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$ 1 . 5 0C O L O R S United States Celebrates 250 Years VOL. 3: ISSUE 1 NEWSPAPER JULY 2026 D A T A C E N T E R S “ W h a t ’ s t h e H y p e ! ? ” Economic Opportunity & Community ChallengesThe rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital technologies has created a demand for hyperscale data centers across the U.S. Louisville has emerged as one of the newest destinations for these massive facilities, with the largest proposed project located on 150 acres along Camp Ground Road in southwest Louisville, near the Rubbertown industrial corridor. While developers and government officials describe the “telecommunication hotel” as a transformative economic investment, many West Louisville residents, environmental advocates, and community organizations are asking an important question: Who Will Benefit - and Who Will Bear the Cost? (Continue Page 6)The United States is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. Communities across the nation are marking the historic milestone with celebrations that honor the country's founding, recognize its complex history, and encourage Americans to help shape the nation's future. Metro Louisville is promoting local events and encouraging locals to incorporate the nation's 250th anniversary into July 4th - Independence Day - activities by sharing local history, community heritage, and the contributions of residents who helped shape both Louisville and the nation. Visit the Metro Louisville website for local America250 - July 4th events. The 250th anniversary is an opportunity to elevate stories that have often been overlooked, including the contributions made by Blacks, immigrants, women, veterans, and working-class communities. (Continue Back Cover) A Nation Reflects on the Past While Shaping Its Future
COLORS J u l y 2 0 2 6Colors Newspaper, Inc.N E W S P A P E R , I N C . 2 FEATURED ARTICLES: PAGE(S): Data Centers: What’s the Hype!?......................................................................................Cover & Page 6 United States Celebrates 250 Years...........................................................................Cover & Back Page University of Louisville Office of Community Engagement Builds Stronger Communities..............3 Park DuValle Farmers Market Celebrates Grand Opening .................................................................. 4 African American Wellness Walk Promotes Health, Unity, and Community..................................... 6 Communities Taking on Big Tech..............................................................................................................8 “The Exchange: Data Centers 101” Webinar Series ...............................................................................9 Community Voices Rise: No Data Centers! 502 Leads Grassroots Opposition ..............10 State Audit Identifies Major Financial and Operational Problems at JCPS........................................11 Black Music Is More Than Entertainment..............................................................................................12 Atomic Owner Alleges Racism Following Liquor License Suspension...............................................14 EDEN & KISSI Has Grown To Bigger Location........................................................................................14 District 44 Election Draws Attention After Voter Ballot Mix-Up..........................................................15 CONTACT US: Phone: (502) 712-8902 Email: colorsnewspaperlou@gmail.comFollow, Like & Share @Colors Newspaper
Colors Newspaper, Inc.Pictured: Darryly Griffith, Assistant Vice President, Office of Community Engagement at Univeristy of Louisville.3University of Louisville Office of Community Engagement Builds Stronger Communities by Investing in Louisville's Youth The University of Louisville's Office of Community Engagement continues to strengthen the connection between higher education and the community by creating opportunities that empower youth, support neighborhood organizations, and promote civic engagement throughout Louisville. Guided by a leadership team committed to collaboration and community partnership, the Office of Community Engagement serves as the university's bridge to local schools, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, faith-based institutions, and neighborhood groups. Among the office's most recognizable leaders is Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement Darryl Griffith. Known as a local basketball legend, Griffith is equally respected as an advocate for education, youth development, and meaningful community partnership. The office team serves to encourage students, faculty, and staff to serve as active partners in addressing community challenges. One of the office's greatest strengths is its investment in youth development. Through programs such as TRIO Upward Bound and TRIO Talent Search, students receive academic enrichment, college readiness assistance, mentoring, leadership development, and guidance through the college admissions process. These initiatives help first-generation and income-eligible students prepare for higher education while encouraging them to envision careers that contribute to their communities. The Office of Community Engagement supports learning beyond the classroom by connecting UofL students with local schools and community organizations, volunteerism, and community- based research. Beyond education, the office supports health initiatives, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community partnerships that help prepare youth for future careers. Through collaborations with community partners, UofL reflects its belief that higher education institutions have a responsibility to work alongside communities in addressing local challenges and creating opportunities for future generations. As Louisville continues to grow and evolve, the Office of Community Engagement remains an important example of how universities can leverage their expertise, resources, and leadership to create lasting, positive change. (DCT)Pictured: Dr. Douglas Craddock, Vice President, Office of Community Engagement at Univeristy of Louisville.Pictured: Upward Bound Program students. Picure courtesy of Office of Community Engagement website.
