JusticeFest brings many upcoming opportunities for students wanting to help their community early on. The festival, run by Park Community Credit Union, marks its sixth year with the Kentucky Derby Festival. Grades 3-12 who attend JCPS pitch ideas to propose solutions to community issues. Students then present their ideas to community leaders. Topics range from inequality issues, homelessness, and much more that affect our community on the daily. Students can apply through the Kentucky Derby Festival, and also find more helpful information.
Atherton’s Black Student Union (BSU) participated in the event. Bianca Phoenix (12), the president of the club, took part in the festival in 7th grade and wanted to give the chance to BSU. Their first mock up idea was to bring more community-based murals to Louisville. However, the idea was turned down by the organizers. The club decided to push with a better idea. Their second idea would impact the community even more; more bus stops. Starting out first, the bus stops would be around schools, specifically in the Chickasaw area. In the future, the club hopes to expand bus stops all throughout Louisville. After many meetings, discussions, and a collaborated effort, the finalized plan came to life.
Bianca Phoenix was the brains behind the project. She wanted to give her community a safer environment when it came to waiting for a bus. Over seven thousand bus stops surround the Louisville metro area where most are simply a sign. Only approximately 200 locations have benches and shelter, which results in safety issues. Thousands of Louisvillians who ride the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) complain of late delays, crime, or environmental hazards when waiting at the bus stop. Phoenix created a presentation for the club to discuss any issues, comments, or other ideas before it was viewed by community leaders of JusticeFest.
“I made the script, as well as the presentation,” Phoenix said. “I feel very passionate about the project, it’s going to continue even after I graduate.”
Isaac Bell (11) is a member of the club. He collaborated with Phoenix heavily to give any more insight when it came to community issues.
“I worked on the JusticeFest workshop in February with the slate,” Bell said. “I went to JusticeFest to present with Bianca and two other members.”
After the presentation, the club received $1,300 in donation to start the project. Thanks to the club and their dedication, the community will have safer areas to wait, especially students waiting for their bus. This is just the beginning to creating a safer environment in Louisville, in favor of Atherton’s BSU.
