KENTUCKY CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE ELMER LUCILLE ALLEN GALLERY PRESENTS
AND SAY HI TO YOUR MOTHER
30 Portraits of Black Women Culture Leaders
By Dr. Jabani Bennett
NOVEMBER 15, 2024 - JANUARY 15, 2025
AND SAY HI TO YOUR MOTHER
30 Portraits of Black Women Culture Leaders By
Dr. Jabani Bennett
NOVEMBER 15, 2024 - JANUARY 15, 2025
Support for this exhibit provided in part by: Brown-Forman
Kentucky Arts Council
Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Metro Louisville
The Kentucky Foundation for Women provided Dr. Jabani Bennett with generous support towards the creation of this body of work.
Kentucky Center for African American Heritage 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. Louisville, Kentucky 40203 (502) 583-4100 Mon-Fri: 10 am – 4 pm
Artwork on Cover: Obatala II, Dr. Jabani Bennett
THE KENTUCKY CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
From the 1920s to the 1950s, Old Walnut Street in downtown Louisville was a hub for African American culture and business in the region. Black-owned businesses flourished, and the music venues and theatres attracted people of all cultures to the area. Urban renewal in the ‘50s ended much of this, but we haven’t forgotten our past.
In 1994, the African American Heritage Foundation (AAHF) was established to primarily preserve African American sites, communities, and culture. This initiative started with the preservation of historic structures in the African American community of Louisville and the implementation of historic markers to recognize significant sites.
The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage represents the next step in the preservation process, with the additional aim of serving as a source of revitalization and education for the Kentucky African American community and beyond. Evolving from the Louisville and Jefferson County African American Heritage Committee, the Heritage Center is a space for African American spoken word, visual and performing artists, to collaborate and provide the rich heritage of African Americans with the voice and platform it deserves.
The Heritage Center’s campus is located on the historic Louisville Street Railway Complex, a central site in the fight for transportation equality in 1876. Since the renovation of the 55,000-square-foot campus, we’ve worked to raise public awareness about the history, heritage, and cultural contributions of African Americans in Kentucky and in the African Diaspora. The Heritage Center is also a vital, contemporary institution, providing space for exhibitions and performances of all types.
Located at 18th and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, the Heritage Center overlooks the area that was once Old Walnut Street. This area holds special significance for African American community in Kentuckiana. Through the efforts of the Heritage Center, with help from the community, we aim to restore it as a place of cultural significance once more. The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage is dedicated solely to showcasing our community’s triumphs. Here, African American history has a platform to share its monumental achievements with the community where they occurred.
OUR MISSION
KCAAH’s aims to enhance public knowledge about the history, heritage and cultural contributions of African Americans in Kentucky, and in the African Diaspora. In addition to its commitment to preserving past traditions and accomplishments, the Center serves as a vital, contemporary institution, that provides space for exhibitions and performances of all types.
About the Exhibition 3...................... Adams, Dr. Tomarra A., 1831
4...................... Allen, Elmer Lucille, 1851
5...................... Asantewaa, Nana Yaa “Mama Yaa”, 1954
6...................... Bailey-Ndiaye, Stacy, 1961
7.......................Baye, Betty, 1856
8...................... Bethel, Wilma, 1967
9.......................Burton, Nefertiti, 1994 10.................... Campbell, Dr. Renee, 1995
.................... Charles, Sandra, 2000
.................... Dallum, Ramona, 2004
13.................... Duffy, Sherrolyn “Sherrie” Gilchriest, 2008
14.....................Fields, Reverend Aletha, 2009 15.................... Guerin, Claudia, 1924 16.................... Hamilton, Bernadette, 1965
17.................... Hamilton, Cheri Bryant, 1971
18.................... Kelly, Gwendolyn, 1869
19.................... Lanier, Clest, 1964
20.................... Marshall, Marjorie, 1989
21.................... Mathies, Rhonda, 1923 22.................... McKnight, Karen, 1970
23.................... Mosely, Barbara Tyson, 1904
24.................... Muhammad, Imani A. , 1982
25.................... Perkins, Joetta, 1980
26.................... Porter, Diane, 1892
27.................... Shelby, Synthia, 1936
28.................... Sweeney Sheppard, Nzingha Beverley, 1900
29.....................Trumbo, Harlina, 1939
30.................... Vasser, Marian 1922
31.................... White, Portia, 1914
32.................... Wimsatt, Elisha 1842
33.................... About Elmer Lucille Allen Gallery 34.................... About the Curator
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Dr. Jabani Bennett (she/they) is a cultural equity planner, interdisciplinary artist, and strategist dedicated to increasing the visibility of underrepresented creative professionals in the American Midwest. With expertise in development management, Dr. Bennett collaborates on impactful projects that promote collective healing through the arts. Her career as an award-winning visual arts educator in public schools, combined with over fifteen years of effective teaching experience, informs her current projects in arts and culture. She has built strong relationships with diverse families in New York City and Louisville, Kentucky. She believes in the power of asset-based approaches to community development for systemic change in the arts.
Dr. Bennett is currently leading the CREATE Arts Directory project at the Center for Health Equity. This initiative supports underserved arts professionals throughout the city. Additionally, she recently became the first Black woman and openly queer director of the Women’s Center at the University of Louisville. In this role, she aims to co-create supportive spaces dedicated to gender equity using an intersectional feminist framework. As a full-time artist, Dr. Bennett is excited to share her passion for visual storytelling and her research on equity-centered leadership strategies in the arts. Her vibrant mixed-media collage portraits deconstruct historical narratives surrounding brown-skinned femme bodies in Kentucky. By using versatile layering techniques, she creates diverse representations of beauty. These image-making processes nurture her strength and inner peace as an artist, mother, “water dancer,” and certified yoga teacher dedicated to radical joy as a liberatory practice.
AND SAY HI TO YOUR MOTHER
This exhibit showcases mixed-media collages and expressive paintings that creatively respond to the cultural leadership legacy of prominent Black women in Louisville. The vivid portrait series explores the long-standing contributions of local strategists who, despite being undervalued, have significantly elevated cultural products, services, and the city’s arts scene. Curated by Julia Youngblood, the exhibit also features an ancestral altar honoring the departed Black women who were visionary leaders in Louisville’s history.
The exhibit’s opening reception was held on Friday, November 15th, and included sound bath by Shavaun Evans, Ancestral Libations with Nefertiti Burton, dance by Jru Woodford, an original song by Sonya Hensley and music by Deejay MAD MOON VyBE. On Saturday, November 16, KCAAH hosted additional gallery hours and an artist talk, facilitated by Shauntrice Martin, in conjunction with Louisville Visual Art’s Open Studio Louisville. On January 14th the community was again invited in for a special event to view the completed collection and a guided tour by independent curator Sirene Martin.
The title “And say hi to your mother.” is derived from the diverse experiences with the thirty leaders in the series and reflected a cultural connection to family, traditional customs and the intricate networks in Louisville, Kentucky. Each model would inquire about someone special in the artist’s life - whether an update
about the artist’s young daughter, her father, her late stepfather, her mother, or her siblings -the intimate chats circle back to the artist. Additionally, her mother, Bani Hines-Hudson, a creative and cultural leader herself introduced Dr. Jabani, when she was a child, to many of the women rep resented in this exhibition. These magical sessions with each leader demonstrated the power of community.
The exhibition’s conceptual framework is a fictional Afro-futuristic archive for Louisville, Kentucky, featuring images of current leaders in the arts and culture. These portraits are envisioned as part of a future social studies text focusing on inclusive leadership. Each name and number in the art series represents a significant person or element with historical value in Louisville. The numbers reflect actual cultural facts about an African American woman leader from Louisville’s past, as documented in “Two Centuries of Black Louisville: A Photographic History” and a page number in a future book. Additionally, the numbers foster dialogue with the models in the portraits, showcasing present-day leaders discussing their lived experiences in relation to the significance of the numbers. Numerology plays a critical role in this art show. Furthermore, the number “1670” repeats throughout the exhibit, representing a historical moment when slave codes swept the U.S. colonies, including Kentucky. Who will be celebrated in 2050 ? Which strategists will be recognized for contributing to our cultural landscape in 3010? What oppressive policies are currently sweeping over our nation? We can shape that change now.
