Kentucky Governor Paul Patton recently signed a proclamation declaring April Fair Housing Month while over 50 fair housing professionals, advocates and citizens watched under the majesty of the Capitol Rotunda.

Governor Paul Patton along with HUD, Kentucky Commission on Human Rights, Department for Local Government, and Kentucky Housing Corporation officials at the Fair Housing Month Proclamation signing in the Capitol Rotunda April 8.

Kentucky Commission of Human Rights executive director Beverly Watts was the mistress of ceremonies. She was accompanied by Commission Chair Priscilla Johnson, a long-time fair housing and human rights advocate. A HUD-funded Fair Housing Assistance Program, the Kentucky Commission investigates housing discrimination complaints throughout the Commonwealth.

Louisville Field Office director Ben Cook provided an historical context for the current event by reflecting on Congress's passing of the Fair Housing Act in 1968. Also on-hand to show its commitment to the Fair Housing Act was Rick McQuady of Kentucky Housing Corporation and Ventra Mapp of the Kentucky Department for Local Government. The Kentucky Department for Local Government grants a portion of its Community Development Block Grant funds to the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights to further fair housing initiatives statewide.

At the closing of the ceremony, Ms. Watts presented Governor Patton with a new video produced to educate the Hispanic community about its rights under the Fair Housing Act. In addition, a consumer friendly booklet in English detailing the Act was also given to the governor. Both educational tools have been made available to libraries, police officers, advocates, churches and consumers statewide.