SHELBYVILLE, Ky. — It’s an immersive experience educating travelers of notable African Americans who played a vital role in our history.
Six tourism agencies across the Bluegrass have partnered to create the Kentucky Black Trailblazers.
The experience is described as “cutting-edge augmented reality technology” and brings history to life using an “engaging, educational and interactive way.”
“It will take you across six different cities in Kentucky that are fairly close together in the same region, and then with Google Maps directions as well,” Janette Marson with ShelbyKY Tourism, said.
Marson said she met with Black historians from Shelby County to figure out which stories of notable figures should be told.
One of the first names at the forefront was Whitney Young Jr., who was a Simpsonville native.
“That was his birthplace. He was one of the big six – one of the big-time leaders in the Civil Rights Movement,” Marson explained. “[We also chose] the Harlem Hellfighters. They were the most decorated regiment – Black regiment in World War I. Then Elijah P. Mars is in Veterans Park, the very first Black school teacher.”
Calvary Cemetery, a historically Black cemetery, is where the Harlem Hellfighters and a lot of military members are buried.
“Until this project, no one really knew there were five Harlem Freedom Hellfighters buried here. It was a nickname they got during World War I for being fearless not being afraid,” Marson explained. “They fought for France because of the era. The U.S. did not allow Blacks to fight as soldiers which is so sad. These men went thinking that things would change for them, because soldiers thought that racism would not be as bad. They got overseas and realized; one person even had a quote saying it was worse than slavery.”
Marson says France embraced them but the U.S didn’t.
“These men should have been should have been decorated and honored years ago, but we are doing it now.”
How does the tour work?
Users would go to each of the locations where a trailblazer is featured, scan a QR code with your cell phone to launch an augmented reality scene, transporting you to the life and times of each of the stories.
As Marson continued to demonstrate how the experience worked, I looked down at the Harlem Hellfighters sign and noticed two names that my family could be a part of. I knew I had family members at Calvary.
“I’ve been searching for somebody that was related to them,” Marson said.
So, when you take the Kentucky Black Trailblazers tour, you never know what you may learn.
Maybe even something about your own ancestors.
The Kentucky Black Trailblazers tour consist of 19 stories in six counties. To learn more visit their website at Kentucky Black Trailblazers – Where Kentucky Black History Comes to Life
►Contact WHAS11’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.