In this example below, the cultural leader is JoEtta Perkins. The writing format mirrors how names are written in book indexes to highlight the importance of archiving significant people in Louisville’s history for the cultural transmission of knowledge. The number, 1980 is 1) the page number in the imaginary social studies text of the future featuring Black women cultural leaders, 2) an important year in the “herstory” of Louisville, Kentucky and a connection to past leadership strategies in the arts, and 3) a number that might hold significance in the life of the model. What events occurred in Perkins’ family life in 1980? Does the number 1980 represent anything significant in Perkins’ present-day experiences?
Perkins, JoEtta H., 1980
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville”
In 1980, Bonnie Hines played the lead in “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf” - directed by Shirley Reynolds of the Louisville Repertory Theatre.
In the 1670s, according to the book “Two Centuries of Black Louisville: A Photographic History,” a series of laws fully institutionalized American slavery across the colonies, modeled on the codes from the Caribbean. The diverse lives of Black people were collectively impacted by far-reaching policies that resulted in inequities, as do the modern-day lives of various Black women leaders in the art show.
1. Adams, Dr. Tomarra A., 1831
Dr. Tomarra Adams serves as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Bellarmine University, collaborating with university and community partners to integrate and assess the university’s mission within educational policies and practices by monitoring key performance indicators. Previously, Dr. Adams held various positions at the University of Louisville, including counselor in the Counseling Center, interim director of the Multicultural Center, Assistant Dean for Advising, and Assistant Professor in Pan-African Studies. Additionally, she served as Dean of Undergraduate Education and professor in African American Studies and Social Work at Spalding University.
Dr. Adams is a member of the National Council on Black Studies, the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Pan-African Studies, along with master’s and doctoral degrees in social work from the University of Louisville. She is a licensed clinical social worker.
Lead with ethics, determination, conviction, and compassion. When you inspire others to embrace their purpose, and recognize their worth and contributions, achieving your personal and shared goals becomes more dignified and fulfilling. The best way to keep working together in our city is by breaking down silos, focusing on the needs of the people and the community instead of positionality, organizing our resources to maximize our impact, and openly supporting one another as we pursue common goals. The best way to recover from a mistake is to first take ownership of it. Acknowledge any harm that may have been caused and work to restore your team with full transparency and readiness to share how to move forward.
Black women in Louisville who have made a difference in my life as leaders include Margaret Wright, Connie Shumake, Elmer Lucille Allen. There are others I admire and revere from afar, but these women shared their wisdom on how to reach my fullest potential through knowledge, ethics, and commitment to the people I serve. They exemplified the importance of showing up in the spaces and for people, and how to sustain that commitment over time.
My daughter brings me the most joy in this world. My family, both by blood and by choice, means everything to me. They push me to be my best, hold me accountable without judgement. They lift me up when I have fallen, make me laugh until my stomach hurts, and demonstrate unconditional love always. I am blessed to have them.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 1831, Lucie Blackburn escaped to Canada with her husband, Thornton Blackburn and later became founders of the black community in Toronto.
2.Allen, Elmer Lucille, 1851
Elmer Lucille Allen (she/her) is a retired chemist and dedicated community volunteer with a lifelong commitment to the arts. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, she made history in 1966 as the first African American chemist at Brown-Forman Corporation. She retired in 1997 after 31 years of service as a Senior Analytical Chemist. Her passion for the arts began in the early 1980s, and she has since become an influential figure in the regional arts community. Allen graduated from Central High School in 1949 and earned a Bachelor of Science from Nazareth College (now Spalding University) in 1953. She later pursued a Master of Arts in Studio Arts at the University of Louisville, completing her degree in 2002, and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Spalding University in 2024.
Her artistic journey began in 1977 when she took her first ceramics class. She studied under local artists and eventually joined the University of Louisville’s ceramics program, where she earned her Master’s degree. Her thesis exhibit featured sculptural porcelain boxes and stenciled wall hangings, while she explored innovative fiber techniques such as stitched resist shibori.
In the 1980s, Allen co-founded the Kentucky Coalition for AFRO-American Arts, Inc. (KCAAA) and played a crucial role in documenting African American artists in Kentucky. Her leadership at KCAAA helped create directories showcasing Black artists in the state. In 1986, she received the Governor’s Community Arts Award for her contributions to Kentucky’s creative economy. Allen also served as the curator and director of the Wayside Christian Mission’s Wayside Expression Gallery from 2005 to 2017, showcasing local emerging artists. She has received several accolades for her work, including the “Art and Advocacy Award” from the Kentucky Museum of Arts and Crafts in 2015 and the “Caritas Medal - Highest Alumnus Award” from Spalding University in 2011.A dedicated community advocate, Allen participates in workshops, conferences, and civic meetings, consistently engaging with fellow artists and local issues.
In 2018, her life was celebrated in the play “She Moves Like the Wind” by playwright Nancy Gall-Clayton. Allen remains deeply connected to her roots in Louisville’s historic Russell and Smoketown neighborhoods, and her legacy is commemorated through a mural at the intersection of Jackson and Caldwell Streets. Now 93, Elmer Lucille Allen is a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, deeply committed to lifelong learning and community engagement.
HISTORICAL REFERENCE FROM “Two CENTURIES OF BLACK LOUISVILLE” ELIZA TEVIS AND HER HUSBAND, HENRY TEVIS PURCHASED FORTY ACRES IN THE TODAY’S PETERSBURG COMMUNITY IN 1851.
3. Asantewaa, Nana Yaa “Mama Yaa”, 1954
NanaYaa “Mama Yaa” Asantewaa, a native Kentuckian, is a celebrated storyteller, artist, and educator with global recognition. Born in the Russell neighborhood, she grew up immersed in the arts, inspired by educators and community leaders who nurtured her curiosity. As a child, she performed with the Jewel K. McNari School of Dance and participated in plays at her family church, Chestnut Street Baptist Church. Her mother’s encouragement motivated her to study music at Bourgard College of Music and Art, where she learned to play the piano and organ.
Mama Yaa’s first job was at Mammoth Life and Accident Insurance Co., one of Kentucky’s prominent Black-owned businesses. However, her passion for the arts never diminished. She attended Central State College in Ohio, where a professor encouraged her to hone her recitation skills, shaping her later storytelling performances. After becoming a mother, she returned to Louisville, enrolled at the University of Louisville, and reconnected with her creative roots, particularly under the mentorship Pan-African studies scholar, Dr.Robert. Her career flourished in Louisville, where she worked at Plymouth Settlement House and collaborated with social worker and arts advocate Dr. Morris F. X. Jeff, Jr. There, she was introduced to the power of Afrocentric creative expression for community wellness. She became involved with local arts leaders such as Priscilla Hancock Cooper and Harlina Trumbo, whose influence further shaped her approach to the arts. MamaYaa’s contributions to the local Black Arts Movement encompass her work at the Four Quarters cooperative arts center in Louisville’s West End, along with her leadership in arts programs for children at the Presbyterian Community Center in Smoketown. In the late 1990s, she founded the Arts Council of Louisville, where she held the roles of president and administrative director. Additionally, she created the Kentuckiana African American Arts Series, a collection of plays highlighting African American historical figures.
