Rally to End Child Abuse hosted by Family & Children’s Place

Immediate Release 

Family & Children’s Place will hold a Rally to End Child Abuse on Thursday, March 30th at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot of our headquarters located at 525 Zane Street.

April is the designated start of Child Abuse Prevention Month but anyone who works and/or advocates for children understand it’s a 365 24/7 obligation. 

In 2022, the Child Fatality & Near Fatality Report says that 67% of all cases reviewed involved a child four years of age or younger. 

The report also says that one in seven Kentucky high school students reported having seriously considered suicide within a 12-month period.  One in five of Kentucky middle school students reported having seriously considered suicide at some point in their lives.

Pam Darnall, CEO of Family & Children’s Place says, “As you can see in the report, it affects all ages.  There’s not one targeted group that we need to focus on.  We need to help every child so that they do not become a statistic. We can do better. We must do better.”

Child Abuse Prevention Month brings awareness to those in the community unaware of how serious the problem is in Kentuckiana. According to the latest

national report of Child Maltreatment, Kentucky has dropped in the ranking from fifth, to sixth in the rate of child abuse/neglect.  Indiana remains at #11 with their rate of child abuse/neglect. 

The following have confirmed their participation as speakers for the March 30th rally:

  • Pam Darnall, President/CEO, Family & Children’s Place
  • Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman
  • Vic Maddox, Deputy Attorney General
  • Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
  • KY State Senator Julie Raque Adams
  • Roz Welch from the office of Keturah Herron, State Representative
  • Eric Friedlander, KY DCBS Secretary
  • Jeremy Mull, Clark County Prosecuting Attorney
  • Barry Dunn, Kosair Charities
  • Dr. Terry Brooks, KYA

We will also acknowledge a group of individuals who have supported our organization over the years.  The following have confirmed their attendance for the rally:

  • Tom Wine, Commonwealth Attorney
  • Mike O’Connell, County Attorney
  • Caroline Ruschell, KY CAC Executive Director
  • Emily Bonistall, Marsy’s Law
  • Barbara Sexton Smith, Louisville Deputy Mayor
  • Nicole George, Deputy Mayor of Public Health and Services
  • David James, Deputy Mayor of Emergency Services
  • Dana Mayton, Deputy Mayor of Operations and Budget 
  • Phillip Baker, City Councilman District 6

We hope you will cover our rally.  As you can see by our prestigious list of attendees, we have a lot of support and would like to have your cover our event to further educate your viewers about the staggering statistics in this community and things they can do to help stop child abuse. 

If you have any questions and/or would like to setup an interview, please contact us by calling 502-341-7306 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com

To learn more about Family & Children’s Place visit our site at www.familyandchildrensplace.org

WHO:                   Family & Children’s Place

WHAT:                 Rally kicking off Child Abuse Prevention Month

WHEN:                 Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. (In-person)

WHERE:               Family & Children’s Place, 525 Zane St, Louisville, KY 40203

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For more than 140 years, Family & Children’s Place has been a critical presence in Louisville, helping our most vulnerable citizens — children, that have experience physical and sexual abuse and neglect. We believe that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood free from abuse and that every family should have the tools and resources to maintain self-sufficiency.

Our Mission: We protect and heal children and families.

Family & Children’s Place will hold a rally to kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month

Immediate Release 

Updated: March 8, 2023

Family & Children’s Place will hold an in-person rally on Thursday, March 30th at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot of our headquarters located at 525 Zane Street.

April is the designated start of Child Abuse Prevention Month but anyone who works and/or advocates for children understand it’s a 365 24/7 obligation.  Educating children on their right for being safe in hopes of strengthen families across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.    The month also brings awareness to those in the community unaware of how serious the problem is in Kentuckiana.

According to the latest national report of Child Maltreatment, Kentucky has dropped in the ranking from fifth, to sixth in the rate of child abuse/neglect. That’s 14.7 victims per 1,000 children. Indiana remains at #11 with their rate of child abuse/neglect at 13.6 victims per 1,000 children.

In response to those startling statistics and to bring awareness, Family & Children’s Place will have dignitaries, community leaders and advocates talking about child abuse, violence, exploitation, neglect, prevention, intervention, and restoration efforts for children and families.

