Full Breakdown
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Grants Posthumous Pardons to 43 Anti-Slavery Activists Ahead of Juneteenth
6/17/2026, 5:01:02 AM
The Executive Action
On June 15, 2026, Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order posthumously pardoning 43 Kentuckians convicted under the 1835 “enticement” law for assisting enslaved people. The order also proclaimed June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth National Freedom Day, an executive-branch holiday.
Historical Background
Kentucky’s 1835 “enticement” law made assisting enslaved people a felony, a charge applied to many Underground Railroad participants who often died in the Kentucky State Penitentiary. Beshear previously designated Juneteenth an executive-branch holiday in 2024 after the legislature declined a statutory holiday.
Individuals Pardoned
Among the 43, Elijah Anderson, a free Black man, helped roughly 1,000 enslaved people via the Underground Railroad before his 1861 arrest and death in the state penitentiary. Julett Miles, a Black woman, crossed the Ohio River to rescue her children, was convicted of enticing ten enslaved individuals, and died in prison in 1859. Thomas Brown, an Irish immigrant arrested at age 60, endured two years of severe beatings before release. The order also lists Isaac Johnson (Kenton County), Dick Baker (Trigg County), James Carter (Graves County) and R.J. Tyner (Fulton County).
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Beshear said the pardons correct a historical injustice and restore honor to the individuals and families, calling them heroes rather than criminals. Senate Majority spokesperson Angela Billings affirmed Kentucky’s recognition of Juneteenth as National Freedom Day. The order was signed with Rev. Andrew Baskin, professor emeritus at Berea College, and historian James Prichard, who both stressed the moral need to acknowledge past wrongs.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources describe Anderson’s impact as “around 1,000,” “roughly 1,000,” or “about 1,000” enslaved people, reflecting slight phrasing differences. The full list of all 43 pardoned individuals is not reproduced in the articles, leaving many honorees unnamed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When we have a chance to correct a historical wrong, we should do it.” — Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky
- “These leaders are heroes — not criminals — and they and their families deserve the justice of having their names cleared.” — Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky
- “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,” — Rev. Andrew Baskin, Professor Emeritus, Berea College
- “Gov. Beshear’s pardon sheds a spotlight on this neglected chapter in Kentucky’s history,” — James Prichard, Historian
What’s Next
Beshear invited residents to submit additional names for potential posthumous pardons via FreedomTrailPardons@ky.gov. The state plans a series of Juneteenth events throughout Kentucky in 2026, and the administration continues equity initiatives such as the 2024 natural-hair protection order.
