitors from across the country as we showcase our state’s remarkable history.”

The U.S. Civil Rights Trail is a collection of churches, courthouses, schools, museums and other landmarks primarily in the Southern states where activists challenged segregation and inequality in the 1950s and 1960s to advance social justice. The people, locations and destinations included in the Civil Rights Trail provide a way for families, travelers and educators to experience history firsthand and tell the story of how “what happened here changed the world.”

“We are extremely proud that the U.S. Civil Rights Trail has recognized two new sites in Kentucky,” said Mike Berry, Secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. “The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville and the SEEK Museum in Russellville honor two civil rights pioneers who paved the way for future generations. It is our hope visitors will enjoy this inspirational experience and history that these sites represent when visiting Kentucky.”

Located on Museum Row in the heart of downtown Louisville, the Muhammad Ali Center is the only place in the world dedicated to preserving and promoting Ali’s legacy. The multicultural Ali Center, home to an award-winning museum, captures the inspiration of Muhammad Ali’s legendary life. A visit to the center is not just an experience, but also a journey into the heart of a champion. Guests will experience interactive, multimedia exhibits and discover Ali’s six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect and spirituality.

The SEEK Museum in Russellville, Kentucky, recognizes the work of journalist Alice Allison Dunnigan with a life-size bronze statue and an exhibit about her achievements. The civil rights pioneer struggled against racism and sexism to become the first female African-American admitted to the White House, Congressional and Supreme Court press corps. As the Washington correspondent for the Associated Negro Press, she worked with Congress to pass legislation that allowed her to obtain press credentials in 1947. Dunningan reported on national affairs with a focus on civil rights and other matters that were important to African-Americans.

Kentucky tourism generates an estimated economic impact of more than $11 billion, and supports more than 94,500 jobs throughout the Commonwealth.

For more information about Kentucky tourism, visit http://Kentuckytourism.com

(provided by Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet for Kentucky)

Paul Hitchcock earned his Masters in Communications from Morehead State University and Bachelors in Radio-TV/Psychology from Georgetown College. A veteran broadcaster for more than 40 years and an avid fan of blues, jazz and American roots music. Hitchcock has been with WMKY since 1986 and was named General Manager in 2003. He currently hosts "Muddy Bottom Blues" (Fri., 8pm-9pm), "Nothin' But The Blues" (Sat., 8pm-12am), "Sunday Night Jazz Showcase" and "Live From The Jazz Lounge" (Sun., 8pm-9pm) and "The Golden Age of Radio" (Sun., 2pm-3pm). He also serves as producer for "A Time For Tales" and "The Reader's Notebook."