The following have confirmed their participation as speakers for the March 30th rally:

  • Pam Darnall, President/CEO, Family & Children’s Place
  • Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman
  • Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
  • KY State Senator Julie Raque Adams
  • Keturah Herron, State Representative
  • Eric Friedlander, KY DCBS Secretary
  • Barry Dunn, Kosair Charities
  • Dr. Terry Brooks, KYA

We have additional invited guests.  As they confirm their participation, we will update our release and social media platforms. 

We will also acknowledge a group of individuals who have supported our organization over the years.  The following have confirmed their attendance for the rally:

  • Louisville Deputy Mayor David James
  • Tom Wine, Commonwealth Attorney
  • Mike O’Connell, County Attorney
  • Jeremy Mull, Clark County Prosecuting Attorney
  • Caroline Ruschell, KY CAC Executive Director
  • Emily Bonistall, Marsy’s Law
  • Nicole George, Deputy Mayor
  • Dana Mayton, Deputy Mayor
  • Phillip Baker, City Councilman District 6

Please announce and/or post our event.  If you have any questions and/or would like to setup an interview, please contact us by calling 502-341-7306 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com

To learn more about Family & Children’s Place visit our site at www.familyandchildrensplace.org

WHO:                   Family & Children’s Place

WHAT:                 Rally kicking off Child Abuse Prevention Month

WHEN:                 Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. (In-person)

WHERE:               Family & Children’s Place, 525 Zane St, Louisville, KY 40203

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For more than 140 years, Family & Children’s Place has been a critical presence in Louisville, helping our most vulnerable citizens — children, that have experience physical and sexual abuse and neglect. We believe that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood free from abuse and that every family should have the tools and resources to maintain self-sufficiency.

Reckoning Inc. and the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage partner to host a workshop to help people find their ancestors who were enslaved in the state of Kentucky  

Official news release

(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. will present Finding Enslaved Kentucky Ancestors workshop on Saturday, March 11th at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, located at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This workshop will focus on how someone can locate an enslaved Kentucky descendant by using free online resources created by Reckoning, Inc. The workshop will be conducted by Denyce Peyton, a professional genealogist with over 25 years of experience who is currently project director for Reckoning, Inc.’s Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project. The workshop is free and open to the public.

For more information about the workshop, visit www.kcaah.org/events. For more information about Reckoning, Inc., visit www.reckoninginc.org

If you would like to setup an interview with African American genealogist Denyce Peyton and/or schedule your church or organization for the free workshop, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications,.com or call 502-341-7306. 

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

Reckoning, Inc. receives funding from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Gheens Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr., and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle Inc., Metro United Way, National Endowment for the Humanities, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

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Reckoning Inc. will present an African American Genealogy Workshop during Black History Month to help citizens trace their family tree

Immediate Release

(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. will present an Introduction to African American Genealogy workshop on Saturday, February 25h at the St. Stephen Family Life Center, located at 1508 W. Kentucky Street in the Multi-Purpose Room #1 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This workshop is intended for anyone seeking to begin the process of building a family tree—no previous genealogical experience is required. Just come with any information you possess about all known elders in your family. It will be conducted by Denyce Peyton, a professional genealogist with over 25 years of experience who is currently project director for Reckoning, Inc.’s Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project. The workshop is free and open to the public.

For more information about Reckoning, Inc., visit www.reckoninginc.org

If you would like to setup an interview with African American genealogist Denyce Peyton, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications,.com or call 502-341-7306. 

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

Reckoning, Inc. receives funding from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Gheens Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr., and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle Inc., Metro United Way, National Endowment for the Humanities, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

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Reckoning Inc. will present an African American Genealogy Workshop during Black History Month to help citizens trace their family tree

(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. will present an Introduction to African American Genealogy workshop on Saturday, February 11th at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, located at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This workshop is intended for anyone seeking to begin the process of building a family tree—no previous genealogical experience is required. Just come with any information you possess about all known elders in your family. It will be conducted by Denyce Peyton, a professional genealogist with over 25 years of experience who is currently project director for Reckoning, Inc.’s Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project. The workshop is free and open to the public.

For more information about the workshop, visit www.kcaah.org/events. For more information about Reckoning, Inc., visit www.reckoninginc.org

If you would like to setup an interview with African American genealogist Denyce Peyton, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications,.com or call 502-341-7306. 

