Forums examine King vision, black student unions, horse racing, equal rights

The University of Louisville-Yearlings Club spring forum series will mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Women’s History Month and Kentucky Derby time with discussions about black student unions, equal justice and the horse racing industry.

The UofL College of Arts and Sciences’ international, diversity and engagement programs office offers the free, public forums in partnership with the Yearlings civic club. The series, part of the Signature Partnership Initiative, seeks to bring faculty and the public together to share expertise, discuss issues and forge common bonds.

The series will open with a Jan. 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day program, “2020: A Dream and a Vision,” at 1 p.m. at The Playhouse, 1911 S. Third St., on UofL’s Belknap Campus. Kellie Watson, Louisville Metro chief equity officer, will speak during the program co-sponsored by the African American Theatre Program. A 3:30 p.m. reception will follow at the Yearlings Club, 4309 W. Broadway.

The other events run 4-6 p.m. on Sundays from February through April at the club, 4309 W. Broadway. The first 2020 forums are:

Feb. 23 -- “Black History Month Program: Impact of Black Student Unions, Past and Present.” Panelists will discuss the history of the establishment of black student unions during the late 1960s and the impact of those organizations today.

March 15 – “Women’s History Month Program.”

April 19 – “History, Heritage and Contributions of African Americans in Horse Racing.”

Established in 1951, the Yearlings Club Inc. includes representatives from corporate, government and private organizations. The club promotes civic responsibility, community service and leadership development.

For more information, contact Clest Lanier at 502-852-3042 or cvlani01@louisville.edu.