Frankfort, Ky. (June 16, 2025) - Today, building on the New Kentucky Home initiative, Gov. Andy Beshear joined tourism and community leaders at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville to unveil a new statewide African American Heritage Trail featuring more than 50 sites that showcase how African Americans and their communities helped shape Kentucky and the nation.

Ahead of the Juneteenth holiday, the unveiling marks a significant step in celebrating and preserving the contributions of African American people across Kentucky and beyond. Thanks to an executive order by Gov. Beshear last year, Juneteenth is officially an executive branch holiday.

“The trail not only keeps stories alive but also revives stories that have been forgotten. It’s time we shined a light on our past so we can build a better future together,” Gov. Beshear said. “By recognizing these historical sites as tourism destinations, the trail boosts local economies, supports small businesses and creates job opportunities in our new Kentucky home.”

Spearheaded by the Kentucky Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Heritage Council, the trail was developed to blend historical accuracy with cultural richness. The initiative not only brings Kentucky’s diverse stories to the forefront but also ensures that they are preserved and accessible for generations to come.

In addition to Gov. Beshear, several key community leaders were in attendance. Speakers included DeVone Holt, CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center; Betty Dobson, executive director of the Hotel Metropolitan and member of the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission; and Yvonne Giles, accomplished historian and author of Lexington’s African American Heritage Tour.

“This trail embodies the power of blending education, preservation and tourism,” said Lindy Casebier, secretary of the Tourism Arts and Heritage Cabinet. “By elevating local history, the people, places and often untold stories that shaped it, we are able to create meaningful and memorable visitor experiences.” “I’m very proud that the Muhammad Ali Center is part of the Kentucky African American Heritage Trail,” said Devone Holt, president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. “We are excited to launch this landmark initiative from the Muhammad Ali Center, a place that celebrates one of the commonwealth’s greatest sons. I’m grateful to Gov. Beshear and Team Kentucky for prioritizing this work and for their continued partnership to bring greater visibility to the stories of Black Kentuckians.”

“The Kentucky African American Heritage Trail is a great addition to Kentucky’s thriving tourism industry,” said Betty Dobson, executive director of the Hotel Metropolitan. “The Kentucky African American Heritage Trail is for everyone. These sites will give traveling Americans a chance to experience the African American culture in a positive way, while creating goodwill and a better understanding of one another.”

The trail’s logo symbolizes the idea that no path is a straight line, just as Kentucky’s African American heritage is deeply embedded throughout the state. Spanning the commonwealth, the trail includes a wide range of sites, such as the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace in Hodgenville, the African American Heritage Center

in Franklin, Berea College, Cherokee State Park in Hardin, the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, and Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate in Lexington, and many more. The full African American Heritage Trail is viewable on Apple Maps and the Kentucky Tourism website.

“This trail not only highlights the pivotal role African Americans have played in shaping Kentucky but also enhances the travel experience by offering authentic, meaningful connections to our shared heritage,” said Mike Mangeot, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Tourism. “Visitors are increasingly seeking immersive cultural experiences, and this initiative is a powerful way to showcase the depth and diversity of Kentucky’s story.”

More than just a historical experience, the trail also complements Gov. Beshear’s broader New Kentucky Home initiative by inviting visitors to not only discover but also connect with the communities, places and people that have shaped them. It reinforces the message that Kentucky is a place for growth, both personally and professionally, and oKers opportunities for belonging and new beginnings. Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last five years is a direct reflection of the Beshear administration’s continued investments in the tourism
industry.

To capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear announced New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth.

Last week, the Governor announced that 2024 was the strongest year on record for tourism, generating $14.3 billion in economic impact and supporting 97,394 jobs. This milestone marks the third straight record-breaking year for tourism in Kentucky.

In December 2024, Gov. Beshear announced that the commonwealth achieved another historic milestone, marking a new record with 10 new tourism development projects that are set to generate an estimated $256 million in economic investment. These projects also are expected to create 1,696 jobs once operational.

This past January, Gov. Beshear announced that 87 tourism marketing organizations across 80 counties are receiving $2 million through the Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program.

In 2022, Gov. Beshear announced $75 million in ARPA funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy. Previously, the Governor dedicated $5.3 million in federal funding to 103 tourism and destination marketing organizations in 88 Kentucky counties.

Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, 33 tourism development projects totaling an estimated investment of $1 billion have received final approval. Once operational, these projects will create roughly 4,825 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.

About Kentucky Department of Tourism The Kentucky Department of Tourism works to promote the commonwealth as a premier travel destination. Through strategic marketing initiatives and tourism programs, the department elevates Kentucky’s unique cultural and natural assets, from scenic landscapes to vibrant heritage. For more information, visit www.kentuckytourism.com.

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