Protesters ask people to boycott Derby and Oaks, promising to hold mass demonstrations all week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Protesters are promising to do whatever it takes to get what they say is justice, including holding mass demonstrations during Kentucky Derby weekend.

The Justice and Freedom Coalition posted a message on Facebook on Wednesday in which Pastor Tim Findley, the group's leader, said Louisville has no reason to celebrate anything with the Breonna Taylor investigation still in progress.

"I don't feel like anybody in the Black community feels like we should be celebrating horses running around a track right now," Findley said.

Sitting down with WDRB News on Wednesday evening, Findley called for people to boycott the Run for the Roses and Oaks Day as a sign of solidarity.

"We're calling on Churchill Downs; we're calling on any corporate sponsor, any event planner, to really take a strong look at the plans that they have for this year's Kentucky Derby," Findley said.

Findley said no event related to the Derby will be untouchable for protesters. He said the events feed the economy of a city that doesn't serve its people with equality.

Findley did not elaborate on the demonstrations, saying he wouldn't discuss strategy, but he stressed the city should prepare for Derby protests on a large scale, while all eyes are on Louisville.

"On that day, absolutely, the world is watching," he said. "The message needs to be seen; the message needs to be heard; the message needs to be felt that we are not okay here; this is not right what's going on."

It's not the first time protesters have set their sights on the Derby, Louisville's largest celebration.

Rev. Charles Elliott spoke with WDRB News about his experiences marching in Louisville in 1967 with Dr. Martin Luther King. Those fighting for equal rights on the front lines had plans to protest at the Kentucky Derby that year.

"We had made a major plan to go out to the Derby, and some of us was going to go out on the track and sit down," Elliott said.

Protests against housing discrimination surged ahead of the 1967 Derby. Historical archives say "No Housing, No Derby" became the slogan of the demonstrations. Eventually, after meeting with city leadership, Elliott said King decided to call off the sit-in at Churchill Downs.

"I think it was the right decision because once I get your attention, then it's good for us to sit down and talk about the issue," he said.

Interestingly enough, Elliott said he advised those organizing demonstrations this year not to protest around Derby 146 events. He said he worries about the negative economic impact that could have on the city.

Findley, however, said that's the point.

"Police reform is just one equation here; it's really economic injustice that's happening," he said. "We all know about the 9th Street divide. If those corporations were to come in and collectively put money, invest into the west end, into the Newburg area, we would see, I think, a transformation in our city."