Public housing

This interview covers Armstrong's experiences as a resident in Sheppard Square public housing. Prior to moving into Sheppard Square, Armstrong lived with her two children in two crowded rooms on Magnolia Street in Louisville. She applied three times for public housing but reports difficulty in getting approval because she was not married. Armstrong helped form Resident Council, a model for other public housing resident groups in Louisville. She recalls positive relationships with police and discusses how the community changed in the 1980s. She also comments on changes in the resident population and attitude. Armstrong expresses concern that people with little or no income will not be able to find housing.

Barker shares her memories of her childhood and early adult years at Sheppard Square. She talks about Grace Community Center, mentioning many teachers by name, includig Fred Stoner. She remembers a childhood filled with physical ctivity, much of it spent outdoors. To Barker, Sheppard Square was "a great place to live" where neighbors knew and supported each other and corrected one another's children. Her father worked for the maintenance department of the Louisville Housing Authority. She talks about the changes in the complex, including an increase in single-family homes and a decline in property maintenance.

Mr. Beard discusses his work experiences and career with the Housing Authority. This interview is restricted, please contact archives@louisville.edu for more information.

Literature on the Housing Authority is included its background and programs; Mr. Booth, as an executive, discusses the Housing Authority of Louisville. Additional information in the file

Delquan Dorsey talks about his childhood and teen years in Sheppard Square housing. Dorsey connects his career in community organizing to his childhood experiences. He recalls an abundance of playmates and play activities. Dorsey shares a strong appreciation for the history of Smoketown and a pride in his family's roots there. He recalls feeling safe despite criminal activity in the neighborhood and a short-lived episode in which he was recruited to sell drugs. He talks about benefits and detriments of living in a compact and isolated neighborhood. He specifically credits his mother, mentors at Bates Memorial Baptist Church and at the Presbyterian Community Center with instilling in him a belief in his potential.

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.

Eighty-eight year old J. W. Everett of Indianapolis, IN recalled his childhood and youth in Louisville, KY in the Black Hill and Beecher Terrace neighborhoods in the 1940s and early 1950s. At age eight, his family had moved from sub-standard housing in the area of Eleventh and Magnolia to the brand-new public housing project called Beecher Terrace, which in that era was segregated for African-Americans. Everett recalls his child there as safe and care-free with the community caring for one-another. In addition, he touches on his school years at Coleridge Taylor Elementary, Madison Junior High, and especially Central High, where he experienced lots of activities for youths as well as one especially committed teacher who led students on lengthy Saturday hikes to the Falls of the Ohio. Mr. Everett further describes the vibrant street life including parades and Derby Time along the lengthy segregated “Old Walnut”—now Muhammad Ali Boulevard—business district. He lists specific business and entertainment sites including his visit as a youth to the iconic Top Hat Nightclub. Finally, the interviewee talks of his Air Force years during the Korean War, his subsequent return and brief employment in Louisville, and his multiple jobs in Indianapolis before finally landing for a lengthy employment at Ford Motor Company.

During this two-hour interview, Fields describes his childhood experiences at Sheppard Square. He recalls a relatively safe environment where a shooting would have been an out-of-the-ordinary event. Grace Presbyterian Center provided a safe place for skating, boxing, and other activities. Fred Stoner is talked about as are his grandparents, Bennie and Elizabeth Gardner. He talks about competition, personal responsibility and contributing to the community. In addition to childhood memories, Fields recounts his journey of self-discovery and offers insight into being an African American male, coming of age during the Civil Rights era, and increased opportunities for the Black community through education and individual perseverance.

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.

Helms recalls her experiences living in Sheppard Square. She kept to herself and didn't have any problems with her neighbors. She felt safe and was comfortable there with her children. She recalls older residents caring for their flower beds and yards. Over time, the people that she knew best either moved or died, and the character of the community changed. After two people were killed near her home in July 2011, she was ready to move as part of the HOPE VI project. Helms eagerly gave the interviewer a tour of their new apartment commenting on its spaciousness and convenience.