
Things are revving up in the East End
April 2009 saw a tremendous explosion of energy in the neighborhood:
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April 7 – East End/Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden Friend Raiser lunch – the gathering of many diverse groups and viewpoints is to promote and educate about the many wonderful things occurring in the East End and specifically designed to ensure a broad city-wide turnout for the “Event in the Tent” described below.
UPDATE: Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden/East End Friend-Raiser a Huge Success!
Over 65 people filled the beautiful Tuska Art Gallery on Old Park Avenue on April 7th to demonstrate their support for the many wonderful things beginning in the East End. Despite the snowy gloom outside, spirits were warm inside.
After a great lunch, the crowd heard the details of the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden and its role in helping to spur the Third Street/East End revival. The garden is dedicated to the first jockey ever inducted into the Hall of Fame, whose legacy of connections and deeper meaning inspires us today.
We heard from David Cozart, chair of the IMMAG board, 1st District Councilwoman Andrea James, and Mayor Jim Newberry. All spoke passionately about the importance of the projects gaining momentum in the East End.
The primary purpose of the event was to spur the attendees to bring themselves, their colleagues, and their friends and family to the “event in the tent” on April 23. We need a broad turnout to demonstrate that this neighborhood and garden truly has a city-wide importance.
We need everyone who reads this to come out on the 23rd as well! Now is the time!






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April 15-17 – Community Development Corporation discussions with Bryon Marshall, head of the Austin TX community redevelopment organization. A community development corporation is an organization charged with revitalizing an area – with people who wake up every day thinking “how can we move things forward?”
UPDATE: Meetings another success! Over 75 people participated in a series of sessions. Moving forward comes next - stay tuned!



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April 21 – Born Learning Trail Dedication at William Wells Brown School during Earth Week. The Born Learning Trail features ten signs and stations along a path with activities that encourage everyday, teachable moments with young children. This trail is the first one in Kentucky! Thanks to a great partnership between the Legacy Center at Blue Grass Community Foundation, the Knight Foundation, United Way of the Bluegrass, and the Fayette County Public Schools.
Check it out yourself: William Wells Brown School in the East End - Corner of Nelson and 6th Street.
DEDICATION TUESDAY, APRIL 21
The wind blew hard, but it only made us laugh! School Superintendent Stu Silberman, Mayor Newberry, First District Councilwoman Andrea James and Legacy Center Director Steve Austin were joined by 75 singing and smiling young people to officially open the Born Learning Trail.





ITS TAKING SHAPE - LEGACY CENTER,KNIGHT FOUNDATION, UNITED WAY, AND FAYETTE COUNTY SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS ARE GETTING IT DONE!


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April 23 – “Event in the Tent!” AWESOME!!! - Well over 300 people from all parts of the city dropped in to our party on the site of the Issac Murphy Memorial Art Garden to celebrate not only the beginning of that project but the resurgence of the East End as well. We had a great message, a variety of exhibitors including original art relating to African Americans in the Thoroughbred industry called Too Black Too Fast, fun kids events, great food, and a rockin band. Hall of Fame Jockey Chris McCarron talked about the historical importance of Isaac to the sport. We heard about the design for the garden, how it will tell stories of Isaac's life, as well as other African American jockeys all within a sustainable setting.
Fund-raising now begins in earnest to make the vision of this Garden a reality. Contact us to learn how you can help.






















