News Summary
Lexington, KY has launched a new African American Heritage Tour, spearheaded by local historian Yvonne Giles. The self-guided tour highlights the contributions of African Americans in various sectors, including medicine and the arts. After two years of research, the tour showcases key historical areas and notable figures, all accessible through a digital platform. This initiative aims to educate the public and preserve the rich history of African Americans in Lexington, underscoring the importance of community engagement in recognizing cultural heritage.
Lexington, Kentucky has introduced an innovative African American Heritage Tour aimed at educating the public about the significant contributions of African Americans in the region. Initiated by Yvonne Giles, a local historian, the tour launched in collaboration with VisitLEX after two years of detailed research and development.
The African American Heritage Tour is a self-guided experience that encompasses four distinct areas of Lexington: The Northside, East End, Jefferson Street, and South Hill. Each area showcases aspects of African American history, illuminating the impact of notable figures including the first African American doctors, jockeys, teachers, and musicians in the city.
Giles’ journey into African American history began in the early 2000s during a visit to Cemetery No. 2 with her mother. This visit ignited her interest in genealogy, prompting her to delve deeper into her family’s roots and discover connections to individuals buried in the cemetery. Over the years, she created an extensive database documenting 200 military veterans spanning from the Civil War to World War II, alongside 186 men engaged in the local equine industry.
In addition to her database, Yvonne Giles authored the book Stilled Voices Yet Speak: A History of African American Cemeteries in Lexington and Fayette County, Kentucky. This publication is significant as it represents the first comprehensive exploration of African American cemeteries in the region. Thanks to her rigorous research and commitment to preserving these histories, she earned the moniker of “Cemetery Lady.” Her efforts have brought renewed attention to the historical narrative of African Americans in Lexington.
The collaboration between Giles and VisitLEX focused on creating a platform to showcase this underrepresented history. Initially, there were uncertainties regarding the extent of local information available, but the partnership unveiled a wealth of material for the tour. The digital platform developed enables users to access the tour seamlessly via mobile devices without needing to download an app, ensuring accessibility 24/7.
The tour reveals important historical details, including the existence of historical underground railroad routes from the 1850s, highlighting the region’s role in the movement for freedom and justice. This key aspect of Lexington’s African American history is complemented by the installation of ancestral spirit portraits through a project titled “I Was Here,” which aims to recognize the contributions of African Americans as vital yet often overlooked nation builders.
In addition to the tour, community involvement is encouraged, with many genealogical resources now available online, allowing residents to engage deeply with this part of their heritage. Programs like Reckoning Inc. are currently digitizing records relating to enslaved people and U.S. Colored Troops from Kentucky, further enriching the historical landscape.
Giles advocates for an accurate presentation of history, striving to debunk myths about the contributions of African Americans throughout history. Her motto, “Be the little stream,” calls for perseverance in uncovering and celebrating these narratives.
As the city prepares for various new monuments and celebrations slated for 2025, the initiative marks a pivotal moment in acknowledging and preserving Lexington’s African American heritage. This push comes amidst ongoing political discussions surrounding historical narratives, emphasizing the importance of providing comprehensive access to the documented stories of African Americans and their indelible marks on Kentucky’s past.
Ultimately, the African American Heritage Tour not only serves as an educational tool but also as a significant step in recognizing and honoring the rich tapestry of contributions made by African Americans throughout Lexington’s history.
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Additional Resources
- VisitLEX: African American History
- Kentucky Kernel: I Was Here Project
- Fox 56 News: Henry Clay Estate Celebration
- Kentucky.com: Linda Blackford’s Opinion
- WKYT: Reconnecting Black Kentuckians
- Wikipedia: African American History
- Google Search: African American history Kentucky
- Google Scholar: African American history Kentucky
- Encyclopedia Britannica: African American
- Google News: African American history Kentucky
