Kentuckians Stand United
Kentuckians stand together.
We come to you in solidarity, as we acknowledge the fact that Breonna Taylor was murdered in her own home and no one has been held accountable for that action. The Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange stands with the family of Breonna Taylor and all those who are calling for justice. We believe that significant change is necessary to dismantle white supremacy and structural racism, that reforms are long overdue, and that we all suffer from these inequities.
The Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange exists to connect people and to support communities across the Commonwealth. Our hundreds of members come from every corner of Kentucky-- from Paducah to Harlan, Covington to Horse Cave, Louisville to Irvine, Lexington to Greenville. Today, we stand united in saying that the only path forward is the one we walk together.
Kentucky has arrived at a reckoning point between our history and our present. Our ability to stand together relies on the recognition of the ways we have been kept apart. Many Kentuckians-- both rural and urban-- have been taught to fear one another and to believe that we are welcome, or even safe, in other communities. These fears are founded on the long history of violent segregation and political oppression that our communities have upheld. They are also upended by the long history of organizing, risk taking, community making and solidarity of Kentuckians every step of the way.
By acknowledging the past, we shape the present. In 2020, more than 60 rural counties across Kentucky have held protests and rallies in support of Black Lives. Thousands of Kentuckians have bravely stepped forward to unequivocally say that Black Lives Matter in Kentucky. Never before have we seen so many Kentuckians rise up to say that a strike against one is a strike against all.
We are Kentuckians first, and Kentuckians defend our own. Today, we ask you to join us in defending Breonna Taylor.
We stand united.
We invite you to share your ideas on how we can move forward, together. Here are two ways to take action:
1) In the comments on this Facebook post, please tell us about the people and organizations that are leading racial justice work in your region of Kentucky, and drop a link so that others can donate, volunteer, and support.
2) Share this video on social media to tell your community why standing up for fellow Kentuckian Breonna Taylor is important to you. Use the hashtag #KYstandsUnited