Kentucky celebrates women’s contributions at the capitol

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Women have and continue to play a role in Kentucky’s story. For Women’s History Month, their contributions were celebrated at the capitol on Monday.

The capitol rotunda was filled for this celebration of women, and to make it official, new portraits of these women were unveiled. They’ll be added to the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit in the halls of the capitol.

The new portraits are of Alberta Jones, a member of the Louisville Urban League, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, before her passing in 1965. Her portrait was painted by Sarah Clevenger from Jefferson County.

Fayette County Artist Deborah Slone painted Ada Limón’s portrait. In July 2022, Ada was appointed as the 24th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress.

Kim Michelle Richardson’s portrait was painted by Yanya Yang from Fayette County. Kim is a native Kentuckian and resident of Louisville, whose storytelling captures the essence of her passion for the people of Kentucky. She is a New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today author and advocate whose stories resonate with readers, transcending geographic boundaries and instilling a sense of appreciation for the culture and heritage of her beloved Kentucky.

Amanda Matthews’s portrait was made by Ming Xuan Talley from Jefferson County. Amanda is an internationally recognized sculptor/designer of public art and the space it inhabits, and she designed the Covid memorial at the Kentucky Capitol, as well as the statue of Nettie Depp, the first female public official in the county as superintendent of the Barren County Schools in Glasgow.

“My efforts have never been to bring attention to myself, but to bring attention to others whose voices should be lifted up. This is truly an honor,” Matthews said.

This exhibit features women like Governor Martha Layne Collins, Kentucky’s first female governor. But there are countless stories of women who have left their mark on Kentucky, and the Kentucky Commission on Women is looking to have these stories told. Lucy Gentry is the chair of this commission.

“Today, the mission of the Kentucky Commission on Women is to strengthen, empower, and elevate women and girls throughout the commonwealth,” Gentry said.

It’s a mission state leaders like Lieutenant Governor Jac​queline Coleman and Governor Andy Beshear want to get behind, making sure these stories continue as the commonwealth goes forward.

“Since the founding of our commonwealth and our country, women have made extraordinary contributions to society, and our way of life. For too long, these accomplishments were not celebrated. That’s why this exhibit and the work being done by Kentucky’s Commission on Women is vital,” Coleman said.

“Here in Kentucky, we recognize the incredible contributions of the women of our commonwealth. At a time when the U.S. Department of Defense refuses to celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re going to do so loudly and proudly here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” Beshear added.

At the end of the event, Governor Beshear signed a proclamation designating March as Women’s History Month in Kentucky.