March 8th 2024.
The governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, recently spoke out against proposed legislation that would limit diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in the state's public universities. This was in honor of the 1964 March on Frankfort, which Governor Beshear retraced with hundreds of supporters on March 5. This march was originally led by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and 10,000 others, and it played a pivotal role in the passing of the Kentucky Civil Rights Act of 1966.
During his speech in front of the state Capitol, Governor Beshear emphasized the true meaning behind DEI - love. He reminded the crowd that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords, but rather important values that should be embraced and practiced in our daily lives. He firmly believes that diversity only makes us stronger and should never be seen as a liability.
The governor's sentiments were echoed by attendees of the original march, including State Sen. Gerald Neal and civil rights activist Mattie Jones. They both stressed that although progress has been made, there is still much work to be done in the fight against discrimination and segregation.
As the choir from Kentucky State University sang, Jones urged the crowd to not become complacent and to continue working towards true freedom for all. Governor Beshear also touched on the idea that there is still a lot of work to be done in order to truly overcome the injustices and harm of the past.
In addition to his vocal support for DEI, Governor Beshear has taken concrete actions to promote equality and justice in Kentucky. After his election, he signed an executive order restoring voting rights for 190,000 nonviolent offenders who had served their time. He has also promised to have the statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis removed from the state Capitol.
Governor Beshear believes that anything is possible if the people of Kentucky come together and demand change. He reminded the crowd that their state was the first in the South to sign a Civil Rights Act, and that they can do it again by raising their voices and demanding progress. As he put it, "We can do it again...and if we raise our voices, we can demand that we do it again."
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