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SPONSOR JOURNEY TO JUSTICE

Join us for Journey to Justice, Legal Aid Society’s annual breakfast celebrating the power of story to illuminate injustice, strengthen communities, and fulfill the promise of justice for Kentuckians in need.

This year’s featured speaker, Anthony Smith, will explore how centering the voices of peacekeepers and community members most impacted by violence can reshape public safety and strengthen communities. His work with Cities United and the Louisville Story Program highlights the transformative power of storytelling rooted in dignity, relationships, and collective action.

We will also present the 2026 Spirit of Justice Award to Bart Greenwald in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to advancing justice in our community.

Together, we will celebrate the stories that move us—and recommit to the work of turning those stories into justice.

About our Speaker

At Legal Aid Society, we believe justice begins with listening.

Every person who turns to us brings a story - of housing instability, safety, economic hardship, or family crisis. These stories are not just narratives of struggle; they are guides to understanding what justice requires, and how systems must change.

Across our community, another powerful storytelling movement is taking place. Through the work of Anthony Smith, Cities United, and the Louisville Story Program, the voices of Louisville’s peacekeepers and those most impacted by community violence are being documented, elevated, and preserved in You Got To Be of the People: Peacekeepers at the Heart of Public Safety in Louisville. These stories reveal a shared truth: those closest to harm are often closest to the solutions.

Legal Aid shares that same belief. Whether in a courtroom, a clinic, or a community space, we listen first—then we act. We transform lived experience into legal advocacy, systemic change, and pathways to justice.

Anthony D. Smith is an organizer, a bridge builder, a believer in community, and a thought leader. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Cities United, where he has provided leadership. Under his leadership, the organization has partnered with 100s of cities who are working to create safe, healthy, and hopeful communities for young Black men and boys, and their families. Before joining Cities United, Anthony led the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods for Mayor Greg Fischer and the City of Louisville. Throughout his professional career, he has made a priority of creating positive outcomes for youth and cultivating up and coming Black leaders. Anthony was born, raised and still lives in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife and family. Anthony earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, with a minor in Legal Studies from Northern Kentucky University.

Event Details

  • Muhammad Ali Center
    144 N 6th Street
    Louisville, KY 40202

    Parking Information

    Parking is available in nearby public garages and surface lots within walking distance of the Ali Center. The closest options include:

    • Kentucky Science Center / Museum Plaza Garage (adjacent, easiest access)

    • Fourth Street Live! Parking Garage (short walk)

    • Riverfront Parking Garage (North 1st Street)

    Street parking may also be available in the surrounding downtown area, though availability is limited during weekday morning hours.

    Guests are encouraged to allow extra time for parking and arrival so they can enjoy the full breakfast experience beginning at 8:00 a.m.

    The Muhammad Ali Center is fully accessible, with elevators and ADA-compliant entrances available for all guests.

  • 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast & Community
    Enjoy a breakfast buffet catered by Wiltshire Pantry while connecting with fellow supporters, attorneys, judges, and community partners. This time reflects our shared belief that justice begins with listening—and with relationships built in community.

    9:00 a.m. | Welcome
    Opening remarks from Legal Aid Society.

    9:05 a.m. | The Power of Story
    Reflections on how stories from clients, peacekeepers, and community members shape Legal Aid’s work—transforming lived experience into advocacy and systemic change.

    9:25 a.m. | Featured Speaker: Anthony Smith
    Anthony Smith, Executive Director of Cities United, shares insights from You Got To Be of the People: Peacekeepers at the Heart of Public Safety in Louisville, highlighting how elevating community voices can interrupt cycles of violence and build safer, stronger neighborhoods.

    9:50 a.m. | Spirit of Justice Award
    Presentation of the 2026 Spirit of Justice Award to Bart Greenwald, honoring his outstanding commitment to justice and community impact.

    9:58 a.m. | Closing: Keeping the Promise
    A brief reflection on how each of us helps turn stories into justice—and an invitation to continue the journey with Legal Aid Society.

    10:00 a.m. | Program Concludes

RESERVATION FORM