For Immediate Release May 22, 1998
Contact: Melissa Forsythe or Mark Pfeiffer (502) 564-2611
Governor Patton Endorses Plan for African American Heritage Center in Louisville
Frankfort, Ky. - "An educational facility that speaks with the unique voice of the African American peoples of Louisville, Jefferson County, and the surrounding region", that’s how supporters envision an African American Heritage Center in West Louisville.
Governor Paul Patton was on hand today for the presentation of a proposal for the center and heartily endorsed the idea. "I believe that the history and heritage of all Kentuckians should be studied and preserved," Governor Patton told the group. "This center would not only serve the local community in enhancing the quality of life here but all of Kentucky would benefit from this educational tool in understanding who we are as a people." The governor said , "This is a project that needs to get done and it will get done." He announced that $1.5 million is earmarked for the Center in the federal transportation bill, which has been approved in conference committee and is headed to Capitol Hill for final votes in the House and Senate. The governor thanked Senator Wendell ford for setting aside that money for the Louisville project. Governor Patton also said the state could provide additional funding to the project through other federal transportation money. Governor Patton co-chairs the National Governors’ Association transportation task force and has been a major lobbying force in Washington for the increased transportation funding to Kentucky and the rest of the states.
The feasibility study for the center was presented to the governor and local community leaders Friday at Jay’s Cafeteria, adjacent to the proposed site for the center at 18th Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard. The study projects the cost of renovating the old trolley barn and other buildings on the site, providing exhibitions, furniture, fixtures and equipment would cost from five to ten million dollars and take two to three years to complete. The plan includes exhibit areas, a gift shop and multi-purpose community room and retail space. Once complete, the African American Heritage Center is expected to draw up to 50,000 visitors a year.
The focal point of the center will be its educational program, providing area school children the opportunity to explore and celebrate the contributions made in the region by African Americans.
Funding for the center is expected to come from both the public and private sectors with admission fees and the gift shop eventually providing some self sustaining revenue. Following the presentation, Governor Patton toured the proposed site for the center and pledged state support to help the project become a reality.
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