Best known for her storytelling, MamaYaa has traveled worldwide, sharing her folklore in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ghana,Togo, Senegal, and beyond. She has received the Governor’s Community Artist Award, numerous grants from the Kentucky Arts Council, and represented Louisville at the 1994 International African and African American Summit. Now, she mentors a new generation of arts leaders and takes pride in the cultural legacy of her ancestors.
I would like to recognize my first dance teache” Jewel K McNari. My mother took me, and I was a “Dancing Doll’ at the Memorial Auditorium. Before that, we had classes at the Brock Building on Ninth Street with Mrs. Jewel. I would also like to recognize Gladys Carter, my teache” who would say, “Think first then act after you have thought about what is on your mind.Think about what you want to doin your life. And follow some examples. It’s not what you get in life but how you should give to others.
HISTORICAL REFERENCE FROM “Two CENTURIES OF BLACK LOUISVILLE” IN 1954, CHARLOTTE WADE AND HER HUSBAND, ANDREW WADE INTEGRATED AN ALL WHITE NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN THEY BOUGHT A HOUSE BY ANNE AND CARL BRADEN.
4. Bailey-Ndiaye, Stacy, 1961
Stacy Bailey-Ndiaye (she/her) is the founder and executive director of Bridge Kids International (BKI), a global non-profit organization based in Louisville, KY using the power of African heritage culture to create communities that support the well-being of young people. BKI helps young people in 6 countries develop their own solutions to community challenges and builds positive relationships between African, African-American, Caribbean, and other African Diaspora groups for the purposes of friendship, cooperation, and individual and community empowerment.
During her 23-year career in higher education, she held a variety of positions in student development, multicultural affairs, and social justice including executive director of the Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of Louisville and the directors of Multicultural Affairs and Student Activities at Manhattanville College. For several years, she was the executive director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Institute for Nonviolence in Westchester, NY. Ms. Bailey-Ndiaye has also served in community organizations and on nonprofit boards related to social justice and international relations. Stacy has managed global projects and federal grants and has traveled extensively building relationships between people and institutions. Additionally, Stacy is a trustee of the James H Bailey Sr. Family Heritage Project. Originally from New York City, Stacy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Race and Ethnic Relations from Ithaca College and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University at Albany. She has one son, Christopher Robinson II, who lives with his wife in Florida.
I believe the role of a leader is to hold, nurture and evolve a vision while providing the space for others to grow as they bring their genius and gifts to it. Sometimes leadership can be isolating. Developing a trusted circle, including other leaders, can be the difference between burning out and thriving, both personally and professionally. We need to intentionally nurture a spirit of cooperation. The pressing problems in Louisville require shared work and commitment from different sectors and approaches. We can transform this city if we cheer on the successes of others and partner where our visions, values, and goals connect. Together we are bolder, more powerful, and more joyful.
HISTORICAL REFERENCE
5. Bayé, Betty, 1856
Betty Winston Baye (she/her) is an independent journalist, motivational speaker, and college lecturer. She serves as an interviewer for the University of Kentucky’s Civil Rights Archives and co-chairs the University of Louisville’s annual Black Family Conference. She earned a master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and a bachelor’s degree with honors from Hunter College, City University of New York. Baye was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University during the 1990-91 academic year. Simmons College of Kentucky awarded her an honorary doctorate in humanities at its spring 2016 commencement.
After years in the civil rights movement and black theater, Baye began her journalism career in 1980 at The Daily Argus in Mount Vernon, NY, where she covered housing, urban affairs, politics, and social justice. This was followed by a 27-year tenure at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, KY, where she served as a reporter, assistant editor, editorial writer, and columnist. She created and edited The CJ’s blog for young writers. Her own syndicated commentaries on race, politics, social justice, African-American history, and the black family garnered a loyal audience, numerous awards, and appearances on National Public Radio, PBS’ Newshour, and Kentucky Public Broadcasting programs. For eight years, she was the executive producer and host of “The Betty Baye Show” on WYCS-TV in Louisville.
Baye has authored two books, “The Africans,” a novel, and “Blackbird,” a collection of columns and essays. Her articles and commentaries have been published in various magazines and newspapers, including Essence, The Washington Post, and Africans in the Americas, a publication of The Institute for Advanced Journalism Studies and the Trotter Group. She is the founder of The Zora Neale Hurston Readers’ Circle and is a contributing editor for BAN, the newsletter published by the Black Alumni Network of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Betty was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists’ Hall of Fame in 2013.
HISTORICAL REFERENCE FROM “Two CENTURIES OF BLACK LOUISVILLE” IN 1856, MARGARET GARNER (LATER FICTIONALIZED IN TONI MORRISON’S NOVEL BELOVED) ESCAPED SLAVERY IN KENTUCKY AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY SOLD BACK INTO SLAVERY.
6. Bethel, Wilma, 1967
Wilma Bethel (she/her) graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Morehead State University in 1971. She taught at Ballard High School from 1971 to 1973, and then went on to receive her MAT in Art Education from the University of Louisville in 1975. Bethel provided watercolor painting instruction at Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) adult education classes from 1975 to 1977 and also mentored young aspiring artists at Crosby Middle School from 1973 to 2012. She served as an adjunct art professor at Bellarmine University from 2008 to 2012. Since 1973, Bethel has worked as a teaching artist in the Louisville Visual Art Children Free Art Classes (CFAC) program. She is a renowned visual arts educator who has received numerous accolades, including the Volunteer Talent Center Intergenerational Program “Recognition Award” (1991-1992); Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression “Outstanding Achievement” (1996); “Parents and Teachers Outstanding Educator Award” (1997-1998); JCPS Middle School Division “Sisterhood and Brotherhood Award” (1997-1998); “Who’s Who among America’s Teachers” (1999-2001; 20032004); and the Louisville Visual Art “Virtual Art Educator Award” (2018). Wilma Bethel’s lifelong goals as an educator are to help her diverse students appreciate various creative processes, art history, and the power of art-making. She was Dr. Jabani Bennett’s first art teacher and the first Black woman pedagogue at the Louisville Visual Art CFAC, located in the Louisville Free Public Main Library, in 1987. Dr. Bennett remembers her teacher and mentor as a practicing artist who taught rigorous lessons in studio art with loving kindness. Bethel continues to share her gifts as an educator with the community. She also enjoys spending time with her beloved husband, son, and dog, Chompa.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 1967, Georgia Davis Powers of Louisville became the first woman and the first African American elected to the Kentucky Senate.
7. Burton, Nefertiti, 1994
Nefertiti Burton (she/her) is a theatre artist, educator, mother, wife, and passionate tai chi practitioner. An award-winning teacher, writer, and director, her storytelling highlights the experiences of people of African descent around the globe. Nefertiti’s interest in theatre and dance began at an early age. After majoring in theatre in college, she became active in her hometown of Boston, Massachusetts, acting in theatre and film while also contributing to the development of Boston’s Black Folks Theatre Company.
Nefertiti received a fellowship in the Community Fellows Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.), where she earned a certificate focused on filmmaking and arts administration. She applied the skills developed at M.I.T. to co-found and direct Middle Passage Educational and Cultural Resources, a media arts production and consulting group that supported and advocated for artists from the global majority in New England. In 1993, Nefertiti earned a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, specializing in Black theatre long before it was widely recognized as a field of study. She began her teaching career with a postdoctoral appointment at Bowdoin College in Maine, and in 1999, she accepted a position as Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the African American Theatre Program at the University of Louisville (UofL). During her 20 years as a faculty member in UofL’s College of Arts and Sciences, Burton held roles of full professor of Theatre, associate dean for International Programs, and Theatre Department chairperson.
