June 15, 2010 - Courier-Journal

by Chris Hartman

Louisville's Fairness community has been struck a profound blow this month with the loss of two of our movement's pioneer leaders -- Rev. George Edwards and Councilman George Unseld -- who both fought selflessly for the rights of others. The volume of notes and messages the Fairness Campaign has received from supporters marking the significance of these two men's passing has been incredible, and for good reason.

These men, when it was unpopular and scrutinized by the public at large, supported Fairness for all in a brave and bold way that will never be forgotten. Their lives, characterized by unending work for social justice, remind us of the great importance allies play in the fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights, and their deaths mark the passing of an era that changed our community forever.

Louisville's original Fairness Ordinance, one of the first and most inclusive anti-discrimination laws passed in our nation, now stands as an enduring legacy of allies like George Unseld's and George Edwards' commitment to Fairness and equality for all people. May their lives and work inspire us all to fiercely seek justice and equity for those in need and oppressed beyond our own identity groups.