Summary:
This interview covers Ellis' recollections of his childhood at Sheppard Square. He recalls activities at Grace Community Center, a predecessor to the Presbyterian Community Center (PCC), and the mentors there, who inspired him to become a community activist. Ellis recalls a supportive neighborhood, including white-owned businesses that sold groceries on credit and funded neighborhood athletic teams. He expresses pride in coming from Sheppard Square, even though he believes the community's attitude changed from a focus on working for a better life to complacency and permanence. Ellis voices concern about former public housing residents who may not be equipped to live outside of the housing authority's oversight.
Topic(s):
Sheppard Square (Housing project : Louisville, Ky.), Louisville Metropolitan Housing Authority (Louisville, Ky.), Smoketown (Louisville, Ky.), African American neighborhoods � Kentucky � Louisville, Presbyterian Community Center (Louisville, Ky.), Childhood development, Public housing � Kentucky � Louisville, Housing authorities � Kentucky � Louisville