Colors Newspaper, Inc.4 Park DuValle Farmers Market Celebrates Grand Opening July 2, 2026 LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Residents of West Louisville and across the city were invited to celebrate the grand opening of the new Park DuValle Farmers Market & Wellness Center on Thursday, July 2, at 3044 Wilson Avenue. The community celebration will featured fresh local produce, family-friendly activities, health and wellness resources, and opportunities to support local farmers and vendors. Developed by Park DuValle Community Health Centers, the market is designed to increase access to affordable, nutritious foods while helping address food insecurity in neighborhoods that have historically had limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Organizers say the market is part of a broader commitment to improving community health through nutrition, wellness education, and local partnerships. Following the grand opening, the market will operate throughout the growing season, providing residents with convenient access to Kentucky-grown produce and other healthy food options while supporting local agriculture and strengthening the local economy. Community members are encouraged to attend the free grand opening celebration, meet local growers, explore wellness resources, and help celebrate a new investment in healthy living for West Louisville.
Colors Newspaper, Inc.5African American Wellness Walk Promotes Health, Unity, and Community in Louisville Louisville residents are invited to lace up their walking shoes and take a step toward better health during the upcoming African American Wellness Walk on Saturday, July 25, 2026, starting at 7am. The African American Wellness Walk is a community event designed to encourage physical activity, healthy living, and community connections. Organizers hope the event will inspire participants to make walking and other forms of physical activity a regular part of their daily routines. Importantly, the African American Wellness Walk highlights the need to address health disparities that continue to disproportionately affect African American communities, especially Black male health conditions. According to a 2024 report from the Louisville Center for Health Equity, Black Louisvillians have higher rates of heart disease, cancer and stroke than their white neighbors. And men in Louisville have a shorter average life expectancy than women, by almost six years. In addition to promoting health and overall wellness, the event provides an opportunity for neighbors to connect, build relationships, and strengthen community bonds in a positive and supportive environment.Photo of Kamari Wooten, Organizer & Coordinator, AAWW - Louisville Hub; Chief Growth Officer at Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center. Event organizers encourage participants of all fitness levels to attend, bring family members and friends, and celebrate the collective commitment to healthier lifestyles. The African American Wellness Walk serves as a reminder that improving community health begins with simple, consistent steps—and that lasting change is often achieved when communities walk together toward a healthier future. For additional event information, including registration details, meeting location, and start time, participants are encouraged to contact an event organizer or visit the official event website: https://aawellness.org/louisville- kentucky/.Photo of 2024 African American Wellness Walk - Louisville. Photo courtesy of WHAS 11.
Colors Newspaper, Inc.6For many residents, the project represents another example of industrial expansion occurring in the west rather than eastern parts of Louisville/Jefferson County. Proposed Economic Benefits Economic development officials argue that the Campground Road hyperscale data center offers economic opportunities that will allow Louisville to compete nationally for technology development, billions in private investment. Beyond expanding Louisville’s technology economy, the new data center is said to bring temporary construction jobs, permanent operation jobs, and increase property tax revenues. Community Concerns Continue to Grow Despite potential benefits, local community interest and opposition has intensified. Public meetings and Planning Commission hearings drew significant community participation, with residents calling for additional safeguards and stronger environmental protections. Residents and groups have expressed concerns regarding: demand and cost on local utilities, short- and long-term environmental impact, noise and light pollution. Many question whether the proposed economic benefits and jobs justify potential burdens on community. Metro Government Responds Growing public concern has prompted Louisville officials to consider stronger regulations governing future data center developments, including a moratorium on new hyper scale data centers. Looking Ahead As Louisville continues to balance economic development with public health and environmental stewardship, one principle remains clear: people deserve a meaningful voice in decisions that impact their lives and shape their future. By: D.C. Taylor What is a Hyperscale Data Center? Unlike traditional office computer facilities, hyperscale data centers are enormous campuses containing thousands of computer servers that process and store digital information for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, streaming services, financial institutions, healthcare systems, and technology companies. The Camp Ground Road project is expected to include approximately 1.6 to 1.8 million square feet of data center space across multiple buildings with an eventual electrical capacity approaching 400 megawatts, making it Kentucky's first hyperscale data center campus. Developers have stated that the project represents a multibillion-dollar investment designed to attract major technology companies and AI infrastructure. Why Camp Ground Road? Developers, Poe Companies and PowerHouse Data Centers, likely selected the Campground Road site because of its proximity to major electrical transmission infrastructure, water resources, and land already zoned for industrial development. These features reduce construction costs and meet the enormous utility demands required to operate hyper computing facilities. However, the location also places the development adjacent to communities that have historically experienced disproportionate environmental burdens associated with heavy industry, including nearby Rubbertown chemical companies and MSD.(Continued from Cover) Data Centers: “What’s the Hype!?”6001 Campground Road Data Center site and proposed design by Poe Companies & PowerHouse Data Centers.