Over the years, she has deepened her understanding of performance in the African diaspora through research trips to West Africa, South Africa, Brazil, and Cuba. Burton has taught students at all levels, from elementary to doctoral candidates, in the U.S. and various other regions around the world. She has written and toured plays centered on Yoruba culture and philosophy to schools and theaters and has conducted professional development workshops for K-12 teachers both in the U.S. and internationally. She has led study abroad trips for students and community members to Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. She has consulted for numerous arts organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the New England Foundation for the Arts, the North Carolina Arts Council, and the Kentucky Center for the Arts. Burton’s academic and creative contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the University of Louisville’s Trustees Award, a Fulbright Award, an American Scene Award from the Association of Film, Radio, and Television Artists, an Audelco Award, and a Distinguished Director Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Now, as the Professor Emerita of Theatre, Burton is drawing on her prior training in screenwriting and filmmaking to develop new works for young audiences.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 1994, Alice Houston, Charlie Johnson, and Wade Houston bought Jupiter Transportation Systems, Inc.
8. Campbell, Dr. Renee, 1995
Dr. Renee Maltinaa Ann Campbell (she/her) is a native of Adairville, Kentucky. Her proudest and most cherished accomplishments are her three children: Phillip, Benjamin, and Tristan, along with her grandchildren, Ja Nice, Baylen, Ezekiel, Azaiah, Josephine, Aria, and Ada. She is the daughter of the late Mrs. Mary Sears Campbell and the late Mr. Walter Louis Campbell, Sr. For more than 40 years, Dr. Campbell has worked in the fields of education and social work. She is a member of the Phi Delta Kappa International Honor Society, Phi Alpha International Honor Society, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In 2023, she received the “Louisville Defender Business and Professional Achievement Award” and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence “Lifetime Achievement Award.” In 2022, she was honored with the University of Louisville Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science “Fellow Award.” Campbell has dedicated her entire career to nonprofits, including a role as a CEO for a nonprofit organization, focused on empowering individuals to help themselves. One of her most rewarding moments was in 2005 when she was appointed a sub-chief by the Tolon Traditional Council in the village of Tolon-Ghana.
Leadership is grounded in integrity, exemplified by honesty, fairness, and transparency. These strong ethical values empower and uplift others, assisting them in reaching their full potential. Advocacy for justice is essential, with a profound commitment to promoting equality and addressing discrimination, particularly for marginalized communities. Leadership also thrives on collaboration and compassion, fostering trust and creating a supportive environment by working alongside others with empathy. It should be a continuous journey that values personal growth, where a leader consistently seeks knowledge to enhance their ability to serve and lead effectively. I believe the most impactful leaders often adopt a subtle approach, steering clear of a heavy-handed leadership style.
For our community to collaborate effectively, it’s vital for individuals to understand one another’s visions and align their efforts accordingly. We need to cultivate an environment where communication is continuous and clear, allowing people to safely share frustrations and challenges without fear of retaliation.
Activities that bring me joy and inner peace include engaging with local, national, and international communities. I find happiness in advocating for social justice and supporting healthy families. I feel a profound sense of joy when creating jewelry and watching romantic movies with happy endings.
The ancestor who made a difference in my life as a leader was my great-aunt, Mrs. Lottie Campbell. Aunt Lottie, as we lovingly called her, lived to be 98 years old. Many times, I tell people that my formal education in social service came from colleges and universities, but my first and most important lessons in helping others, respecting them, and valuing support came from Aunt Lottie, as well as my mother and father. Although Aunt Lottie only had a 7th-grade education, she was considered educated for her time. Growing up in the same household as her, along with my mother, father, and siblings, I learned invaluable lessons that I continue to apply today—lessons about love, meeting people where they are, and the importance of serving others.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 1995, Laura Douglas was appointed as the secretary of the Kentucky Public Protection and Regulation Cabinet.
9.Charles, Sandra, 2000
Sandra Charles (she/her) is a figurative oil painter born in the mining town of Hazard, Kentucky. At a young age, her family moved to Louisville after the mines closed. Her work focuses on issues affecting Black women. With the support and inspiration of her family, Sandra returned to school after several decades, obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in 2015. In 2016, she retired from her job to dedicate herself fully to her art.
Sandra is the recipient of several grants and residencies, including the Kentucky Foundation of Women, the Great Meadows Foundation, and the Efroymson Emerging Contemporary Artist Lecture Series and Residency.
Her notable Louisville, KY exhibits include “The Reality of Our Essence,” KMAC Museum; “Rounding the Circle,” Mary and Al Shands Collection, Speed Art Museum; and “Perspectives 2023,” Mormen Gallery. Charles’ work was also featured in “Your Vote, Your Voices,” Sam and Adele Golden Gallery, New Berlin, NY.
The best way for this city to work together is to find a way to really listen to each other, be willing to understand what the other person is saying, and acknowledge that they have a right to feel that way. Louisville is a complicated city and can be very fractionalized at times. The best thing a leader can do is be yourself and understand that leadership is not about being a people pleaser.
I receive the most joy in life from being with family and friends. Their love energizes me through both good and bad times.
The ancestor I would like to recognize is Ms. White, my 4th-grade teacher at Newburg Elementary School. She saw me as I am. She recognized my creativity and encouraged me to paint and draw. Because of her encouragement, I realized the importance of art.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 2000, Eleanor Jordan ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 3rd District.
10. Dallum, Ramona, 2004
Ramona Dallum (she/her) is an artist, philanthropist, curious citizen, and disruptor born and raised in Louisville’s West End. Her creative practice fuels her ability to think outside traditional processes to design, implement, and facilitate initiatives that engage those most impacted by inequities in leading solutions. She is a leader and mentor in the Louisville art community, regularly creating spaces for creatives to cultivate authentic relationships. She served on the Steering Committee for The Speed Museum’s Promise, Witness, Remember, a highly acclaimed 2021 exhibition.
Ramona holds several leadership positions, including being a member of Speed Museum’s Board of Governors, Ed Hamilton Studio and Visitor Center Board of Directors, and chairperson of the LISC Louisville Advisory Committee. She is co-founder of the West End Women’s Collaborative, an organization committed to creating healing spaces in Louisville’s West End. Ramona graduated from Florida A&M University, taught for ten years in Auburn City Schools (Auburn, AL), and launched a professional art practice in Chicago, IL. Her time away from Louisville prepared her to be a transformative leader who fosters community within her beloved birthplace. Ramona is currently the Senior Vice President of Community Leadership at the Community Foundation of Louisville. She leads the team responsible for deploying philanthropic funding and financing to promote self-determination, especially for populations historically denied access to capital. Before joining the Community Foundation, she served as the Director of Education at Louisville’s KMAC Museum. She is the proud mother of two adult children - Zachary Lindsey and Faith Lindsey - and continues to reside in Louisville’s West End.
Joy, inner peace, and strength are rooted in my acknowledgment of nature, creativity, and the ancestors. All of these elements remind me of the Most High Divine Being. They represent my connection to an energy greater than myself. Many ancient creation stories portray people as the final created beings. People were meant to work with, learn from, and respect the flora and fauna. People were given the gift of creation through music and art. Being in communion with all these aspects of Divinity embodies the essence of joy, peace, and pleasure. I am my parents’ and ancestors’ wildest dreams. I am because they are. They are in me, and I am in them. Thousands of spiritual hands - known and once known - extend through the centuries, providing me with support, courage, and boldness to enter any room. Their collective energy enables me to lead. I am the daughter of... Harriet and Samuel Jr, Odile, Theresa and Birce Sr, Mayme and Samuel Sr, Odile and Oscar, Lula and Rev Herbert, Odessa and Auguste, Mary and Henry Clay, Cecilia and Private Thornton.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 2004, Carolle Jones Clay became the first African American woman to chair the Kentucky Derby Festival.
