‘Paris 3’ Get Their Own Day in Paris, Kentucky, 65 Years Later

March 3, 2026

In Paris, Kentucky, three Black women known as the "Paris 3" received official recognition 65 years after their arrest for requesting service at a segregated diner as teenagers. Margaret Nichols, Weida Allen, and Augustine Fields were jailed for 36 hours in the 1960s, sparking a year-long boycott that brought desegregation to their community. The mayor proclaimed March 1, 2026, as "Paris 3 Day" during a ceremony held in the same courtroom where they were originally sentenced.

Who is affected

Margaret Nichols, Weida Allen, and Augustine Fields (the "Paris 3")
The city of Paris, Kentucky and its residents
Karrie Claybrook (granddaughter of Weida Allen and documentary filmmaker)
National audiences who will view the documentary

What action is being taken

The Paris Mayor proclaimed March 1, 2026, as "Paris 3 Day"
A ceremony was held honoring the three women
Karrie Claybrook's documentary film is being used to tell their story and spark conversations

Why it matters

This recognition matters because it acknowledges a pivotal moment in Paris, Kentucky's civil rights history when three teenage girls challenged segregation and catalyzed community change through a year-long boycott. The commemoration demonstrates how confronting difficult historical truths can promote healing and unity, transforming silence into community solidarity. The story represents countless similar acts of courage across America during the civil rights era that deserve preservation and recognition. By honoring these women and sharing their story nationally, the community hopes to inspire broader conversations about racial justice and national healing.

What's next

The documentary is intended to reach national audiences beyond Kentucky to promote healing conversations across the country about civil rights history and racial reconciliation.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint