The Warren County Public Library kicked off Black History Month Saturday at the Capitol with a presentation on Alice Allison Dunnigan, the first Black woman journalist credentialed to the White House and Capitol press corps.
Dunnigan was born in Russellville, Kentucky, roughly 30 minutes southwest of Bowling Green. She overcame many obstacles in her career as a Black woman from Kentucky pursuing journalism.
This event was intended to highlight the contributions Dunnigan made in Black journalism and shed light on the contributions of people lost to history.
Journalist Bailey Vandiver spoke at the event, saying it is important to remember and honor the contributions of those overlooked in history. She said this can be done through various art mediums like sculpting, quilting, writing and more.
Vandiver said Dunnigan brought awareness to Black heroes from Kentucky by highlighting influential men and women in the state’s history.
“Every time someone tells the story of Alice Dunnigan, you’re following in her footsteps, which I think is really cool,” Vandiver said.

Dunnigan’s great nieces, Penny Allison Lockhart and Angela Allison Stevens, also spoke at the event in honor of their great aunt.
Lockhart said Dunnigan’s advice to future journalists would be to always continue reporting the news no matter what.
“Tell the truth, however good, bad or ugly it may be,” Lockhart said. “Always be truthful, let it be done with the facts and always know what you’re talking about. I know she would say that because her integrity was questioned in so many different ways just because of the color of her skin.”
Marsia Poole, retired journalist and event attendee, spoke during the event where she said Dunnigan’s story inspires reporters, citizens and people looking for the truth.
“I just really have such a deep respect for the struggles of people, and especially for the unacknowledged or unrecognized struggles of people, particularly women,” Poole told the Herald.
Alexis Erskine, Youth Services Manager at Warren County Public Library and event organizer, said the library believes hearing the stories of local change-makers matters.
“When we learn the history of the people who are from the places we’re from, it builds a deeper sense of place, a deeper sense of community, and hopefully a deeper sense of belonging,” Erskine said.
The Warren County Public Library has planned several free events open to the public throughout February to celebrate Black History Month. More information can be found here.
News Reporter Abigail Vickers can be reached at [email protected].