Breonna Taylor’s birthday weekend celebrated at ‘Evening of Elegance’ event

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - More than two years after Breonna Taylor was shot and killed inside her apartment, an organization celebrated what would have been her upcoming 29th birthday.

The Breonna Taylor Foundation hosted the “Evening of Elegance Breonna Taylor Birthday Bash” at Mellwood Arts Center on Friday evening.

The event was organized ahead of Taylor’s birthday on Sunday in honor of her life and to give back to the community, according to the foundation, similar to how Taylor gave to her friends, family and her career as a former medical technician.

“In just 26 years, Breonna Taylor was not only able to touch this community but the entire world,” Brad Harrison, the event’s host said. “The entire world kind of came together, and felt, and shared her story. So we want to continue that togetherness, and have the community involved and want to continue saying her name.”

COMPLETE COVERAGE: The Breonna Taylor case

Taylor was shot and killed during a botched raid by LMPD on March 13, 2020. In the two years since, LMPD has fired two of the officers involved in the raid, hired a new police chief, and tasked a civilian review board to look into the department’s disciplinary cases.

Louisville Metro also banned no-knock warrants in the city.

The Breonna Taylor Foundation said they want to continue honoring and remembering Taylor’s life and legacy.

“We just want people to continue saying Breonna Taylor’s name and remember the sweet soul she was,” Harrison said.

On Saturday, Taylor’s family will be part of the unveiling of Breonna’s Garden, a traveling art exhibit making its first stop in Louisville.

The exhibit, featuring a virtual display of photos and mementos honoring Taylor, will be unveiled to visitors at Roots 101 African American Museum and will run through Sept. 3.