11. Duffy, Sherrolyn “Sherrie” Gilchriest, 2008
Sherrolyn Gilchriest Duffy (she/her), known as Sherrie, of Louisville, Kentucky, is the eldest of three siblings, the daughter of an elementary school teacher and a General Electric lab technician. In 1973, Sherrie graduated as the valedictorian of Shawnee High School, earning a full academic scholarship to Bellarmine College. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and soon gained public recognition when crowned Miss Expo by the Louisville Defender in 1974. Sherrie’s professional accomplishments continued as she became a YMCA Black Achiever in 1984, representing Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, where she served as a Special Projects Accountant/Analyst. Her career progressed when she became a manager in the International Accounting Division of Brown & Williamson, a position she held until 1989. She began her career with Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) in 1990, where she worked as an Internal Auditor. By 1994, Sherrie had advanced to Manager of the Grants and Awards Accounting Department and Assistant Treasurer, making history as the first African-American woman to hold an administrative finance position in JCPS. In 2003, Sherrie was appointed by Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson to serve on the Citizens Commission on Police Accountability, a role she occupied for two years. After retiring from JCPS in 2001, Sherrie became the Finance Director for St. Stephen Baptist Church, the largest African-American congregation in Kentucky. She then shifted her focus to writing, taking on roles as Staff Writer and Editor for both St. Stephen Baptist Church and Simmons College of Kentucky. Sherrie was later promoted to Director of Communications for Simmons College, where she played an instrumental role in the institution’s resurgence from 2005 to 2007.
From 2010 to 2013, Sherrie worked at the University of Louisville College of Business, where she helped organize and implement “Thrivals at the Idea Festival,” a program connecting upper high school and college students with professionals from the community to explore innovation. Sherrie is married to her high school sweetheart, renowned local artist and sculptor William M. Duffy, and they have two accomplished daughters: Dr. Kristin Janell Duffy-Harris, a dentist and co-owner of Sparkle & Shine Family Dental, and Lindsey Alexandra Duffy, a talented artist. Sherrie and William also have one exceptionally brilliant grandson, Jordan Dean Harris, who is nine years old. Now solely working as her husband’s managing partner, Sherrie continues to contribute to her community while enjoying her family’s creative and professional achievements.
Leadership involves caring for each individual on the team, valuing their unique contributions, and treating everyone with respect and fairness. A strong leader must be decisive, willing to make tough calls, and fully accept responsibility for the team’s actions and outcomes. The best way to recover from a mistake is to first take ownership of the error, avoid shifting blame and openly acknowledge the mistake. Admitting your faults shows humility and transparency, which can build trust with your team. If your mistake has negatively impacted others, offer a sincere apology. Afterward, take time to analyze what went wrong and implement steps to correct it, ensuring it doesn’t happen again. By demonstrating accountability and a commitment to learning, you can turn the situation into an opportunity for growth.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 2008, Shawnee “Weed and Seed” program, proposed by Metro Council woman Cheri Bryant Hamilton to attack crime and rebuild the community in West Louisville, was funded.
12. Fields, Reverend Aletha, 2009
Reverend Aletha Fields (she/her) is a mother, activist, educator, minister, chef, editor, and author. She is a veteran educator in JCPS and at Uof L, where she models her revolutionary educational practices after those of of Dr. J. Blaine Hudson. Fields enjoys teaching, preaching, writing, reading, and cooking. She is recently married and the mother of two adult sons.
I believe in compassionate leadership, which emphasizes empathy, kindness, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. It involves understanding the challenges and needs of team members, creating a supportive environment, and leading with emotional intelligence. Compassionate leaders balance achieving goals with fostering a culture of care, trust, and mutual respect. Working together in a compassionate city requires collaboration, mutual respect, and an intentional focus on well-being for all. By fostering open communication, celebrating diversity, and supporting one another, the entire community benefits. Compassionate leadership and active participation at all levels of society are essential to building a city that values kindness and empathy. Prayer, meditation, faith, family, reading, writing, and connecting with the community are activities that bring me joy, inner peace, and strength through difficult life challenges.
Transcestor Monica Roberts was a woman who lived in Louisville and was a queer activist. She was unapologetically Black, educated, poised, thoroughly opinionated, well-informed, dressed to the nines, and always prepared. Monica was consistently present at community events and stood up for trans folks who did not have a voice. She chose to be visible and real, sharing her life experiences with others to increase visibility and knowledge about trans life, as well as ensuring she was supportive of everyone whose path she crossed.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 2009, the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage opened, spearheaded by Clest
Lanier and Laura Bradshaw.
13. Geurin, Claudia, 1924
Claudia Smiley Geurin (she/her) is a lifelong civic and spiritual leader from a lineage of notable religious figures in Louisville, KY. Her great-grandfather, Rev. Charles Bell Smiley, founded and organized the Hill Street Missionary Baptist Church, which served as a critical site for social activism, leadership development, liberation theology, and community wellness. Her great-grandmother, Eliza Harvey Smiley, organized the Sunday School program “The Busy Bees.” Mrs. Smiley, a gifted musician, became the first choir director of the church. In 1921, Claudia’s great-uncles, John Smiley and James Smiley, authored a Baptist hymnal, “Gospel Pearls,” which was used throughout the United States and is still performed by diverse choirs. Her great-uncle, Reverend John Smiley, was a singer and evangelist who performed throughout the South with his accompanist wife, Montra. Smiley was also one of the first chauffeurs in Louisville hired by Theodore Ahrens, a renowned philanthropist and business leader, who encouraged him to master his baritone voice. Claudia’s grandfather, Claude Smiley, Sr., and three of his brothers formed the Ballard Chefs, a jug band that performed weekly on WHAS Radio Station throughout the 1930s. Also known as the Smiley Quartet, the group traveled across the country singing gospel. Claudia has followed in her family’s footsteps in spiritual and cultural leadership. She served as a board member of the Bourgard College of Music & Art, located in the Russell neighborhood, where African Americans accessed affordable and rigorous music education. At Hill Street Missionary Baptist Church, she has been a lifelong member and the institutional historian for more than fifty years.
Currently, she is a Sunday school teacher, trustee, church librarian, and involved in the bylaws, missionary program, new member orientation, and scholarship ministries. Geurin serves on the Central District Baptist Association Board of Directors, is the scholarship chair of the Christian Education Ministry, a member of the Women’s Missionary Ministry, part of the Administration and Secretaries ministry, and church parliamentarian of the General Association of Kentucky Women’s Missionary Ministry. Committed to civic engagement and community service, Geurin is a retiree from both AT&T and Jefferson County Public Schools, holding a BA in religious studies and an AA in Sacred Literature from Louisville Bible College. She is the membership chair and life member of the NAACP, a parliamentarian and life member of the National Council of Negro Women, and an active member of the Louisville Urban League Guild as the parliamentarian. In 2018, she was awarded the “Mollie Moon Community Service Award,” an annual national honor given to a Guild member who exemplifies and celebrates the spirit of volunteerism. In 2016, Claudia authored “Time & Story,” detailing the triumphs in her lived experiences. She has been married to Maurice Geurin, Sr. for nearly 54 years, and they have one son, Maurice “Reecy” Geurin, Jr., a Morehouse College graduate, a sergeant police officer in Atlanta, GA, and the first African American valedictorian of his police academy class. Claudia has one granddaughter, Safia, who is a high school freshman and emerging leader.
What brings me joy is assisting others with whatever they need—a kind word, a compliment, or sometimes positive chastisement. In this way, I am using the Fruit of the Spirit, which includes joy, love, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 1924, Dr. Grace M. James was born. As a community activist, Dr. James spearheaded programs to improve health care in the city’s poorest neighborhoods.
14. Hamilton, Bernadette, 1965
Bernadette Hamilton (she/her) is a retired administrator from the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Optional, Magnet, and Advanced Program Office, as of January 2013, after 37 years of service. She has received recognition and awards for her dedication to the education of children attending JCPS. Born in Akron, Ohio, she is the mother of Edward III, who passed away in January 2021, and Kendra Hamilton-Wynn.
