Louisville Courier Journal Centerfold to Declare ‘Breonna Was Essential’ Demands Accountability for the Police Murder of Breonna Taylor

LOUISVILLE, KY — On Friday, June 5th, on what would have been Breonna Taylor’s 27th birthday, the centerfold of the Louisville Courier-Journal will carry a paid advertisement declaring that “Breonna was Essential.” The centerfold demands accountability for the murder of Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency room technician who was shot to death in her home while she slept by members of the Louisville Police Department.

The full-page ads were commissioned jointly by Color of Change and UltraViolet and done in direct coordination with Louisville community activists, including Black Lives Matter Louisville, to amplify their existing efforts.

The image displayed in the ad, which includes artwork of Breonna Taylor created by Robin Hilkey, echoes the demands of local Louisville organizers. They include:

Demand the Mayor of Louisville and City Council address the use of for by the LMPD
Fire and revoke the pensions of the officers that murdered Breonna. Arrest, charge and convict them for this crime.
Provide all necessary information to local, independent civilian community police accountability council #CPAC.
Create policy for transparent investigation processes due to law enforcement misconduct.
Eliminate no-knock warrants
“Breonna Taylor was essential. This week marks what would have been the 27th birthday of Ms. Taylor. She is not here. Her life and what she meant to her family and community was essential and that is why we will continue to fight until our demands are met. We honor her memory by demanding justice!” said Hannah Drake, a Louisville community artist and poet.