West Louisville Urban Coalition supports Stevens

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - After the news Louisville judge Olu Stevens agreed to a paid suspension late last week, the West Louisville Urban Coalition announced its support of him Sunday.

Stevens is facing judicial misconduct allegations after a series of racially-charged Facebook posts. Kentucky's Judicial Conduct Commission hit the judge with those allegations after he accused prosecutor Tom Wine of preferring all white juries.

Stevens argues his statements are protected as free speech.

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Those gathering Sunday said if the judge doesn't advocate for the black community, who will?

"It's okay to say 'Wrong is being done to us.' And to stand for that, and stand in such a way that will bring change in the community," Monica Thomas of the West Louisville Urban Coalition said.

Stevens' hearing date should be set within the next 90 days.