The City has launched the ‘A Sense of Place’ initiative to recognize and preserve historic Black hamlets in Lexington.
“Our rural Black hamlets are very important to the rich culture and history of Lexington. It is very important that we do all that we can to respect and uplift these communities,” said Mayor Linda Gorton.
A steering committee has been formed to focus on informing city leaders and the public about what the hamlets represent, and what needs to happen to preserve the history of the property.
“A Sense of Place is just as much about the people, as it is about the places where these hamlets are, or once were,” said Tiffany Brown, Lexington Equity and Implementation Officer and ‘A Sense of Place’ Committee Chair. “The perseverance and resilience of the families, community, and their connection to agriculture, education, and religious traditions is a testament to the long legacy of our shared power and collective history.”
More than 20 historic hamlets have been identified in Fayette County. They are located in rural areas that hold public services and buildings.
In 1990, the Cadentown community came together and organized the preservation of the Cadentown Rosenwald school. It was important for the community to respect the history and culture that the building and property held.
‘A Sense of Place’ will raise funds to complete restoration of the historic Cadentown property, including the cemetery. Funds will also be used to create spaces that may be used by the community, and create a permanent home for the history of Lexington’s hamlets.
“This is very much a grassroots, community-based project, and one that our community has already shown much interest in and support for,” said Councilmember Kathy Plomin. “Our rural Black hamlets deserve recognition and celebration for their historical impact on the evolution of Lexington. The monies raised through the ‘A Sense of Place’ capital campaign will provide funding for the renovation of the Rosenwald school and grounds to ultimately serve as a history center for all the artifacts and family stories of our rural Fayette County Black hamlets. It is long overdue recognition.”
In efforts to restore the Cadentown Rosenwald School, the steering committee has received $130,000 in fundraising efforts, including $105,000 from the Council Offices of Councilmembers Kathy Plomin, Chuck Ellinger, Dave Sevigny, Preston Worley, Whitney Baxter, and James Brown. An additional $25,000 has been donated from corporate sponsor, Columbia Gas of Kentucky.
“As a company committed to diversity and inclusion, Columbia Gas of Kentucky is proud to support this effort and celebrate Black history and achievement in our community,” said Kimra Cole, Chief Operating Officer of Columbia Gas of Kentucky.
For more information regarding the ‘A Sense of Place’ initiative, contact the steering committee at lexingtonhamletsproject@gmail.com.