Bernadette earned a BS in Education and a Master’s in Education and Administration from the University of Louisville, along with a certification in Special Education (Emotional Disturbance). She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Eta Omega Chapter, the Louisville Chapter of the Girl Friends, Inc., the Louisville Chapter of the Moles, Inc., St. George’s Episcopal Church Bishop’s Committee, and UofL Alumni. Her primary focus has been supporting her family, including her husband, sculptor Ed Hamilton, in all of their endeavors. They have been married for 58 years.
Leadership consists of the ability to separate personal opinions from business decisions, create a positive consensus among team members, and maintain a respectful and supportive working atmosphere for everyone in the office and under your supervision. Leadership also encompasses the health and well-being of all team members.
To recover from a mistake, a leader must acknowledge that a mistake was made. It is essential to inform the entire team about what happened, why it occurred, where it happened, and who was responsible. Do not leave the meeting without hearing input from all team members involved, and continue to discuss any and all positive alternatives to correct the mistake.
My grandmother, Anna E. Bishop, always told me that I could do anything and everything better. She encouraged me to become an educator like her family members who lived in Chattanooga, TN. In 1967, she ran for Alderman of the 12th Ward as a Republican, with “Alderman For A Change” as her slogan. I served as her treasurer.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 1965, Alberta Jones became the first woman of any race to serve as a prosecuting attorney in Jefferson County. She was murdered that same year.
Honorable Cheri Bryant Hamilton (she/her), a long-time Chickasaw resident, former 12th Ward Alderman, and Metro Council member, has been involved in community service, grassroots activism, and elective politics since participating in the Open Housing movement as a teenager. That experience shaped her values, educational goals, and career path through her work with Jefferson County Public Schools Adult Education, the Kentucky Commission on Women, and as Affirmative Action Monitor and Clerk of the Board of Aldermen for the city of Louisville. Hamilton enjoys reading, music, family, travel, genealogy, writing, and working to preserve and educate others about the importance of history, women’s contributions, and Kentucky’s African-American trailblazers, especially those who fought to dismantle segregation and built or resided in her neighborhood. Hamilton has long been active in social, civic, neighborhood, youth, women’s, educational, and community organizations. She is a member of ASALH (the Association for the Study of African American Life and History), SGI-USA (a lay Buddhist organization), the Chickasaw Book Committee, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Black Women for Political Education.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 1971, Carol Hickman joined the Jefferson County Police Department as one of the first two women and the first black woman to be employed there.
16. Kelly, Gwendolyn, 1869
Gwendolyn Kelly (she/her) is a self-employed arts educator and visual artist. She holds an MA in Fine Arts and a BFA from the University of Louisville. She has participated in numerous exhibitions, including a one-woman show at Spalding University’s Huff Gallery. Gwendolyn served as the Director of Youth and Family Programs and as the Education Programs Evaluator at The Speed Art Museum. Additionally, she was the American Graduate Community Engagement Coordinator for Kentucky Educational Television. Gwendolyn is a curious citizen who enjoys learning and being of service. She has served on the boards of The Community Foundation of Louisville, River City Housing, and OneWest. She was also a member of Metro United Way’s Vital Neighborhoods Team and a founding member of The West End Women’s Collaborative. Furthermore, she is a Power40210 Little Free Library steward and was recognized as a “Louisville Connector” and “West Louisville Connector” by Leadership Louisville. Gwendolyn has lived in the West End’s California neighborhood for over thirty years.
Condoleezza Rice said, ‘Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.’ More people in leadership positions in Louisville should remember that they are supposed to be a voice for the many. More leaders need a reminder that leadership requires honesty and a genuine commitment to serve the best interests of the citizens they claim to represent.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” - In 1869, Rachel D. Harris was born and later became the founding children’s librarian at the first U.S. public library administered by and for the exclusive use of African Americans.
17. Lanier,Clest,1964
Clest Lanier (she/her) is a native of Louisville known for her commitment to family, faith, and community service. She and her brother were raised by their widowed mother in the Russell neighborhood and later in the Shawnee neighborhood, where she instilled strong values in her children, including the importance of a good education. Lanier points to her mother as the role model whose influence she cites most often; her mother completed her GED in 1990, some 60 years after dropping out of high school! Clest went through the Louisville public school system during both segregation and integration, graduating from Shawnee High School. She met her husband Chuck during her senior year, and they married and started their family, welcoming a son and daughter after graduation. Clest enrolled at Bellarmine College, taking evening classes while working a full-time job during the day. She credits the late Newton McCravy, Sr. and her husband for encouraging her to continue taking college courses. Through perseverance, she enrolled at JCTC and earned an Associate’s degree before transferring to the University of Louisville, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Community service activities offered an opportunity for Lanier to concentrate on initiatives benefiting women and children through partnerships with the NCNW Louisville Section and 100 Black Women of Louisville. She participated on numerous boards and commissions, including the Kentucky Commission on Women, the Kentucky Historic Properties Advisory Council, and as the founding chair of the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission. Additionally, she was a member of the founding board of the National Association for African American Preservation. Her membership on the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission led to the creation of a local organization that recognized the need to preserve the history and heritage of the African American community in Louisville. The African American Heritage Foundation was founded in 1994 to promote the preservation of African American communities, history, and culture in Louisville. Under her co-leadership with former WLKY-TV reporter Lora Bradshaw, the group placed 13 historic markers at various sites throughout the community and supported African American artists through the Public Art Sculptures project. The initial work of AAHF resulted in one of the largest preservation projects in the United States, transforming the former trolley maintenance complex into the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage in the historic Russell neighborhood.
In 2019, Clest was inducted into the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Civil Rights Hall of Fame for her exemplary contributions to human rights. She also received Preservation Kentucky’s 2019 Christy and Owsley Brown II Excellence in Public Service to Preservation Award for her outstanding dedication, exceptional contributions, and exemplary efforts to preserve Kentucky’s African American heritage, culture, stories, historic buildings, and achievements. She continues to work on projects today to ensure the contributions of early African American leaders are preserved.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 1964, Anna E. Bishop was the first “matron” (female deputy sheriff) hired at the Jefferson County Jail.
18. Marshall, Marjorie, 1989
Ms. Marjorie Marshall (she/her) has many names that celebrate her life’s work as a playwright, songwriter, producer, educator, and musical theater performer. Admiring audiences have dubbed her the “Triple Threat” and “Force of Nature.” Her beloved four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two daughters have named her “Triple G (The Greatest Great Granny).” One of her favorite titles is “The Edu-Tainer Extraordinaire,” which she coined to express her joy in living her most authentic life as Marjorie. A Louisville native, Ms. Marshall has been a passionate advocate for social justice through arts administration and performance. She is an award-winning thespian listed in the “Who’s Who Louisville: 2015 African American Profiles.” Her critical contributions to the arts community as an interdisciplinary artist are featured in the book, “The Soulful Sounds of Derbytown” (2024), which documents her hometown’s rich legacy of African American music and entertainment. Her professional endeavors include serving as the visitor experience coordinator for the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage (KCAAH) and hosting the lively radio show, Soulful Sounds of Derby Town on 1240 WLLV, Louisville’s urban gospel station. On her show, she plays an incredible collection of music from all genres dating back to the 1800s, along with programmed segments titled “Did You Know?” and “Black Roots / Bluegrass.” As a radio host, she is committed to educating her listeners about a wide array of music genres from African American culture.
