Kentucky Black Trailblazers Experience is a federally funded, multicounty project that aims to educate and draw in more visitors 

SIMPSONVILLE, KY - In honor of Black History Month, Gov. Andy Beshear joined tourism officials and local leaders Monday to highlight the multicounty tourism initiative Kentucky Black Trailblazers in Simpsonville. During the visit, Gov. Beshear highlighted the importance of investing in tourism and encouraged the public to explore these enriching New Kentucky Home experiences.

“As we celebrate Black History Month, the Kentucky Black Trailblazers Experience honors the profound contributions of Black Kentuckians throughout history by showcasing the diverse narratives that shape the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “By investing in tourism, we enrich our communities, and this trail exemplifies our commitment to sharing Kentucky’s rich stories, offering travelers and locals a unique and authentic experience.”

The tourism experience provides an immersive exploration of influential Black figures from Kentucky’s past. Using cutting-edge augmented reality technology, the project transforms history into a captivating, educational journey, showcasing the rich narratives that define Kentucky’s cultural landscape. This initiative is a collaborative effort among Shelby, Jefferson, Hardin, Bullitt, Oldham and Nelson counties. The support was a part of the $75 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding announced by the Governor in 2022 to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy.

“The commonwealth has an abundant history involving Black Kentuckians; we are proud to share their stories through the Kentucky Black Trailblazers Experience,” said Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “We encourage folks to take advantage of this exciting new tourism initiative throughout Black History Month and beyond. Bring your family and friends along to discover fascinating historic figures while exploring local communities.”

The Kentucky Black Trailblazers site in Simpsonville, located at Fred Wiche Park, features Whitney M. Young Jr., a pivotal civil rights leader who played a key role in the fight for racial equality in America. The Kentucky Black Trailblazers Trail features stories including Oliver Lewis, the first winner of the Kentucky Derby, world-renowned boxer and activist Muhammad Ali, African American combat unit the Harlem Hellfighters and many more. To learn more about site visits and featured stories, visit kentuckyblacktrailblazers.com.

“The city of Simpsonville is honored to play a small part in this amazing educational opportunity. It would not have been possible without the hard work of ShelbyKY Tourism,” said Simpsonville Mayor Ronnie Sowder. “We would like to thank Gov. Beshear and our legislators for securing the funding for this project.”

“The Kentucky Black Trailblazers Experience is a powerful tribute to the influential Black figures who have shaped our state’s history. As we celebrate Black History Month, this immersive journey not only honors their legacies but also educates and inspires both locals and visitors,” said Louisville Tourism President and CEO Cleo Battle. “Investing in tourism is crucial for our community’s growth and cultural enrichment. We credit ARPA funding in helping bring this innovative project to life, allowing us to elevate Black voices and share their stories with future visitors in a transformative way.”

“ShelbyKY Tourism is honored to be part of the Kentucky Black Trailblazers Augmented Reality Experience. This project would not have been possible without the vital support of ARPA funding, and we are deeply grateful to Gov. Beshear and our legislators for their commitment to preserving and sharing Kentucky’s rich and diverse heritage,” said Shelby County Tourism President and CEO Jannette Marson. “Thanks to their investment, we can provide visitors with a first-of-its-kind experience that educates, inspires and ensures these important stories are never forgotten.”

To capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear recently?announced?New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth. 

Last year, the Governor?announced that 2023 was the best year on record for tourism, with $13.8 billion in economic impact and 95,222 jobs. This followed a record-breaking 2022 when he announced that tourism had generated more than $12.9 billion in economic impact and secured 91,668 jobs in Kentucky that year. 

Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last five years is a direct reflection of the Beshear administration’s continued investments in the tourism industry.

In January, Gov. Beshear announced that 87 tourism marketing organizations across 80 counties are receiving $2 million through the Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program.  

In December 2024, Gov. Beshear?announced?that the commonwealth achieved another historic milestone, marking a new record with 10 new tourism development projects set to generate an estimated $256 million in economic investment. These projects also are expected to create 1,696 jobs once operational.  

The state’s bourbon and spirits industry recorded its?best year?for growth in 2022, with over $2.1 billion in new investments and approximately 700 new jobs for Kentucky residents. The sector followed with a strong 2023, including $713.8 million in new investments and 229 full-time jobs. Since the start of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced roughly 100 new location and expansion projects within the bourbon and spirits sector, contributing to over $4.2 billion in new investments and more than 1,800 full-time jobs for Kentuckians. 

In 2022, Gov. Beshear?announced?$75 million in ARPA funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy. Previously, the Governor dedicated?$5.3 million in federal funding?to 103 tourism and destination marketing organizations in 88 Kentucky counties. 

Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,100 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $35 billion in announced investments, creating more than 60,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and $14 billion more than the next highest total.

Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, 33 tourism development projects totaling an estimated investment of $1 billion have received final approval. Once operational, these projects will create roughly 4,825 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history. 

For the latest?Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet?updates, follow the cabinet on?Facebook,?X,?Instagram?or?LinkedIn. To learn more about tourism and arts in Kentucky, visit?tah.ky.gov.