March on Frankfort commemorates 60th anniversary of Freedom March in Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- One of the most prolific civil rights leaders marched at Kentucky's state capitol 60 years ago to the day.

In 1964, more than 10,000 people participated in the Freedom March on Frankfort. It was attended by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jackie Robinson and other civil rights activists. The march six decades ago was coordinated locally by the Allied Organization for Civil Rights' officers Frank Stanley Jr., Dr. Olof Anderson, Rev. John Loftus and Eric Tachau, according to University of Louisville Library archives.

Jackie Robinson, Georgia Powers in Frankfort 1964.jpg — Jackie Robinson and Georgia Powers walk through Frankfort, Kentucky in 1964 during the Freedom March. (*Photo courtesy of University of Louisville Photography Archives*)

The state passed the Kentucky Civil Rights Act of 1966, becoming the first state south of the Mason-Dixon Line to pass its own state-level Civil Rights Act. The law prohibited discrimination in accommodations or employment based on race, national origin, color or religion.

At the time, King said it was a "milestone for a southern state" and would "serve as a great beacon light of hope for all men of goodwill and inspire other states to follow suit."

According to the Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky was also the first state in the south to establish enforcement power over civil rights violations at the state level.

Tuesday, thousands stepped in time to commemorate the day 60 years ago. It was a symbol of marching toward justice for King, future state Sen. Georgia Davis Powers and Robinson.

"Montgomery County NAACP was here in 1964 and 60 years later I am here," Valerie Scott said.

The march on Tuesday brought out people from the neighborhood, elected officials, activities, community leaders and students.

IMAGES | 'March on Frankfort' held for 60th anniversary of Freedom March in Kentucky

"While we've made a lot of progress since Dr. King marched here on Frankfort, we have a lot of work to do and a lot of harm to stop," Gov. Andy Beshear said to the crowd.

State Sen. Gerald Neal reflected on how Kentucky led the charge decades ago.

"It was a bold declaration that Kentucky, our commonwealth was ready to lead the south out of the shadows of segregation and discrimination," Neal said.

At 91 years old, Louisville activist Mattie Jones spoke against injustice and racism.

"When I came here 60 years ago I was a young woman, but God has blessed me to be part of the old generation," Jones said.

Kentucky State University's choir serenaded the crowd, just like the musical group did decades ago.

One of the march's participate wore clothes reminiscent of that cold rainy day in March back in 1964.

"I brought my grandparents today with me in my heart and with my clothes to honor them because they were part of the fight back in the day," Mary West said.

Diversity reigned supreme with the crowd's chorus, "we are better together, we are better together."