In a heart-wrenching incident, a biracial family from Louisville experienced what they believe to be racial discrimination while visiting a local trampoline park. The Johnson family, who had hoped for a fun day out, instead left feeling traumatized and disrespected. The family alleges that the staff at Sky Zone on Outer Loop not only denied them service but also forcibly asked them to leave because of the racial differences among family members.
At the center of this story is 11-year-old D’Corey Johnson, who recently gained national attention as a talented singer on America’s Got Talent. D’Corey is part of a blended family where his parents, Corey and Nakia, have adopted and fostered children of different ethnic backgrounds. Despite the diversity in their family, love and unity prevail. “We treat every child who comes into our home with the same love and care, regardless of their background,” emphasized Nakia. This sentiment resonates deeply within the family, especially with Chloe, one of the adopted daughters, who firmly stated, “Blood doesn’t define family; these are my parents by law and by love.”
The experience at Sky Zone was particularly distressing for the Johnsons. When attempting to sign waivers for the activities, an employee questioned the legitimacy of their familial relationships. Despite efforts to provide proof, the situation escalated quickly, leading to security involvement and the family being escorted out. Corey, trying to maintain composure, guided his children away from the confrontation, feeling helpless and unable to protect his family. Since the incident, Nakia has repeatedly tried to seek answers from the management but has received little satisfaction.
This unfortunate event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by mixed-race families in society. It underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting diverse family structures. The Johnsons hope that by sharing their story, they can raise awareness and encourage more inclusive practices. “We want to ensure that no other family experiences what we did,” said Corey. In response, Sky Zone has stated that they take allegations of discrimination seriously and prioritize guest safety and comfort. However, the Johnson family remains skeptical and calls for genuine accountability and change.