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

Reckoning, Inc. receives funding from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Gheens Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr., and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle Inc., Metro United Way, National Endowment for the Humanities, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

Reckoning, Inc. to participate in Frazier History Museum event, Help Me Find My People

(Louisville, KY) On Wednesday, February 8th, Louisville-based non-profit organization Reckoning Inc. will participate in an event at the Frazier History Museum entitled Help Me Find My People: How Archival Documents Can Connect African Americans to Enslaved Ancestors.  The event will be held from 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m at the Frazier History Museum, 829 W. Main Street.

For African Americans researching their ancestry, it is a huge challenge to find information about ancestors who lived prior to 1870, the first year that formerly-enslaved Black people appeared by name in the U.S. Census. At the Frazier Museum event, Reckoning, Inc. will discuss a huge breakthrough that is unlocking information and helping Black families to find their enslaved ancestors, thanks to a new collaboration between Nelson County historian Charles Lemons and Reckoning, Inc.  Lemons is the former curator of the Patton Museum at Ft. Knox.

For the past 12 years, Lemons has traveled across the state visiting county courthouses and other archives seeking the names and family relationships of Black people who were enslaved in Kentucky. In 2022, Reckoning, Inc. learned of Lemons’ activities and approached him about publishing his work online and collaborating on future research, built upon Reckoning’s previous research into Kentucky’s Black Civil War soldiers. Thanks to a grant from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Reckoning, Inc. has begun the process of publishing his research on its website, reckoninginc.org, and using it to further its mission to explore the lives of Kentucky’s enslaved people and their descendants.

At this event, Charles Lemons, along with staff and volunteers of Reckoning Inc., will discuss the research they have done so far and how it will help African Americans to break through the “brick wall” of 1870 and learn the identities of their enslaved ancestors. 

Dan Gediman, Executive Director of Reckoning Inc. says “We have worked for the last several years working to connect the dots.  We are now ready to introduce to the public what we have been able to find.  It gives African Americans, particularly those here in Kentucky, a way to connect back to their loved ones. We invite you to come out, learn, and ask questions in hopes of your family being able to connect the dots.”

Rachel Platt, Director of Community Engagement says “We are thrilled to partner with Reckoning, Inc. on this program, and highlight this ongoing research.  It’s information that can be life-changing for thousands of families by opening doors about their ancestry.  It dovetails perfectly into our programming entitled, Bridging the Divide.”

The panel of guests include:

Dan Gediman, Executive Director, Reckoning, Inc.

Abby Posey, Research Director, Reckoning, Inc.

Jackie Burrell, Volunteer Genealogical Researcher, Reckoning, Inc.

Charles Lemons, Military Historian

To register for the program, go to https://www.fraziermuseum.org/calendar/help-me-find-my-people

To learn more about Reckoning Inc go to www.reckoninginc.org

If you would like to setup an interview and/or cover the event contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications,.com or call 502-341-7306. 

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

Reckoning, Inc. receives funding from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Gheens Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr., and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle Inc., Metro United Way, National Endowment for the Humanities, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

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Reckoning Inc. and Roots 101 will hold a news conference to announce a new exhibit on Kentucky’s African American Civil War Soldiers

Media Advisory

(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. and Roots 101 African American Museum will hold a news conference to announce a photographic exhibit entitled We Fought for Our Freedom: Kentucky’s African American Civil War Soldiers.

WHAT: We will officially open the photographic exhibit, which will remain at the museum through December 31, 2022. We will also explain that the soldiers featured in the exhibit were all enslaved men from Kentucky who joined the Union Army’s 108th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, which was founded in Louisville. The regiment was assigned to a military prison in Rock Island, IL, guarding Confederate prisoners.

WHEN: Thursday, November 10th at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Roots 101 African American Museum, located at 124 N. 1st Street, Louisville, KY 40202

WHO:

  • Dan Gediman, Executive Director, Reckoning, Inc.
  • Denyce Peyton, Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project Director, Reckoning, Inc.
  • Lamont Collins, Founder/CEO, Roots 101 African American Museum
  • Descendants of Harrison Mudd, a member of the 123trd U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, also founded in Louisville.

VISUALS: We will have a power point during the program, and you will have an opportunity to tour the exhibit

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit our website reckoninginc.org

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

The Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project is made possible by grants from the Gheens Foundation, J. Graham Brown Foundation, Humana Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, Brown-Forman, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr. and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle, Inc., Sociable Weaver Foundation, Snowy Owl Foundation, Kentucky Humanities, Kentucky Arts Council, Brooke Brown Barzun and Matthew Barzun, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

News Conference Announcement: Reckoning Inc. and Roots 101 will announce a new exhibit remembering some of Kentucky’s Black soldiers just before Veterans Day

(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. and Roots 101 African American Museum will hold a news conference to announce a photographic exhibit entitled We Fought for Our Freedom: Kentucky’s African American Civil War Soldiers.

