“Understanding, communication, and trust are the keys to a good relationship. It’s hard because we all have our problems but you just have to put that trust out there on the table. We’ve been doing this for twelve years. We met up here. It was like love at first sight, for real. Twelve years and three kids later, I’m ready to get married.

This might be the last Thunder for us. I grew up here. Thunder of Louisville has always been up here, it’s Beecher Terrace Day. That’s what we call it. Once they tear it down, it’s over. Well, when they get everything reconstructed ain’t no telling what it’s gonna be when you come back here. It’s over. We’re gonna be forced to go down there. For us black folks, we ain’t gonna wanna go anywhere else, it’s tradition. Damn, that’s cold. It’s the last one. I started not to come and was just gonna stay home and sit on the couch and watch tv. I’m glad I came out here.

We need more love down here. Down here, it’s ridiculous. I  mean, I grew up wild but now, they need love. The city’s tore up. The West End needs more community centers, unity, and more support for each other.” Von & Tia (pictured with Moon Dog & Moon Puppy), Russell - Thunder 2018 at Beecher Terrace