The first of two interviews with Mr. Bluitt in which he discusses growing up in rural TX, segregation and racial violence, early musical life, touring musician, music in the family, conversion experience, life in the church, directing the Bourgard School of Arts, establishing the youth choir, life in Russell.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
The second of two interviews in which Mr. Bluitt discusses growing up in rural TX, segregation and racial violence, early musical life, touring musician, music in the family, conversion experience, life in the church, directing the Bourgard School of Arts, establishing the youth choir, life in Russell.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
Mr. Burton reflects on growing up in Russell, happy neighborhood, Old Walnut St., destruction of Urban Renewal, Rahn Burton, musician brother, played with Roland Kirk, working at Brown Foreman, starting the club, buying the building, fellowship of the club, community outreach, food giveaways, Easter, COVID, contracting COVID.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
Mr. Edwards talks about purchasing land in west Louisville for a public garden, the mental and physical benefits of gardening, growing up in west Louisville, the effects of urban renewal on west Louisville, Breonna Taylor, civil rights actions in 2020, the effects of COVID, political and racial violence on public health in west Louisville in 2020, Cabbage Patch, life as an educator and father.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
In the first of four interviews, Mr. Ellis reflects on the Old Walnut St. era of west Louisville, growing up in Russell and in Smoketown, Naval service, being a shoe store owner, working for Delta airlines, friendship with Ross Jessup, early work in community service, halfway house director, violence intervention and juvenile diversion programming, civil rights work, West End advocacy, career in Louisville government, conversion experience, divinity school, preaching in the ministry.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
Second of four interviews with Mr. Ellis in which he talks about Old Walnut St. era of west Louisville, growing up in Russell and in Smoketown, relationship with father, Naval service, shoe store owner, working for Delta airlines, economic strength of Louisville in the 1970s and 80s, friendship with Ross Jessup, early work in community service, halfway house director, violence intervention and juvenile diversion programming, gang violence in Louisville, civil rights work, West End advocacy, NAACP, career in Louisivlle government, Harvy Sloane, Jerry Abrams, LMPD courruption, internal affairs, family life, conversion experience, divinity school, preaching in the ministry.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
The third of four interviews in which Mr. Ellis reflects on his friendship with Ross Jessup, Grace Hope Presbyterian Center, early work in community service, halfway house director, violence intervention and juvenile diversion programming, gang violence in Louisville, Cryps and Bloods, civil rights work, Shelby Lanier, Black Police Officer's Association, West End advocacy, Black Unity League of Kentucky (BULK), 1968 "Riots," Black Six, NAACP, career in Louisivlle government, Harvy Sloane, Jerry Abrams, conversion experience, divinity school, preaching in the ministry, history of AME churches.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
In the fourth of four interviews, Ellis discusses Old Walnut St. era of west Louisville, growing up in Russell and in Smoketown, relationship with father, Beecher Terrace, Naval service, racism during Naval years, shoe store owner, working for Delta airlines, economic strength of Louisville in the 1970s and 80s, friendship with Ross Jessup, early work in community service, halfway house director, violence intervention and juvenile diversion programming, gang violence in Louisville, civil rights work, West End advocacy, NAACP, career in Louisville government, Harvey Sloane, Jerry Abrams, LMPD corruption, internal affairs, family life, conversion experience, divinity school, preaching in the ministry.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
Grady discusses her life in Beecher Terrace, being a kitchen beautician, raising kids in income-based housing, community and good times in Beecher Terrace, working as a nurse assistant, watching other people's kids, work at Louisville Linen, domestic work for wealthy families in Indian Hills, moving to L.A., work at Pendenis Club, family life as a child, father's hobby as a woodworker, work on Resident Council at Beecher Terrace, Western Branch Library,
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
Haines talks about opening Sweet Peaches, first impressions of Russell, the importance of cooking good food for people, finding community and sense of self-worth in working, difficulty keeping business open during COVID, structuring business to meet the needs of the community, giving food away, working to stabilize life for children and families in Russell, life in food service, family life, learning to cook, recipes, being nice to everybody as a practice.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
Higgins discusses living in Russell during protests of 2020, David McAtee, Breonna Taylor, promoting discussions about race and inequity, growing up in Russell, parents life and marriage, WWII, Old Walnut Street era, notable perons on Old Walnut St., racial inequity in employment during segregation, redlining, life and career as a Black, female engineer, Catholocism in west Louisville, decline of Russell, halfway houses, outside investors purchasing houses in west Louisville, housing problems in west Louisville, housing inequity, revitalization of Russell.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
Jordon reflects on her early years with parents and siblings off Dixie Hwy, living in federal housing in Southwick, living in Germany for six years, life in military family, moving back to America and trying to make a living, moving to income based housing: Clarksdale and Beecher Terrace, the difficulty of raising kids in income-based housing projects, Beecher Terrace, Decker University and subsequent closure by federal agents, politics and culture of income-based housing.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
Demetrius McDowell discusses growing up in Smoketown, early expulsion from Jefferson County Public Schools, the effects of incarceration on the spirit and psyche, being a father in jail, starting a business, early attempts at youth diversion and violence interruption, working at the YMCA, starting the nonprofit youth advocacy group Bosses Not Bangers.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
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In this interview McNealy recounts starting a farmer's market in west Louisville, growing up in Russell, Page's confectionery, time in the Army, living in California, radio career, failed and successful food services businesses, opening Pages again.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
Pressley discusses growing up in west Louisville, the culture of Elliot Park and camaraderie there, bike club, barbecuing, male friendships and hijinks, losing his daughter to gun violence, lifetime of swimming and swim instruction.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
Reed reflects on his life in Beecher Terrace, learning to sew at a young age, art of sewing and tailoring, small business, self-improvement, last days of Beecher Terrace, process of finding housing elsewhere.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
Reid talks about the last days at Beecher Terrace, Metro Housing Authority, housing inequality, buying books, being an autodidact, effects of prosecution as one of the Black Six, subsequent disenfranchisement from community and family, efforts to clear himself of charges, reflections on American history, society, and jurisprudence, civil rights movement.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
Turner talks about the annual 16th St. Block Party, marriage and family, becoming a homeowner, building community with neighbors, the fellowship of organizing the block party, COVID and cancelling the block party.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