As the current chair of the Kentucky Music Heritage Foundation, Ms. Marshall supports archival processes to document the accomplishments of Kentucky’s diverse music entertainers. She also leads the organization, “Academy of Cultural and Historic Excellence” (ACHE), which offers programming for all ages about the history of people in the African diaspora. While studying Kemetism and ancient world history for ACHE educational programming, Ms. Marshall was inspired to write and produce the highly acclaimed play, “The Rebirth of Black Civilization” (2012). Her love for her heritage is evident throughout her professional journey as an artist. Additionally, she co-wrote and produced the musical performance, “Songbird of the South: The Real MaryAnn Fisher Story,” in collaboration with the KCAAH. Marjorie plans to continue promoting and co-creating cultural platforms that celebrate the arts in Louisville.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 1989, Juanita Burks, founder of J. P. Burks Construction Inc., won a multi-million dollar contract to install glass in a building where she had worked as a maid and elevator operator forty years earlier.
19. Mathies, Rhonda, 1923
Rhonda Mathies (she/her) is a social justice activist with a legacy spanning over three decades. Born in the Smoketown neighborhood, Louisville’s oldest Black neighborhood, Rhonda was raised in a community where self-reliance and determination were vital to the survival and triumphs of a loving “Village,” where everyone knew and cared for each other. She is the eighth of twelve children in a close-knit family. Rhonda recalls how her aunts valued education and lifelong learning, and her family took pride in their heritage as African descendants, often sharing stories about their ancestors, especially during family reunions.
As a leader, she follows the example set by her elders by actively co-creating spaces of belonging and cultural pride. Her passion for racial equality shines through in her daily work as a community advocate and public speaker. Currently, Rhonda serves as a board member for the Smoketown Community Land Trust and is a life member of Smoketown Originals, Inc. A graduate of Central High School, and Marymount College, Rhonda has been a tireless change agent, collaborating with equity-centered organizations such as the Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, where she served as chairperson for many years. She also held key roles in Parents Involved in Education (PIE) and the Shawnee Neighborhood Weed and Seed program. Rhonda continues her impactful work as a member of the Bishops Table, a group focused on addressing the needs of neighborhoods in the West End of Louisville. She is a founding member of
Black Women for Political Education, the NAACP National Council of Negro Women, and the National Action Network Louisville Chapter. During the 2020 pandemic, Rhonda was deeply involved in the uprisings in downtown Louisville, affectionately called “Breewayy” to honor the late Breonna Taylor. She fostered radical hope, relationship-building, and care during the mass protests. Rhonda’s activism extends beyond local efforts, aligning her with national movements like Black Lives Matter, Louisville Showing Up for Racial Justice, and Moms Demand Action.
Her unwavering dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including the “Sankofa Lifetime Achievement Award,” WAVE 3 “Step Award,” Today’s Women Magazine “Woman of the Year,” Yearlings Club “Service Award,” “Kentucky Congress Parents and Teachers Program Project Award,” Louisville Defender “Richard C. Watts Community Excellence Award,” “Community Collaboration for Children Award,” and County Commissioner District C “Activist Award.” Additionally, Rhonda was recognized as a “Kentucky Colonel,” the highest honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky. Rhonda’s faith and commitment to justice continue to inspire and empower others to reimagine a collective future. She is proud of her life’s work, her beautiful family, and is deeply honored to be the widow of the late Coach Michael G. Mathies Sr. Her loving family includes two daughters (Dr. LaRhonda Mathies and Dr. Mikal Sanders), two grandsons, one granddaughter, and a host of “community children” that Rhonda will love forever in the same way that the Smoketown “Village” loved her as a child.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 1923, Mary Ann Fisher was born and later became best known as a “Raelette,” singing behind the legendary Ray Charles in the late 1950s, and she performed in the very first Midnite Ramble at the Kentucky Center for the Arts in 1985.
20. McKnight, Karen, 1970
With 25 years of experience teaching yoga, native Louisvillian Karen McKnight (she/her) has shared the ancient practice across various neighborhoods in her city and internationally. Her story embodies resilience, hope, and self-love. After experiencing a work injury, she turned to yoga and discovered its profound healing benefits at the intersection of modern medicine and treatment. She learned that yoga represents a traditional, healthy lifestyle choice whose tried-andtrue fundamentals promote health, wellness, and fitness. Her ongoing training revealed that yoga helped alleviate the leading ailments affecting the Black community—diabetes, pre-diabetic conditions, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stress, and poor mental health. Now, she draws inspiration from the legacy and unwavering determination of Muhammad Ali as a fearless and principled athlete. Among her greatest personal and professional achievements is connecting with community members of all ages to foster self-love, wellness, growth, and self-development through her yoga practice. Karen regularly embodies the fourth Kwanzaa principle “Ujamaa- Cooperative Economics” by hiring family members as consultants in their areas of expertise. Her recent retirement on November 1, 2024, has allowed her to dedicate more love and care to her family, community, and ever-expanding yoga business.
It benefits me to live and promote a healthy lifestyle. When life gets especially challenging, I increase my personal yoga practice, meditation, and mindfulness. I also enhance my attendance at other fitness classes where I am a student instead of a teacher. This enables me to reset and refocus with a renewed perspective.
My mother, Bessie Carroll Stewart McKnight, was an excellent crafter and seamstress. Over the years, she found joy in making and creating doll clothes, prom dresses, and fun crafts across Louisville for the Parks and Recreation Centers. Her skills put food on the table when there was none. In the 70s, she would tailor men’s slacks with a razor-sharp hem, preparing them for the Soul Train Line. Her last stop was making drapes (don’t call them curtains) at Spindletop Draperies.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville”
In 1970, Ruth Bryant and five other African American men were tried and acquitted in July 1970 and dubbed as the “Black Six.”
21. Mosley, Barbara Tyson, 1904
Barbara Tyson Mosley (she/her) is a painter, photographer, and fiber artist born in Harrisburg, PA, in 1950. She has been an artist for over forty years. Her love of painting in her youth inspired her to further her education in the visual arts, which eventually led to participation in numerous art competitions, exhibitions, and solo shows. After separating and divorcing her former husband, she moved to Washington, D.C. In her new city, she gained gallery representation with The Evans -Tibbs Collection and Parish Gallery of Georgetown. She lived in Washington, D.C., for forty years before moving to Louisville, Kentucky, in 2005 on a religious assignment from her church.
Her beloved dogs have accompanied her on her life’s journey.Her work has been shown throughout the U.S. and Canada and is housed in permanent collections at the San Bernardino Museum of Fine Arts, Redlands, California; the National Gallery of Art (The Evans-Tibbs Collection of African-American Artists) in Washington, D.C.; the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Va.; and the PNC Bank Tower Building in Pittsburgh, PA. Her work also traveled extensively with the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibitions Service (SITES) from 1989 to 1991. Barbara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in studio arts with a concentration in painting from the University of the District of Columbia, and a Master of Arts degree in the Humanities with a focus on 20th-century art history from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
As a student, Barbara was the artist-in-residence at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Vermont, in 1998. She completed coursework towards a Master of Fine Arts degree in design from George Washington University and received the prestigious Julian A. Singman Prize for Design in 2002.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 1904, Mae Street Kidd was born and later represented the 41st District in the Kentucky House from 1968 to 1984. She introduced legislation to make Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday a state holiday.
22. Muhammad, Imani A. , 1982
As a cultural leader, Imani A. Muhammad (she/her) powerfully embodies sisterhood and interdisciplinary creativity. She supported the early development of Louisville’s Black Arts Movement through her involvement in artist gatherings at the Four Quarters, a now-defunct community arts center in the West End of Louisville. The center served as an incubator for the city’s most renowned Black artists (e.g., Sam Gilliam, Ed Hamilton, Dr. Robert Douglas, William Duffy, Eddie Davis, Zambia Nkrumah).
Over the years, she co-created temporary cultural spaces for Black women, called “sister circles,” that fostered authentic relationship-building, wellness, healthy spiritual growth, and pleasure activism. Muhammad, from a talented family of creative professionals, sings and performs spoken word. She is the co-founder of the all-Black women’s music group, “Heaven and Earth 360,” which creates sound art that elevates positivity and enlightenment. In her twelve years as an administrator at the Louisville Urban League, while raising her two sons, she strove to remain true to her values and grow in her artistry.
