Louisville Singing for Democracy Report-back

KFTC members and allies came together in Louisville this past weekend to at Greater Friendship Baptist Church for Singing for Democracy, an event to raise awareness of our campaign to restore voting rights to former felons who have served their debt to society.
 
Down by the Wayside, a the gospel choir organized through Wayside Christian Mission, performed with help from other local singers and other acts (Anthony Hamilton, Sean Thomas, Brandi, Ray Hodges, Maria Houghton, and Bonnie Blair).  

Speakers highlighted stories of redemption and forgiveness through their journeys to recovery as well as civic engagement. Individuals like Venita Goodner, a former felon who now works for the Department of Corrections and volunteers for prison ministry and Sean Real Thomas another former felon and local spoken word artist will be included in the program.

Amidst the powerful performances and speakers, participants also took time to take action to support House Bill 70, our proposed legislation to restore voting rights to former felons who have served their time.  They filled out postcards to senators and pledged to call the legislative message line and come out to lobby in Frankfort on our major lobby day this Thursday.

Sponsoring groups included Making Connections Network, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, People Advocating Recovery, The Beacon House, Ladies of Promise, American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, Our Father’s House, Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and Kentucky Jobs with Justice.

KFTC members and allies are already talking about our next Singing for Democracy event in Louisville and members are talking about other communities we might hold events in - like in Georgetown.