Governor Beshear Posthumously Pardons 43 for Aiding Enslaved People's Escape

Beshear pardons 43 wrongly imprisoned individuals ahead of Juneteenth celebration

FRANKFORT — To mark Juneteenth later this week, Gov. Andy Beshear took executive action on Monday to posthumously pardon 43 wrongfully imprisoned individuals who helped enslaved people gain their freedom.

Beshear pardons 43 jailed for assisting the Underground Railroad - KBSI FOX23 News Cape Girardeau News

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KBSI) — Gov. Andy Beshear pardoned 43 people Monday, June 15, 2026 who were imprisoned for helping others escape slavery. Beshear announced the executive order ahead of Juneteenth and proclaimed Friday, June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Kentucky. “When we have a chance to correct a historical wrong, we should do it,” Beshear said. “These leaders are heroes — not criminals — and they and their families deserve t…

Governor Beshear posthumously pardons 43 for aiding enslaved people's escape

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) - Governor Andy Beshear took executive action to posthumously pardon 43 people who helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Gov. Beshear also proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Kentucky. “When we have a chance to correct a historical wrong, we should do it. That’s why ahead of Juneteenth, I [...]

Gov. Andy Beshear posthumously pardons several people imprisoned for helping enslaved people to freedom

Gov. Andy Beshear took executive action to posthumously pardon many individuals who helped enslaved people escape to freedom.

Kentucky governor pardons 43 people who helped enslaved people escape to freedom

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has posthumously pardoned 43 people who were imprisoned for helping enslaved people escape to freedom.

Gov. Beshear posthumously pardons 43 who helped enslaved people flee

A historian said the pardons draw attention to a neglected part of Kentucky history.