KFTC hosting a cultural heritage event to benefit Kentucky’s Bright Future

“We Are Kentuckians: Celebrating Our Common Heritage” honors Kentucky’s African American culture and heritage

A celebration of African American heritage through art, music, poetry, and storytelling hosted by Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (KFTC) will be on Friday, March 20, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Clifton Center (2117 Payne Street).

The second annual “We Are Kentuckians: Celebrating Our Common Heritage” honors the important but often unheard stories, culture, and heritage of Black Kentuckians. Kentucky writers, musicians, and artists will share their work, personal stories and vision for Kentucky’s Bright Future.

KFTC hopes to build on the success of last year’s event. Judi Jennings, former executive director of Kentucky Foundation for Women, says the first We Are Kentuckians event “was one of the most inspiring and affirming programs I have experienced in the 23 years since I left the mountains and moved to the city. Both the program participants and the audiences included folks of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities who wanted to learn more about the cultural bonds binding the coalfields to the banks of the Ohio. It inspired joy and hope for real change in Kentucky.”

African American culture and heritage is an important lens for the social, environmental, and economic justice issues that KFTC works on throughout the year. Proceeds from this event will support KFTC’s efforts to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and help them see the connections between their communities and issues – to build long-term, mutually supportive relationships that are the basis for building New Power together.

The evening lineup includes: musicians Cynthia Fletcher, Joshua Outsey, and Yared Sound; poets Jeremy Clark, Joy Priest, and Tarsha Semakula; author and journalist Michael Jones; and speakers Cassia Herron, Tiffany Bellfield, and Eastern Kentucky Social Club members Benny Massey and Rutland Melton.

This event is open to the public with a $10 suggested donation. There will be a cash bar, and food by Dasha Barbour Southern Bistro will be available for purchase. The event organizers recommend that you purchase your tickets in advance at http://wearekentuckians.eventbrite.com or by calling 502-589-3188.

KFTC is 33-year-old grassroots organization that believes in the power of people, working together, to challenge injustices, right wrongs, and improve the quality of life for all Kentuckians. Visit KFTC online at www.kftc.org or call 502-589-3188 for more information.

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