By AP
Lexington, KY – An encyclopedia chronicling Black history in Kentucky is in the works, with plans for the multi-year project to be housed at the University of Kentucky.
It will be coordinated with historians from colleges around the state.
Organizers believe it will be the first state-wide encyclopedia devoted to Black history in the country. It's scheduled for release in 2011 through the University of Kentucky Press.
The historians working on the project say they hope the encyclopedia opens up a new avenue of study and interest for the general public.
Editor Karen McDaniel says the book will cover 12 general areas such as education and the military, but also include people and smaller topics. The editors have already identified nearly 1,000 people who could be included.
The editors and some high-profile boosters including Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith and former NFL lineman Dermontti Dawson, are trying to raise $700,000 to publish the work.