How important is it to have a written history of the Commonwealths African American legacy?
The encyclopedia will provide the missing part of Kentucky’s history as it documents the Commonwealth’s diversity. It will serve as the authoritative reference tool on blacks in Kentucky. People need to know the total story of the state’s history, especially the contributions of other races, to better appreciate and understand one another. Initially our people were enslaved, but since that era we have played significant roles in shaping the commonwealth and the nation. For African Americans, especially our schoolchildren, the encyclopedia will be a source of pride in the accomplishments of other African Americans in their home communities. Everyone wants to know that they come from people who have made contributions to this country and that their history matters. For too long, many black accomplishments have been left out of our history texts and the encyclopedia will fill in those gaps in Kentuckys history. As you have gathered information for the encyclopedia, what has surprised or i
