The event was hosted and moderated by none other than DeVone Holt of Louisville, KY. DeVone Holt served as the President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center from July 2024 to October 2025. He was hired in July 2024 and announced his departure on October 15, 2025, transitioning out of the role on Oct. 24, 2025, to pursue other opportunities. DeVone felt it important to moderate this nights event for as his Facebook posts states,

“If you didn’t know it before, I’m sure you now know that…POLITICS MATTERS …especially local politics. That’s why I agreed to moderate Saturday’s debate with Metro Louisville’s District 5 candidates. The city of Louisville finds itself at a critical juncture where we must aggressively work to position ourselves as a city of the future. If we don’t, it is very possible that our best option will be to function as a “pass through city” where students, entrepreneurs, businesses and ambitious residents pause momentarily before moving on to find their forever-homes in other communities.

Politicians have looked weak in the face of such natural disaster, with many facing criticism from local residents. —  Julia Slingo, ETF

The candidate who wins the District 5 Metro Council election will play an important role in our city’s future. Please make time to attend this forum to learn what each of them has in store for District 5 and our city. The future success of our city could depend on your ability to make an informed decision about which candidate deserves your vote..”

In attendance for the forum, seated from left to right were candidates Ray Barker, Wallace Garner III, David Duncan, (incumbent)Donna Purvis, Aprile Hearn and Betty Bailey. A viewing of the forum can be seen above on the Youtube link. #stayLive

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