Summary:
From his childhood until its closing in 1951, Lattimore Cole, a Louisville native, worked intermittently at the “Louisville Leader,” an African-American weekly, founded in 1917 by his father, I. Willis Cole. Mr. Cole served in World War II, attended Louisville Municipal College, and retired from the U. S. Postal Service. Much of the interview involves comments and identifications provided by Lattimore Cole when shown family photographs and items from the “Louisville Leader” newspaper/printing company. Publishing company operations and staff are recounted. Mr. Cole also comments on his father’s friendships with national African-American business and political leaders as well as local figures like newspaper rival William Warley. I. Willis Cole’s personality and business instincts are discussed along with descriptions of Louisville’s segregated Old Walnut Business District. The interview concludes with Lattimore’s discussion of his siblings and their home-life together.
NOTE: The recorder was inadvertently not started until about thirty minutes into the interview. When taping commenced the interviewer incorrectly stated the date as “October 19, 2013.” The error was corrected at the conclusion of the interview. Mr. Cole’s daughter, Nora, is heard commenting in the background. Earlier interviews conducted on November 26, 1977 and June 23, 2004 (video) are also available.
Topic(s):
African Americans--Kentucky--Louisville, Newspapers, Newspaper publishing, Segregation--Kentucky--Louisville, Family histories, Cole, I. Willis, 1887-1950
