Honoring a Trailblazer: The R.C.O. Benjamin Marker Dedication
Gatton Park on the Town Branch
795 Manchester St, Lexington, Kentucky 40507
4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
This year, SoulFeast Week is proud to team up with the Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative and Bluegrass Community Foundation for the historic unveiling and dedication of the R.C.O. Benjamin marker.
Years in the making, this tribute was created in partnership with the Equal Justice Initiative to honor a man whose courage is deeply baked into the soil of Lexington. R.C.O. Benjamin was a brilliant lawyer, journalist, and activist who fought fiercely for the dignity of Black Americans. Tragically, in 1900, he was targeted and killed right here in our city for his efforts to register Black voters.
Given the challenges we see across America today, Benjamin's mission is more timely than ever. His legacy is a powerful reminder that our vote is our voice.
The dedication will feature inspiring poetry, live performances, and a community celebration of his legacy.