Pushback Network

“Freedom Fest was a unique, creative, grassroots way of having people celebrate freedom. We wanted to provide an alternative to cruising, where people could come into the park, talk about social justice issues and have fun.”
– Shameka Parrish-Wright, KYJwJ Steering Committee Member and Community Organizer.

It’s been said that Derby Day is the day when the city of Louisville comes alive. Thousands of people flock to the city to participate in numerous Derby festivities, including what’s known as derby cruising. However, for the predominately-Black area of Louisville known as the West End, their freedom to enjoy this day was squashed when the Louisville Metro Police Department shut down 35 blocks in an attempt to keep young Blacks from cruising.

To inspire, educate and empower those underrepresented communities in Louisville that were ostracized from the Kentucky Derby, PBN anchor organization Kentucky Jobs With Justice, in partnership with Building Communities and Families and many other community organizations, hosted a Freedom Fest on Saturday, May 3rd. The event took place in Elliot Park in western Louisville, where an estimated 150 people attended.

“The Freedom Fest took place where the cruising would’ve happened and this was our way to let the community know that we’re here,” said Shameka Parrish-Wright, steering committee member for Kentucky Jobs with Justice. “The coming together of the community showed that our work is genuine and that we have a consistent presence in the community.”

Throughout the day, community members witnessed a powerful collaboration of student leaders, community activists, scholars, educators, and socially aware performing artists, who combined their talents and resources in art, activism, and education to serve the needs of families under the theme of Self Determination Through Unity.

Jardana Peacock, from the University of Louisville, testified to the power and spirit of Freedom Fest by saying, “Thank you for creating beautiful community spaces where cool people get together and celebrate living!”

With presentations on voter empowerment, economic empowerment, youth empowerment, and racial profiling, Freedom Fest did more than just provide an alternative to cruising. It banded the community together and encouraged participation in the political process.

“I really appreciate those intergenerational events–building community.
So powerful.” – Tiffany Gonzales (University of Houston)