WHAT: We will officially open the photographic exhibit, which will remain at the museum through December 31, 2022. We will also explain that the soldiers featured in the exhibit were all enslaved men from Kentucky who joined the Union Army’s 108th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, which was founded in Louisville. The regiment was assigned to a military prison in Rock Island, IL, guarding Confederate prisoners.

WHEN: Thursday, November 10th at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Roots 101 African American Museum, located at 124 N. 1st Street, Louisville, KY 40202

WHO: Dan Gediman, Executive Director, Reckoning, Inc.

Denyce Peyton, Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project Director, Reckoning, Inc.

Lamont Collins, Executive Director, Roots 101 African American Museum

Descendants of Charles Mudd, a member of the 108th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment (he is one of five brothers who all served in the Union Army)

VISUALS: We will have a power point during the program, and you will have an opportunity to tour the exhibit

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit our website reckoninginc.org

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

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Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a stop by Roots 101 this weekend to have cookies and coco with some of their biggest fans

Roots 101 African American Museum

Roots 101 African American Museum invites you to “Cookies & Coco with The Clauses”.  Starting Friday, November 4th through Sunday, November 6th. 

Santa and Mrs. Claus will take your holiday 5×7 printed photo for $25.00.  Parents get in free if the child they are accompanying is taking photos.  To make sure each family is satisfied with their photo. Each session is scheduled up to 45 minutes if it is needed. 

There will be even be a special appearance by the Grinch and Black Panther. There will also be three drawing for gifts. 

To schedule your session call 812-207-3433. 

WHO: Roots 101 African American Museum

WHAT: Hosting along with Santa George Smithers “Cookies & Coco with The Clauses”

WHEN: November 4th-6th (Friday through Sunday)

WHERE: Roots 101, 124 N. 1st Street, Louisville

TIME:  Friday and Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.

For additional information on “Cookies & Coco with The Clauses” or to reserve a date for your holiday events, call Lamont Collins at Roots 101 at 502-384-1949.  To learn more about Roots 101 African American Museum visit our website www.roots-=101.org.     

MISS BLACK KENTUCKY USA ANNOUNCES WINNERS IN TEEN, MISS & MS. DIVISIONS

After three days in Louisville winners are announced

From left to right: Miss Ariel Thompson, Ms. Dominique Joy Thompson and Teen Nia Franklin

(Louisville, KY) Tonight, at the Louisville Memorial Auditorium in Louisville, KY. For the first time in more than ten years, a woman was crowned Miss Black Kentucky USA.  Miss Ariel Thompson was crowned in front of some 250 friends, families and newfound fans. 

Each division crowned a representative who will represent the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the next calendar year and will head to the national pageant. 

 Here’s this year’s winners:

Teen division winner is Miss Nia Franklin of Louisville, KY

Miss division winner Miss Ariel Thompson of Louisville, KY

Ms. division winner is Ms. Dominique Joy Thompson of Louisville, KY (Hometown Chicago, Il)

Just minutes after her win, Thompson says “It is amazing! To finally win something. I always get second and/or third but to win it feels surreal.” 

Dr. Ashley Anderson says “It was truly a night to remember. To hear the audience cheering for the young ladies brought tears to my eyes. These ladies have worked hard and will represent this pageant in a grand way, and I’m so honored to have played a part in their journey.” 

This evening, thousands of dollars of scholarship money was awarded along with Miss Congeniality, Volunteer and People’s Choice Awards.

The birth of the Miss Black Kentucky USA franchise is one that will have an impact on young women of Kentucky for generations to come. Beyond the scholarships that will be awarded in Miss, Ms., and Teen divisions, the life skills programming will be sure to elevate the minds and lives of all participants. It will groom leaders, shed light on issues of concern in the community, and meaningfully fund the educational pursuits of Black women in Kentucky. It is my intent that this program becomes the largest scholarship funding source for young women of color across Kentucky.

Stay tuned for details of the pageant Miss Ariel Thompson will attend plus how you can be a part of Miss Black Kentucky USA 2023. 

To have setup an interview with any of our winner, please contact VIPP Communications at mail@vippcommunications.com.

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Photo courtesy: Terrence Humphrey