Africa
1181
The narrative traces Mr. Edward's moves from Moorhead, Mississippi, to Chicago, Illinois, and later to Louisville, Kentucky. During these years Mr. Edwards attended innovative programs in Chicago and graduated from Shawnee High School. After attending Western Kentucky University and Bowling Green Business College, Mr. Edwards was successful in obtaining an Office of Minority Business Enterprise (O.M.B.E.) loan for the Pressley and Edwards Machine and Welding Company. A large portion of the interviewer traces the persistent efforts of Edwards and others to make the company a success. Mr. Edwards is a member of a large extended family presently living in Louisville.
2606
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.
2357
Talks about the riots occurring right outside of her home and discusses growing up in Parkland, still living in her childhood home and how the neighborhood has evolved for both good and bad over the decades. She starts by providing background information regarding her family, living in the projects and then later in the home she still lives in. Analyzes the differences between protesters and rioters. Interview index and summary available
2226
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.
2607
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.
2608
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.
2358
Janice Ervin discusses her experience as a teacher in Indian Trails and the discrimination she faced. She notes this time as a happy time, and recalls lesson she learned as a teacher. Ervin notes the role of her mother shaping her decision to become a teacher. She instilled the need of education onto her two daughters. Ervin also talks about her siblings’ and their careers, her funding at the University of Michigan. Ervin discusses the boundaries of the Parkland neighborhood and notes it as being a nice neighborhood prior to the riot. She recalls the riot of 1968 (describing the period as a time of civil unrest), and notes her experiences demonstrating during the 1960s and 1970s. Ervin discusses organization of the rally and the damage after the riot. Ervin notes the impact the riot had on West Louisville, including the initial feelings of fear and the removal of many businesses in the area. Ervin discusses the Black Six and their trial. She recalls them being seen as heroes to the community. She provides her general feelings about Louisville after the riot (her desire to leave), as well as the perception of others (the West End being seen as undesirable). Ervin notes the after effect on Parkland today. (Interview index available.)
473
Lincoln Perry, known professionally as Stepin Fetchit, discusses his family life, the personal tragedy of his son, Donald, religion and changes in show business.
524
These interviews are a continuation of the survey of the old black sections of Western Louisville. Only the Frazier tape is audible, but there are transcripts to all four interviews.
1923
Veterans History Project
