Diversity

Meet Lexington, Kentucky

Diversity

Why Lexington, Kentucky?


We’re proud to have so many cultures, ethnicities and traditions represented and celebrated here in Lexington. From thriving cultural centers and events to official policies and protections, Lexington is a place where all are welcome—making it a great place for groups and events celebrating diversity.

Lexpert Spotlight

Lexington is home to some pretty smart folks. Get in touch to see how one of our local leaders in diversity can help make your meeting a big hit.

Dr. Katrice A. Albert

Vice President, University of Kentucky Office of Institutional Diversity

Area of Focus - Counseling Psychologist, Higher Education Access, Opportunity, and Success Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, Belonging Books and Book Chapters on Travon Martin, Racial Battle Fatigue in Higher Education, Diversity in Higher Education, Community University Partnerships

Craig Cammack

Community Outreach Liason, Lexington-Fayette County Urban Government

Area of Focus - LGBTQ Relations, Neighborhood Engagement, School Partnerships and Veterans Affairs

Dr. Nicole L. Martin

Director, Inclusive Excellence and Diversity Education, University of Kentucky

Area of Focus - Diversity/Inclusion Education, Anti-Bias Facilitation

Dale Morgan

Founder & CEO, FOUNDATION47

Area of Focus - Financial Literacy, Keynote and Motivational Speaking, Commercials, and Lifestyle Magazine Print

Kay Sargent

Executive Director, Lexington Sister Cities

Area of Focus - Engaging Different Cultures, Academic Exchanges, International Group Travel

What Makes Us Unique?

Diversity in Lexington

African-American Heritage

Both notable and unsung African-American citizens are celebrated within the downtown African-American Heritage Trail and African-American Jockeys of the Kentucky Derby along the Legacy Trail.

The Lyric Theater

Opened in 1948, the Lyric Theatre, in the historically African-American East End, has hosted artists like Ray Charles, Count Basie and B.B. King. Today it is a thriving artistic and cultural center.

Cultural Celebrations

Our packed cultural events calendar includes the Roots & Heritage Festival—recognized as one of the Top 10 festivals in Kentucky--the Festival Latino de Lexington, and the Lexington Pride Festival.

Global Lex

Operated by our local government, this multilingual, multidisciplinary center serves local residents and our foreign-born population, helping them obtain information and access programs and services.

Community Centers

In addition to Global Lex (which includes an international art gallery), Lexington has multiple centers to serve our cultural communities, including a new Hispanic Community Center opening soon.

185 Languages

Approximately 185 languages are spoken in Lexington. The top ten you might hear around town? Spanish, Swahili, Arabic, Japanese, Nepali, French, Mandarin, Kinyarwanda, Korean and Portuguese.

Fairness Ordinance

In 1999, we were the first local government in Kentucky to pass a county-wide, fully-inclusive Fairness Ordinance, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Serving the LGBTQ+ Community

The Lexington Mayor’s Office and the Division of Police both have LGBTQ Liaisons. In 2021, Lexington received a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign based on its inclusivity.

Religious Diversity

Lexington is home to more than 50 denominations and religious groups, with 230+ churches, synagogues, mosques and temples. We’re proud to welcome all with our unique brand of Southern hospitality.

“UK named a 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity recipient and a 2020 Diversity Champion”

- INSIGHT Into Diversity

“#9 among the Friendliest Cities in the U.S.”

- Conde Nast Traveler 2020

“One of the Best Weekend Getaways in the U.S.”

- AFAR

“Top 10 Bucket List Destination”

- USA Today

Meet Your Personal Sales and Service Representative

Stephen Barnett Director of Destination Sales

Religious, Medical, Fraternal - Greek, Diversity, Corporate (100 peak rooms or more)

Featured Unique Venues

From unique to unexpected, choose a venue that makes your meeting truly one-of-a-kind.

903 Venues

903 Manchester Street, Lexington, KY, 40511
(859) 608-5069

Located in the heart of Lexington's Historic Distillery District, 903 Venues hosts events in a...

21c Museum Hotel

167 West Main Street, Lexington, KY, 40507
(859) 899-6800

More than a hotel, 21c Lexington welcomes both visitors and locals to experience art, participate in...

Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center

300 East Third Street, Lexington, KY, 40508
(859) 280-2201

Originally opened in 1948, the Lyric Theatre was a thriving cultural centerpiece for Lexington's...

The Kentucky Castle

230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY, 40383
(859) 256-0322

This famous landmark was first built as a private residence. Tours of the castle and grounds are...

Featured Attractions

Lexington is a special place. Give your attendees a uniquely Lexington experience they’ll rave about for years to come.

Visit Horse Country

321 Merino Street, Lexington, KY, 40508
(859) 963-1004

Visit Horse Country provides a central booking outlet for member horse farms and medical equine...

Keeneland Racecourse

4201 Versailles Road, Lexington, KY, 40510
(859) 254-3412

With its tranquil setting and lovely stone fences and buildings, this national historic landmark is...

Red Mile Gaming and Racing

1200 Red Mile Road, Lexington, KY, 40504
(859) 255-0752

Red Mile Gaming & Racing is the second oldest harness racing track in the world and one of the...

Buffalo Trace Distillery

113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY, 40601
(502) 696-5926

One of America's oldest continuously operating distilleries, even staying open during Prohibition....

Intellectual Capital By Market Segment

We have something to offer groups and meetings of all types from religious to medical, equine, and more.

READY TO BOOK YOUR LEXINGTON meeting?