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Communities Taking on Big Tech Opposition Against Data Centers From Maryland, Georgia, and Texas to Kentucky, residents are organizing to question whether the rapid expansion of data centers is happening without adequate consideration of surrounding communities - the environmental health, public infrastructure, and community voices. While opposition includes people from diverse backgrounds, many predominantly Black communities are raising concerns that the newest wave of industrial development is once again being concentrated in areas that have historically carried disproportionate environmental burdens. A New Environmental Justice Issue Hyperscale data centers have become one of the fastest-growing forms of infrastructure in the U.S. There are 1,200 data centers located throughout the South, and $200 billion in the pipeline for future developments. Community residents and advocates are asking whether the environmental and public health costs have been fully considered before projects receive approval.Photo courtesy of Captial B News, (https://capitalbnews.org/data-centers-black- communities-south/).Protesters against the Camp Ground Road data center surround developer Steve Poe, center, at the Planning Commission meeting on March 5, 2026. Photo courtesy of Louisville Public Media, (https://www.lpm.org/news/2026-03-05/west-louisville-data-center-approved- despite-opposition). Resident and advocate concerns have fueled community campaigns that have delayed, modified, or challenged proposed data center developments nationwide. Louisville Joins the National Conversation Louisville has become one of the latest cities at the center of this debate. The proposed data center on Campground Road represents Kentucky's first large- scale AI data center development. Developers describe the project as a transformational economic investment. Residents and advocates from West Louisville and surrounding areas have voiced concerns regarding energy demand, water consumption, noise, light, long-term environmental health, and - above all - transparency. Get Informed & Participate Community advocates, organizations, institutions and grassroots coalitions have encouraged residents to become informed, attend public meetings, and participate in discussions about future land-use decisions. Community Advocacy & Benefits Environmental justice advocates argue that communities already facing higher environmental burdens should not continue to absorb a disproportionate share of new industrial development without clear public benefits and enforceable protections. Goal: Determining how to foster innovation while protecting the environmental health and resident quality of life. By: D.C. TaylorColors Newspaper, Inc.8
Organizers note that Kentucky has become a focal point for billions of dollars in proposed data center investments, making community education increasingly important as local governments evaluate future developments. West Louisville and other communities where data center projects have generated public discussion, the series provides an opportunity to hear directly from subject matter experts and ask questions in an educational setting. On June 24, 2026, Dr. Natasha DeJarnett, Assistant Professor of Environmental Medicine at the Christina Lee Brown Environme Institute, joined the Colors radio show to discuss data center developments and possible impacts on people and the environment.Colors Newspaper, Inc. “The Exchange: Data Centers 101” Webinar Series Hosted by UofL to Help Communities Understand AI Infrastructure LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As data center development accelerates across Kentucky, the University of Louisville's Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute is offering residents an opportunity to better understand the growing AI infrastructure through a free public webinar series, The Exchange: Data Centers 101. The six-part virtual series was created in response to growing community interest in understanding the potential impacts of large-scale data center development, particularly proposals affecting Louisville and surrounding communities. The series began on June 3 and continues through July 8, with a culminating community event scheduled for July 23 featuring a film screening and panel discussion. The educational series brings together researchers, engineers, environmental scientists, economists, public health experts, and policy leaders to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure affects neighborhoods, public health, the environment, local economies, and public policy. Weekly webinar topics include: 06/03/26: What is a Data Center? 06/10/26: Data Centers & Health 06/17/26: Data Centers & the Community 06/24/26: The Economics of Data Centers 07/01/26: Data Centers & the Environment 07/08/26: Data Centers & Policy According to the University of Louisville, the program was developed to provide factual, research-based information that helps residents better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with the rapid expansion of AI-powered data centers. 9 Visit the Colors Newspaper Facebook page to view the recording of the interview with Dr. DeJarnett. For more information and registration, visit: https://events.louisvill e.edu/events/exchang e-data-centers-101- what-data-center.Pictured: Dr. Natasha DeJarnett, Assistant Professor of Environmental Medicine at the Chirstina Lee Brown Envionme Insitute, Univeristy of Louisville.
