Dear Friends of Kentucky Humanities,
Dr. Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and a former Kentucky Humanities board member, wrote those words early in the morning a few days ago when a sleepless night turned his thoughts to the unrest and disruption created by the deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville.
Many believe those deaths and other acts of violence against African Americans elucidate a tragic legacy of racism and bigotry which has long prevailed in this nation.
Our hearts ache; we grieve with you for Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, David McAtee, and so many unnamed others; we search for the right words to speak, to recognize the shameful history of racism in our communities and to acknowledge its persistence.
At Kentucky Humanities, we are asking Dr. Thompson and others, including scholars, humanists, writers
,
and community leaders to lend their voices to the conversation we all need to hear at this time—to better understand each other and address the solutions to the turmoil and anxiety of this week’s events.
We believe the humanities has a responsibility in bringing people together to voice concerns, listen to one another, understand and provide discussion and civil dialogue in times of great significance.
This is that time.
In a series of thoughtful conversations on our
Think Humanities podcast
, we will bring you community voices who believe racial equity may finally have a chance to become a reality. At Kentucky Humanities, we believe it is imperative to explore the past in order to understand the present. We want to be a part of the solution. For now, we will offer conversations and resources toward that end. When we can safely return to the office, the staff will begin planning future programs on how we can contribute to a change in our society concerning racism and injustice.
Sincerely,
Bill Goodman
Executive Director
Kentucky Humanities
