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On June 15, ahead of Juneteenth, Gov. Andy Beshear took executive action to posthumously pardon 43 wrongfully imprisoned individuals who helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The Governor also proclaimed Friday, June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.“When we have a chance to correct a historical wrong, we should do it. That’s why ahead of Juneteenth, I am posthumously pardoning 43 brave Kentuckians who were wrongfully imprisoned for helping enslaved people escape to freedom,” said Gov. Beshear. “These leaders are heroes – not criminals – and they and their families deserve the justice of having their names cleared.”
The executive order signed by the Governor lists the names of all individuals pardoned today. Three of the 43 individuals included are:
- Elijah Anderson, a free Black man who was one of the most active Underground Railroad conductors in Kentucky. According to research and records, he helped around 1,000 people reach freedom. He was arrested in Louisville for his efforts and later died in the Kentucky State Penitentiary.
- Julett Miles, a Black woman who was freed by Rev. John Fee and moved north. After learning her children were going to be sold, Julett traveled across the Ohio River to free them. She was arrested and put in prison where she later died.
- Thomas Brown, an Irish immigrant who was arrested at the age of 60 and imprisoned. He suffered severe beatings for two years before being released.
Joining the Governor as he signed the executive order was Rev. Andrew Baskin, professor emeritus and former associate professor of African and African American Studies at Berea College, and James Prichard, a historian, author and former member of the Filson Historical Society staff.
“We’re talking about individuals who knew that there was a law, they knew that the law was unjust, they knew that the law was immoral, and they were willing to disobey the law and to suffer the consequences,” said Baskin. “What Gov. Beshear did today is help to correct part of the mistakes that have happened in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
“Gov. Beshear’s pardon sheds a spotlight on this neglected chapter in Kentucky’s history,” said Prichard. “I think it’s important, particularly in this time when there seems to be an effort to sanitize our past, that this part of our history is no longer swept under the rug and becomes a part of Kentucky’s soil. It is well that Kentucky has finally honored the courage and sacrifice of those whose names have previously been lost to history.”
The Governor acknowledged that there are more stories out there of individuals who deserve the same and encouraged Kentuckians who know of someone who deserves a posthumous pardon for their work to help enslaved individuals reach freedom to email FreedomTrailPardons@ky.gov. All requests will be reviewed for consideration.
Today’s action by Gov. Beshear is the latest in a series of steps taken around Juneteenth, the day that commemorates African Americans’ many contributions and long struggle for freedom, justice and equality.
Juneteenth Executive Branch Holiday
In May 2024, the Governor signed an executive order officially declaring June 19 an executive branch holiday to be observed as Juneteenth National Day of Freedom. The Governor took action after the General Assembly failed to enact legislation during three legislative sessions to make Juneteenth a state holiday.
“Recognition of Juneteenth reflects the commonwealth’s resounding belief in liberty and equality for every citizen, and I urge other employers to take action to join us in observing this state holiday,” Gov. Beshear said. “Kentucky must continue to work toward creating a more equitable and just commonwealth while recognizing the horrors of slavery and its legacy.”
Expanded State Employment Protections for Natural Hair
Also in 2024, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order that expanded protections in state hiring and employment by prohibiting discrimination based on “traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to natural hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locs and twists.”
“By creating an intentionally inclusive environment for natural hair and protective styles in state government employment, we did right by our fellow team members,” the Governor said. “We must make sure all our employees are treated fairly.”
Promotion of Brig. Gen. Charles Young
In February 2020, Gov. Beshear posthumously promoted Col. Charles Young to the honorary rank of brigadier general in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Following that action, the Governor sent a letter to then-President Joe Biden encouraging him to likewise promote Young in the U.S. Army. In November 2021 that request was approved, and the Young family celebrated that promotion on Jan. 19, 2022.
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