For Immediate Release
April 30, 1998
Contact: Melissa Forsythe or Mark Pfeiffer (502) 564-2611
Governor Proclaims "Statewide Day of Dialogue" in Kentucky to Promote Racial Understanding
Frankfort, Ky. - Asking Kentuckians to start their own conversations on race, Governor Paul Patton today proclaimed April 30, 1998 as a "Statewide Day of Dialogue" to promote racial understanding. The governor sent a letter to President Clinton thanking him for inviting the states to join in the day of dialogue and highlighted the progress made by the Commonwealth in improving understanding and promoting tolerance among all people.
In his letter, Governor Patton told the President, "On August 19, 1997, the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights, working in cooperation with Kentucky Educational Television (KET), our PBS affiliate, presented ‘A Conversation on Race in Kentucky.’ On December 4, 1997, the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, the Kentucky Heritage Council, the Education, Arts and Humanities Cabinet, the Kentucky Department of Education, and the Kentucky State University Center of Excellence for the Study of Kentucky African Americans conducted the first statewide Underground Railroad Symposium. National speakers discussed and explained current developments related to national efforts to promote an Underground Railroad corridor, which acknowledges and commemorates the Underground Railroad effort as an integral part of American history.
Finally, we are encouraged by the significant work accomplished by the Martin Luther King, Jr., State Commission in our Education, Arts and Humanities Cabinet. The Commission works to promote the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday as an occasion to reflect on the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change as espoused by Dr. King."
In addition, Governor Patton made a public service announcement available to radio and TV stations across the state, asking citizens to set up local "Conversations on Race" through the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights.
In the PSA, Governor Patton says, "It’s my goal while governor to make this Commonwealth a flagship of racial harmony and diversity as we begin the 21st century. Won’t you join us by participating in a ‘Conversation on Race’ in your community? Your local dialogue can be the beginning of a better tomorrow for all the citizens in your town or county. We need your participation right where you live."
The PSA is available to radio stations through the State Government NEWSLINE at 1-800-633-1019. Television stations can obtain a video copy of the PSA by calling the Governor’s Communications Office at 1-502-564-2611.
-30-