Africa

Wyetta Gilmore discusses her career as a librarian with the Indianapolis Free Public Library. Virgil discusses his family history and his 42-year career with the railroad as a porter. Together Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore discuss their home in Parkland and the changes in the area over the years. Talks about how a mixed couple (Black man, white woman) had trouble buying a house and how the racial make-up of the neighborhood changed.

A Black family remembers their impressions of the Depression and how it affected Kentucky's African Americans. It also contained detailed descriptions of a coal mine in Jenkins, Letcher County, Kentucky, including work, company store, pay and improvements with the coming of World War II, Black sports and Black comedians.

Albert Goldin, a white physician, discusses his association with Red Cross (later Community) Hospital during the last years of its existence. He recalls the role of the board of directors, the failure of the institution, and the relationship between the Black and Jewish medical communities in Louisville.

Henry Goodrow grew up in the West End of Louisville, Kentucky. He attended St. Columba Catholic School and Flaget High School in Louisville. He served in the Marine Corps (1956-1959) in Puerto Rico and North Carolina. He attended the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University for undergraduate education. His past employment included factory work at Bryan Williamson, salesman for Donnellson Bakery, National Life and Insurance Company, and the Louisville Water Company. A retired Middletown firefighter, he currently is an instructor for Region 6 of the Kentucky Fire Commission. Henry Goodrow speaks about growing up in the West End of Louisville, Kentucky. He describes the Parkland neighborhood’s past industries, businesses, shops, and demographics. He tells of the cause and results of the Parkland Riot. He discusses white prejudice against blacks in the 1950s and 1960s. He describes negative perceptions of the West End and contemporary challenges that Parkland faces. He concludes with thoughts on what is needed to improve Parkland. (Interview index and summary available.)

Nelson Goodwin, a nursery owner and local historian from Louisville, Kentucky, discusses his ancestors and other African Americans who lived in the Petersburg / Newburg area. He describes the relationships of various African Americans with white slaveowners, and the efforts Blacks made to build their community following slavery. He describes his own efforts to develop his community through the location of a library in Newburg and the Petersburg Historical Society's programs, as well as his fight against urban renewal. He also talks about his own career in the nursery business.

Jane Grady is a civil rights activist who grew up in the Parkland neighborhood. She also lived in Beecher Terrace for a while. She remembered Little Africa, the Walnut Street Business District, and working for tenants’ rights in public housing.

Graham, a 73-year-old African American man who was a long-time resident of Parkland. He was a 1922 graduate of Central High School as well as a graduate of Simmons University and Fisk University. He discusses his life and memories of Parkland. Mr George is active in church and religious activities in the neighborhood. Side 2 talks about the changes in the neighborhood since he moved into the area and potential reasons for those changes.

This interview covers Griffin's memories of her childhood and teenage years at Sheppard Square. Her husband, Edward, accompanied her during the interview. She talks about her family, neighborhood mothers, the Presbyterian Community Center and other mentors. As a young child, Griffin was exposed to the community's danger: gun violence, drug deals and prostitution. Despite the harsh world she witnessed, she describes a happy childhood playing outside for most of the day and enjoying a variety of activities at PCC. She is proud of coming from Sheppard Square. Griffin offers an insightful look into a public housing childhood, experiencing its best and worst episodes, and a young girl's journey to self esteem.

Gregory Grigsby was born in Louisville and has lived here for most of his life. He moved out of town to go to different schools but otherwise has lived in Louisville, in different neighborhoods, and considers Parkland to be his home. He has worked as a computer consultant, astrophysicist, and astrologer. He was living in Parkland during the uprising/riot of 1968. Talked about his life and experiences in Parkland, how the geographic boundaries have changed over time, the issue of housing, political conflicts (white government vs. black government), etc. He has memories of the whole uprising as being exaggerated and blown out of context. (Summary available.)