Commission on Human Rights
Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Executive Director Statement upon the Death of Arthur Buchanan

(LOUISVILLE, KY) - The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights mourns the death of a former employee, Arthur Buchanan, who died this week in Louisville, Ky.

Buchanan served from 1979 to 1990 as a community outreach specialist for the state human rights commission headquartered in Louisville.  He traveled the state with other civil rights professionals to help form local human rights commissions and to build strength within civil rights advocacy organizations such as women’s rights groups, disability groups and NAACP chapters. He worked alongside Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Executive Director John J. Johnson who headed the Outreach Division of the commission during Buchanan’s tenure.  Buchanan worked with housing authorities statewide to eradicate discrimination related to racial steering, and he worked in housing testing projects throughout the Commonwealth,. 

“Mr. Buchanan was a friend to the commission and a friend of mine," said Executive Director Johnson. "Arthur was a dedicated worker for the cause of equality and positive change, and he was a warm and gracious human being who will be greatly missed," Johnson said.   

Buchanan is survived by his wife Ann, daughters Tiffany and Megan, son-in-law Rev. Norman Williams, and two granddaughters.

Visitation will be Friday, April 27, 6 to 9 p.m. (EDT), at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2200 West Muhammad Ali Blvd., in Louisville.  The funeral will take place on Saturday, April 28, at 11 a.m., with interment at Louisville Cemetery. 

                                                             -30-