Colors Newspaper, Inc.No Data Centers! 502, a community-led coalition, has emerged as one of the leading voices calling for greater transparency, stronger regulations, and meaningful public participation in decisions surrounding hyperscale data center development— particularly the proposed Camp Ground Road project in southwest Louisville. No Data Centers! 502 strongly promotes that economic development should never come at the expense of community health, environmental quality, or neighborhood voices. Members of No Data Centers! 502 have hosted community meetings, spoken before Metro Government officials, organized neighborhood outreach, encouraged residents to participate in public comment opportunities, and worked with environmental advocates and neighborhood organizations to raise awareness about the issue. Community Voices Rise: No Data Centers! 502 Leads Grassroots Opposition to Louisville's AI Data Center Expansion"Our goal is not simply to oppose development," member, Sauda Brown says. "Our goal is to ensure development is responsible, transparent, and puts people before profits." 10
Colors Newspaper, Inc.11 State Audit Identifies Major Financial and Operational Problems at JCPS LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A comprehensive state audit of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has identified significant concerns related to financial management, governance, school operations, student outcomes, workplace bullying and culture. Among the report's most significant findings, auditors concluded that JCPS lacked a cohesive financial plan, repeatedly adopted budgets in which projected expenses exceeded revenues, and developed a workplace culture in which some employees feared retaliation for raising concerns. The audit also cited a projected $188 million budget shortfall, high administrative staffing levels compared to peer districts, more than 220 teacher vacancies, and an estimated $1.3 billion in deferred facility needs. The report also highlighted challenges affecting students, including declining academic achievement, persistent achievement gaps, school safety concerns, under-enrolled schools, and limited college enrollment among recent graduates. Auditors recommended strengthening financial oversight, improving governance, increasing accountability, addressing staffing shortages, enhancing academic performance, and developing a comprehensive long-term plan for the district. In addition, the recent state audit has intensified conversations about workplace bullying, intimidation, and retaliation within Kentucky's largest school district. The report described this environment as a "culture of fear" and recommended that JCPS strengthen employee protections, improve communication between district leadership and staff, and foster a workplace culture that encourages transparency and accountability. Investigators found evidence of a workplace culture in which numerous employees reported feeling intimidated or fearful of retaliation for expressing concerns or reporting problems. According to the audit, some staff members said they experienced unprofessional interactions, feared disciplinary action, or believed speaking out could negatively impact their careers. Superintendent Brian Yearwood acknowledged the seriousness of the findings and stated that many of the issues predated his administration. He said the district has already begun implementing organizational, operational, and financial reforms as part of its ongoing efforts to improve student outcomes and restore public confidence.
Colors Newspaper, Inc.12 Black Music Is More Than Entertainment—It's a Pipeline to Culture, Community and Change For generations, Black music has done far more than fill concert halls, dominate radio airwaves, or top streaming charts. It has served as a source of healing, resistance, education, spiritual strength, and cultural preservation. A recent NewsOne (https://newsone.com) opinion piece, "Black Music Has Always Been A Lifeline. It Should Be Treated As Such," reminds readers that Black music has long functioned as a lifeline— connecting generations through shared experiences of joy, struggle, hope, and resilience. From the spirituals sung by enslaved Africans to gospel hymns that fueled the Civil Rights Movement, from the blues that gave voice to hardship to jazz that redefined artistic innovation, and from hip-hop's storytelling to contemporary R&B's celebration of identity, Black music has consistently documented the lived experiences of Black America. As NewsOne argues, music has often captured the emotional truth of Black life in ways traditional history books and news reports cannot. But Black music should not only be viewed as a reflection of culture—it should also be recognized as a pipeline for strengthening Black communities. Music has the power to introduce young people to their history, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and create career pathways in songwriting, production, engineering, performance, business management, marketing, media, and technology. Every successful artist represents an ecosystem of professionals working behind the scenes, demonstrating that the music industry offers far more opportunities than performing on stage. Communities that invest in music education often see benefits beyond artistic development. Music programs can improve academic performance, encourage creativity, reduce youth violence, strengthen social connections, and provide positive alternatives for young people. Black music also serves as an economic engine. Festivals, concerts, recording studios, cultural tourism, local venues, and creative entrepreneurs generate jobs and stimulate neighborhood economies. For cities like Louisville, where gospel, jazz, soul, blues, and hip-hop have long been woven into the community's identity, the opportunity exists to strengthen this pipeline through neighborhood music programs, local recording studios, cultural festivals, school partnerships, and entrepreneurship initiatives that connect creativity with economic development. Black music is not simply entertainment. It is education. It is history. It is healing. It is economic opportunity. Music is a catalyst, with lyrical change, to promote stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and stronger generations while being entertained. By: D.C. TaylorThe Real Young Prodigys, a youth social justice hip-hop group in Louisville, KY, empowering youth through social justice activities, music education, production and performance. Photo courtesy of The Real Young Prodigys Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/T heRealYoungProdigys/
