Frankfort, Kentucky — Governor Andy Beshear, alongside Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman and the Kentucky Commission on Women, recently inducted four remarkable women into the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit. This portrait gallery, which honors the contributions of women in Kentucky, is located in the West Wing of the state Capitol.
During the induction ceremony, held on [insert date], Gov. Beshear emphasized the significance of recognizing the impactful roles women play in the commonwealth. “What we choose to hold in a place of honor in our Capitol demonstrates our shared priorities and our overarching values,” he said. “Here in Kentucky, we recognize the incredible contributions of women to our commonwealth.”
A selection panel unanimously recommended the four women to be honored in the exhibit:
- Alberta O. Jones: A pioneering civil rights activist and the first African American woman to pass the Kentucky Bar, Jones made significant strides in Louisville. Tragically murdered at the age of 35 in 1965, her case remains unsolved. Jones also participated in civil rights marches and played a vital role in educating African Americans about voting rights.
- Ada Limón: A celebrated poet, Limón has authored six poetry collections, with her work “The Carrying” earning the National Book Critics Circle Award. In 2022, she was appointed the 24th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. Limón’s project “You Are Here” aims to connect audiences with the natural world through poetry.
- Amanda Matthews: An internationally recognized sculptor and designer, Matthews has made her mark on public art in Kentucky. As CEO of Prometheus Art and chair of the Kentucky Oral History Commission, she advocates for equity through her work. Matthews was instrumental in the creation of the Kentucky COVID Memorial and fought for recognition of women in Kentucky’s history.
- Kim Michele Richardson: A native of Louisville, Richardson is a prolific author and advocate who highlights Kentucky’s culture and heritage. Her work has earned her accolades from prominent publications, and she was recently honored with a Doctor of Humanities degree from Eastern Kentucky University for her contributions to the arts and culture in Kentucky.
Gov. Beshear expressed pride in the induction, stating, “I am so proud that each of these women will have their portrait hung forever in our Capitol. Now, your images and stories will be a daily reminder for current and future generations of what it means to be an outstanding Kentucky woman.”
Lieutenant Governor Coleman highlighted the importance of these achievements for future generations, saying, “The four trailblazers added to the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit highlight the incredible impact these women had on the commonwealth.” She noted her commitment to elevating women’s voices and addressing barriers to equity through the work of the Kentucky Commission on Women.
The Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit, which began at the 1978 Kentucky State Fair, has since found a permanent home at the Capitol, showcasing the remarkable lives and contributions of many outstanding Kentucky women throughout history.
