Cooper and Friedman Sponsor Peace Fest 2016
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on July 22, 2016
Last year was Louisville’s deadliest year since 1979 with a total of 84 homicides. And in July 2016, the city has already surpassed this number and the violence is increasing. In order to address this very serious issue, local activists, artists and community members are coming together to host Peace Fest 2016.
Peace Fest 2016 Focuses on Promoting Peace and Ending Violence in Louisville
On Saturday, July 30th, in Louisville’s Sheppard Park, Peace Fest 2016 will showcase local musicians, artists, comedians and custom cars. Founders LaFonz “Fonz” Brown and Ethan “Mugg” McKenzie, hope this day-long festival will turn into a social movement that ends the cycle of violence and reconstructs Louisville neighborhoods in the West End.
The inspiration for the event began five years ago. Fonz Brown was entering a liquor store on Derby Day when he was confronted by two men and shot several times. Since this day he has made several health improvements and is using his experience to promote peace in the city of Louisville. As a local rapper, Brown is grateful for his life after losing so many friends to the violence.
Another local rapper and friend of Brown, Michael Thomas Jr. “Louis Keys” was murdered last year. Brown remembers Thomas as a musician that was not into the streets and his music did not reflect that lifestyle. Thomas was a promising musician that played with some well known artists like Young Joc and Nappy Roots. As a local musician, Brown says, “We have more to offer in Louisville than just murders, killings – even in the West End.”
These artists are coming together to support each other and promote peace throughout the West End. This day of music and art is dedicated to community, peace and opportunity. Brown and Mugg founded this festival and have gained support from filmmaker Terrence McCraney, rapper/producer/graphic designer Ahmon Salter and activist Christopher 2X. All of these local musicians and activists have been personally touched by this violence and are working to improve the lives of others in Louisville.
Louisville hip-hop is reaching ears locally and across the nation. James Lindsey, Jecorey “1200” Arthur and Bryson Tiller are on their way to becoming household names. Peace Fest 2016 is important to show young artists pursuing their dreams in this industry. 
Brown lives in southwest Louisville and was born in the city. As a child, he grew up in Atlanta where he was exposed to many top musicians. And now Brown serves as the detail manager for Mercedes and Mini Cooper at Tafel Motors on Shelbyville Road.
His growth and accomplishments have allowed him to give back to the community and establish Peace Fest 2016. This event would not be possible without his activism and determination.
Sponsors for Peace Fest 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky
The support from the local community has helped increase awareness and support for this event as well. As a Louisville law firm focused on civil rights law, Cooper & Friedman is proud to join several other local sponsors to help support this important event.
Other Peace Fest 2016 sponsors include: Mini of Louisville, Tafel Motors, Mercedes of Louisville, Louisville Magazine and Alpha Media.
For more information about Peace Fest 2016 or how you can support this movement towards increasing peace and safety in West Louisville and throughout the city, read: Louisville Magazine.