In a moment when our city and our nation are rightfully in a state of rage, the Louisville Urban League is pausing to share hopeful news. Humana announced today that it is investing $6.5 million in the development of the Norton Sports Health Athletics and Learning Complex. The signature development of the Louisville Urban League, this complex is about beginning to transform a community that has suffered for far too long. It is about investing in ways that are responsive to the demands ringing loud and clear here in Louisville and across America.
As Bruce Broussard, President and CEO of Humana said, “We are at a pivotal moment in our country’s history, and it will come down to the actions and commitments we make today that will position us for a better tomorrow.” The Urban League could not agree more, and we applaud Humana for choosing to act in a significant way. Sadiqa Reynolds, President and CEO of the Louisville Urban League said, “It matters that they are investing in a Black-led organization with a Black-led development, located in a Black neighborhood, focused on an equalizing sport where only shoes and determination are required to win.”
With this announcement, Humana joins other community leaders and partners who have stepped up to fund the construction of this state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor track and field complex. The first investment in this project came from the Office of Mayor Fischer supported by Louisville Metro Council. The facility naming rights were purchased by Norton Healthcare. Some foundations and individuals have stepped up – pushing themselves and their organizations to give more, to respond faster. The Urban League celebrates these examples of responsible and responsive philanthropy.
Even in the best of times, building this complex was going to be a challenge. After all, we were choosing to invest in a community that had been stripped of its ability to build wealth, in a neighborhood that was redlined out of opportunity, on a site allowed to sit vacant and contaminated for more than a decade. In a world now staggering from the weight of COVID-19 and consumed by the protests and demonstrations that have been boiling for generations, this feels in some ways, like the worst of times.
And still, we rise. Thank you Humana.