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Colors Newspaper, Inc.The owner of Atomic nightclub on Bardstown Road is alleging that racism played a role in the city's decision to suspend the business's liquor license following two shootings near the Highlands entertainment district. Louisville Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) issued an emergency suspension of Atomic's liquor license after investigators determined at least one person involved in the weekend violence had been a patron of the establishment. City officials said the action was taken to protect public safety and cited concerns about security and previous enforcement issues. Atomic owner Dustin Hensley argued that the nightclub was being unfairly blamed for violence occurring on public streets and alleged that the city was targeting businesses that serve Black customers. Hensley wrote that the action "seems like an effort to push an entire race out of the bar district," describing the situation as an example of racism. Mayor Craig Greenberg and Metro ABC officials rejected that characterization, maintaining that the suspension was based on public safety concerns. The controversy has sparked broader conversations throughout Louisville about nightlife safety, business accountability, race, and equitable enforcement, with residents and business owners expressing differing views on how the city should respond to recurring violence in the Highlands entertainment district. Atomic Owner Alleges Racism Following Liquor License Suspension 14 EDEN & KISSI Has Grown To Bigger Location On May 12, 2026, Eden & Kiss, an Afro-Caribbean gourmet cuisine restaurant, opened its door to its new, bigger location at 6006 Shepherdsville Road. The move was announced as a means for more room and more Afro-Caribbean love. David Gnamba, owner, has expressed to local news his thankfulness on how the community has embraced Eden & Kissi - its journey and growth. Eden & Kissi is opened Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Authentic Afro- Caribean cuisine with healthy options.
Colors Newspaper, Inc.15 District 44 Election Draws Attention After Voter Ballot Mix-Up Kentucky's House District 44 race has generated renewed attention following reports that some voters received incorrect ballots during the May primary election, raising concerns about voter confusion in one of the state's closest legislative contests. The Democratic primary between incumbent Beverly Chester-Burton and challenger Kenya Wade was decided by just five votes. Election officials acknowledged that a small number of voters were mistakenly issued incorrect ballots due to precinct assignment errors. Officials said the incidents were isolated and did not affect enough voters to change the outcome of the election. The Jefferson County Clerk's Office has indicated it is reviewing procedures to help prevent similar issues in future elections. This issue was presented by County Clerk candidate, Roz Welch, during this past primary election. The mix-up reveals a problem to be corrected by the County Clerk’s Office. A reminder of the importance of election accuracy, voter confidence, and the need for voters to verify their registration and polling location before casting a ballot in future elections.Left photo of Rep. Beverly Chester-Burton. Courtesy of the Legislative Research Commission website.Right photo of Kenya Wade. Photo courtesy of Kenya Wade Instagram page.
independencetogethernesstogethernessAmerica250, a bipartisan initiative established by Congress in 2016, is coordinating commemorations across the nation to encourage Americans to reflect on the ideals of liberty, democracy, and civic participation while inspiring a renewed commitment to building stronger communities for future generations. stories and participate in commemorating the nation's past while envisioning its future. The 250th anniversary featured Freedom 250, a White House-backed initiative including military demonstrations, patriotic programming, a Great American State Fair on the National Mall, and other national events highlighting American history and achievement. The official America250 campaign emphasizes that the anniversary belongs to all Americans, inviting people from every background to share their(Continued from Cover.) U.S. Celebrates 250 Years: A Nation Reflects on Its Past While Shaping Its Future The anniversary also featured Freedom 250, a White House-backed initiative: military demonstrations, patriotic programming, a Great American State Fair on the National Mall, and other national events. While supporters describe the effort as a celebration of patriotism, critics have raised concerns over the initiative's political tone, fundraising practices, and historical interpretation, making the nation's 250th anniversary a subject of both celebration and public debate. In Chicago, the Obama Foundation is marking the anniversary through its "You Are America" summer series at the Obama Presidential Center. The campus-wide celebration features concerts, films, educational programs, community conversations, and family-friendly activities designed to highlight 250 years of American progress while encouraging visitors to imagine a more inclusive future.