LOUISVILLE — Gov. Andy Beshear joined state tourism officials, historians and the CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville Monday to unveil a new statewide tourism trail showcasing Kentucky’s Black history and heritage.
The Kentucky African American Heritage Trail highlights 57 sites, ranging from Hotel Metropolitan in Paducah to the National Underground Railroad Museum in Maysville to the Lynch Colored School in Harlan County.
DeVone Holt, president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, praised state tourism officials for leaning into important aspects of Kentucky’s past while others “attempt to disconnect us from our history.”
Speaking to an audience gathered at the Ali Center, Holt said, “There are messages in our own backyard that resonate deeply and widely with people from all walks of life, and so now we get a real opportunity to be intentional about helping people plug into these stories, helping people understand the significance of many stories and histories that have gone untold and uncelebrated until now.”
While few enjoy the fame and notoriety of Ali, an acclaimed boxer and activist from Louisville, Holt said the people celebrated on the heritage trail “made incredible contributions to the life that many of us now take for granted.”…