The Kentucky Black Trailblazers Experience

A unique experience awaits those who check out the newly-opened Kentucky Black Trailblazers Experience, a 19-stop trail in the Shelbyville area that utilizes Augmented Reality and more to tell the stories of local heroes who became known nationally and internationally for their accomplishments. Included are folks like boxer Muhammad Ali, Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Oliver Lewis, who won the very first Run for the Roses, and Civil Rights leader Whitney M. Young, Jr. The immersive experience that tells the stories of influential Black Kentuckians is spread out over six geographic locations: Shelby County, Louisville, Oldham County, Bardstown in Nelson County, Elizabethtown in Hardin County and Shepherdsville in Bullitt County. Among the others who are honored along the trail are Margaret "Ma" Collier, who fought for racial equality in the military, the Harlem Hellfighters, a Black infantry group that fought in World War I, Henry Bibb, who fought for equality alongside Frederick Douglas and Mattie Owens, a school teacher who pioneered Black education for students in grades one through eight.

It is very easy for interested parties to enjoy the Kentucky Black Trailblazers Experience. Upon arrival at one of the trail stops visitors simply use their device to scan a QR code to activate a presentation from the Trailblazer in question. Their story then plays out via augmented and mixed reality including live-action holographic video (don't worry, Muhammad Ali will not "punch" you!) The whole thing was developed by Janette Marson, the President and CEO of ShelbyKY Tourism. Marson says, "We are thrilled to introduce the Kentucky Black Trailblazers Experience, an initiative aimed at honoring and preserving the extraordinary contributions and stories of our local heroes. Through the integration of Augmented Reality technology, visitors are offered the unique opportunity to travel back in time and encounter the personal histories of these remarkable individuals who left an indelible mark on our cultural heritage." It took two years to bring the project to fruition.

Some of the other luminaries honored at the Kentucky Black Trailblazers Experience are General Braddock, Daniel Arthur Rudd, Mary Cunningham Smith, Elijah P. Marrs, Annie Reed and Eliza Brooks. There is no charge to enjoy the experience where "Kentucky Black history comes alive." For a list of all honorees on the Kentucky Black Trailblazers Experience and where to find their installation go here.

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