LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Greg Fischer, along with other city leaders, outlined preparations ahead of the first anniversary of Breonna Taylor's death this weekend. He also announced plans for a marker in Jefferson Square Park to recognize "the tragedies of 2020, as well as the reforms those events initiated."

Fischer said he believes this weekend will be "a solemn remembrance of tragedies, a recognition of changes that those tragedies have brought and will bring, and a reminder of the work still ahead to build a city of equity and a police department working with the community to be the best in the nation.”

Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) Chief Erika Shields said blocks adjacent to the park will be restricted to pedestrian traffic only, with no parking, from after morning rush hour on Friday, March 12, through Sunday, March 14. The streets that will be affected include:

• Jefferson Street from 5th Street to 7th Street
• Liberty Street from 5th Street to 7th Street
• Cedar Street from 6th Street to 7th Street
• Congress Alley from 6th Street to 7th Street
• Court Place from 5th Street to 6th Street
• 6th Street from Market to Muhammad Ali
• 5th Street from Market to Muhammad Ali
• Armory Place from Muhammad Ali to Liberty Street

A release from the mayor's office said anyone heading to the park is advised to rideshare and be prepared to walk several blocks. The release also said police will facilitate ADA access at Sixth and Market streets while working with residents, business owners, and downtown employees to allow necessary access.

Some TARC routes will be impacted by the road closures and restrictions, and riders can check the TARC website for more details.

“As I’ve shared with the protest leaders we’ve talked with, the goal is to allow a safe space for people to gather and express themselves in a peaceful, lawful way,” said Shields.

Fischer also urged those who gather over the weekend to wear masks and practice social distancing.

JEFFERSON SQUARE PARK MARKER

The marker announced on Wednesday is expected to be ready for installation later this spring. It will likely sit on the northeast corner of the park.

The front will read:

2020 Racial Justice Protests

Built in 1978, Jefferson Square Park memorializes first responders killed in the line of duty. In 2020, it became a rallying place for those demanding justice for Breonna Taylor, a Black woman tragically killed by Louisville Metro Police serving a search warrant. Protesters called this space “Injustice Square Park” and held demonstrations that drew global attention.

And the back:

2020 Racial Justice Protests

Over 2,000 U.S. cities saw racial justice protests fueled by the police killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and others. Locally, these demonstrations prompted police reform and policy changes to improve racial equity in the city. Many here also mourned Louisvillians David McAtee and photographer Tyler Gerth, killed in incidents related to the protests.

“This marker will be a permanent reminder of the challenges we face, as a city and a nation, and the work we’re doing to move our city from tragedy to transformation,” said Vincent James, Louisville's chief of community building.

Fischer also acknowledged the next steps for Jefferson Square Park. 

The release said the city worked with homeless advocates to move unsheltered people into more sustainable, safe housing and announced it would remain open under standard park rules, including a ban on tents, camping and fires, as well as a 6 a.m. opening and 11 p.m. closing.

Following this weekend, the park will be cleaned daily, and permits for events there will be required as outlined under city ordinances. The city said it plans to work with the families to remove and store memorial items left in the park during the week of March 15.

“When people come to see this park, where the local 2020 demonstrations were centered — prompting public safety reforms and a movement toward greater racial equity — we want them to come to a beautiful, safe and inviting space,” Fischer said. “And given its historic role as a site to remember first responders who died in the line of duty, we have a real opportunity to create a space for unity, for broader understanding and compassion. That’s something we will only achieve by working together, and I am confident our city will rise to this moment.”