The Notebook: Courageously Embodying Hope 🌼

The Week of May 6, 2024

We’ve been reflecting on courage lately. As we’ve witnessed spring unfold, we’ve also had the opportunity to feel our own thinking and imagining blossom. Inspired by the many brave spirits we’ve encountered lately, so blooms a readiness to delve deeper into new conversations, a preparedness to challenge the status quo. 

We’ve seen this challenge to try new things permeate our region lately. The Baldwin-King Project was launched to build a community of the curious and to share in community-building dialogues. Below you’ll also learn more about the volunteers of Guns to Gardens who hope to literally transform the landscape of Louisville by turning guns into art. 

Inspired by the Festival of Faiths, Professor Roger S. Gottlieb was inspired to speak up about global economic forces contributing to climate change and opioid addiction in his latest book. The novel, The Sacrifice Zone, is an impassioned resistance to apathy. It offered us a clear reminder that the courage to care and involved in politics and policy is always a fight worth fighting. 

We were also heartened this month to learn that the Lexington Diocese – in the heart of coal country, no less – committed to net-zero emissions. The National Catholic Reporter published an article on the institution’s courage to embody a better future

Perhaps one of the most profound forms of courage is the willingness to vulnerably turn inward and examine our own actions. The Enneagram Prison Program challenges the incarcerated to do the inner work of forgiveness and to manifest the courage to be hopeful.  We were unbelievably moved by last year’s Festival of Faiths panel with organization leaders and the brave individuals who went through the curriculum. As it turns out, the initiative has now even caught the attention of Oprah! 

“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.” ― Thomas Merton

As you are enjoying the grandeur of our exciting Derby atmosphere, we hope you’ll take the time to also engage in conversations about how to make our great city even greater. We hope May finds you ready to be bold!

Documentary Screening: This is The Ohio
May 10th - 8:00-10:00pm - Big Four Bridge

The Ohio River Way and the Kentucky Waterways Alliance in conjunction with Waterfront Park, the Downtown Development Authority, and River City Paddle Sports are hosting an outdoor documentary screening using the using the Big Four Bridge as a screen.
Bring your lawn chairs and your friends!
For more on the film, check out this brief synopsis
Additional upcoming screenings and events, including the Wild & Scenic Red River Fest (May 18-19) can be found here
Image of Louisville Blacksmith Craig Kaviar over his forge at Kaviar Gallery. He is turning gun metal in sculpture.
"KET Presents: Guns to Gardens, Swords to Ploughshares"
KET's Kentucky Life has produced a compelling and thoughtful segment on the local Guns to Gardens initiative. The six-minute feature speaks to local volunteers and Louisville artist and blacksmith Craig Kavair on their efforts to turn unwanted guns into lawn art and garden tools. Click the title link to watch the short, compelling episode.

Want to get involved? You may consider participating in the upcoming safe-surrender event in early June (
see details below). To add to the media excitement, WDRB also recently reported on the upcoming gun violence reduction event

INTERESTED IN ORGANIZING AN OHIO RIVER CLEAN-UP? 


Between March and October, you can request supplies, including trash bags, gloves, and t-shirts using this registration form thanks to the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission.

Grab your pals and prioritize the wellness of our waterways!

Be sure to submit your request at least two weeks prior to your Ohio River Sweep date.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to share resources to help you #breakthestigma in your own home, workplace, and community.
For guidance on how to start the conversation, visit the following: 
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