Art is life! Throughout my life, I have created art in many mediums: writing, jewelry making, clothing design, digital art, music, poetry, collage, and most recently, fabric art. I create based on inspiration and let the universe guide me. I love art, and I love life!
Leadership is standing in your truth, loving and accepting yourself and others, extending kindness, compassion, and patience to all, acknowledging when you are wrong, being open to learning from everyone you encounter, embracing the joy of life, and releasing negativity. Creating beautiful things and maintaining an attitude of gratitude bless me with joy and inner peace. Finding the good in every situation definitely gives me strength in times of challenge! There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for!
One of my “sheroes” when it comes to leadership was Dr. Grace James, a Black, female obstetrician in Louisville’s West End, who I credit with saving my son’s life. He was a 2lb premature baby and was not thriving. I fired the pediatrician who was caring for him and hired Dr. James. She defied the advice of some of the so-called best doctors in Louisville. Today, my son is 46. She showed me what standing on “Your Truth” and trusting your own instincts looks like. I have never forgotten that lesson.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville”
In 1982, Jewel K. McNari passed away after many years as a dance and cultural leader in Louisville. During the 1950s, she organized the annual extravaganza of “Jewel K. McNari and Her Dancing Dolls.”
23. Perkins, JoEtta H., 1980
JoEtta H. Perkins (she/her) is a prolific music educator dedicated to harnessing the power of the arts to positively transform lives in her beloved community. She was born at home on 2351 West Madison Street in the Russell neighborhood, also known as “Louisville’s Harlem.” Her home was vibrant, serving as a popular gathering place due to her father’s barbershop connected to the side of the house. JoEtta’s parents, Haven and Harriet Harrington, were deeply invested in her formal arts training and introduced her to the top African American music educators in town, such as Elizabeth Buford and Anthony Mayfield.
She also studied at the Jewel K. McNari School of Dance, led by the renowned African American ballet dancer, Jewel K. McNari Rhea. JoEtta was among many Black children known as “McNari’s Dancing Dolls.” JoEtta began studying piano at the age of five. Her parents later added violin, flute, organ, and music theory to her curriculum. She was also actively involved in the children’s and youth music ministries at Hughlett Temple African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church. At 19, she joined Broadway Temple AME Zion, located in one of the many stunning buildings designed by the African American architect, Samuel M. Plato. The arts played a significant role in her daily life. As an adult, she continued her studies in music, driven by her dedication to advancing the arts in Louisville, Kentucky. JoEtta is an alumna of the University of Louisville, holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education, along with post-graduate studies at Southern Illinois University. She founded the UofL Black Diamond Choir, previously known as the Black Ensemble. Perkins has held various roles, including Minister of Music at Plymouth Congregational Church, Broadway Temple AME Zion Church, and Quinn Chapel AME Church, spanning over four decades. She worked as a music instructor for Jefferson County Public Schools and Head Start for nearly three decades, emphasizing the Carl Orff and Zoltan Kodaly methods. Her leadership extended to Bougard College of Music and Art, Inc., the West Louisville Girls Choir, and the River City Drum Corps’ theory and piano lab. She also received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts and Sacred Music from Vineyard Place Biblical Seminary.
For fifty-one years JoEtta has been married to William C. Perkins, a talented pianist and retired principal. She is the proud mother of two adult children who are also musicians. Her son, William C. Perkins, III, is a professional church musician and a JCPS school security employee, and he has two sons. Her daughter, Dr. Amanda Perkins-Ball, is a teaching professor of Kinesiology at Rice University and is married with one son. Currently, JoEtta is a retired music director and church pianist at Broadway Temple AMEZ. She continues to believe the arts can impact and change the world.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In 1980, Bonnie Hines played the lead in “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf,” directed by Shirley Reynolds of the Louisville Repertory Theatre.
24. Porter, Diane, 1892
Mrs. Diane Porter (she/her) is a prominent leader in the fields of education and civic life in Louisville, Kentucky. She was born at the Red Cross Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky’s first hospital to provide comprehensive care to African American patients. During her over three decades of service with Jefferson County Public Schools, Diane Porter held roles as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal, and central office administrator. Ms. Porter has always focused on advocating for all students and their families. Previously, Diane Porter represented District 1 on the Jefferson County Board of Education.
Ms. Porter was first appointed to the school board in June 2010. She served as the board’s chair from January 2011 to 2014, and from January 2015 to January 2017. She was re-elected again in January 2018 and served until her resignation in 2023. In September 2020, Governor Andy Beshear appointed her to the University of Louisville Board of Trustees. A lifelong resident of District 1, Ms. Porter is a product of Jefferson County, Kentucky’s public schools, graduating from JCPS and the University of Louisville.
Diane Porter has served on the Chestnut Street Branch YMCA Black Achievers Celebration Committee and is a life member of both the Louisville Urban League and the NAACP. In addition to her role on the school board, she has contributed to her community through her service on the boards of the Fund for the Arts, Louisville Urban League, and Leadership Louisville, where she was selected as part of the 2014 class of Leadership Louisville’s Bingham Fellows. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the Louisville (KY) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. Ms. Porter’s most cherished role was that of a parent to her only child, Alysia Danielle (Dani) Porter, who left this earth far too soon but not without a lasting legacy of love, friendship, and service to everyone she met.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” Dr. Sarah Helen McCurdy Fitzbutler was the first Black woman licensed to practice medicine in Kentucky, after raising five children and graduating from Louisville National Medical College in 1892.
25. Shelby, Synthia, 1936
Synthia Shelby (she/her) is the principal of Frederick Law Olmsted Academy South. She has a passion for writing, reading, motivational speaking, and collaborating with diverse groups of students and adults. With twenty-two years of educational leadership in Jefferson County Public Schools, Shelby is dedicated to education. Before her role as principal, she volunteered at Olmsted Academy South for fashion shows and served as a literacy coach.
Shelby graduated from Green County High School in Greensburg, Kentucky, in 1987. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications in 1993 and a Master of Arts in Teaching in 1999 from the University of Louisville. Continuing her education at Bellarmine University, she received her Ed.S degree in Instructional Leadership and School Administration in 2014. As a true lifelong learner, she is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Organizational Change at the University of Louisville.
Shelby is passionate about middle school students; most of her career has focused on this age group. She began her career as a Language Arts teacher at Newburg Middle School, where she taught portfolio development and was a Louisville Writing Project Fellow. Additionally, she served as a Language Arts Resource Teacher at Gheens Academy. Shelby then became a Literacy Consultant for the Kentucky Department of Education, supporting schools across the state. Following that role, she served as a Behavior Coach and then as an Assistant Principal for seven years. Shelby resides in Louisville, Kentucky, where she is actively involved in the community as a published author, conference facilitator, and Bible study teacher.
My vision includes promoting a positive culture for all stakeholders through celebrations, collaboration, and a focus on academic excellence. Building positive relationships and nurturing a supportive culture are key components of my leadership. I welcome parents and family members as vital partners in the success of their children. I enjoy events that allow families and students to showcase their academic achievements and express their creativity in various ways. What I do is not a job; it is a calling to ensure our young ladies are prepared for their future. I believe in equitable education for all and will work to provide our students with instruction that promotes diversity and academic growth
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” Dr. Annie E. Page was the only black woman physician practicing in Louisville, a distinction she held until her death in 1936.
26. Sweeney Sheppard, Nzingha-Beverley, 1900
Nzingha Beverley Sweeney Sheppard (she/her) is the fourth of ten siblings, where each sister has a big brother. Nzingha graduated from Seneca High School in 1965. That summer, she left Louisville to visit her best friend on Long Island, NY. Upon her arrival, she decided to stay and began working in NYC’s garment district as a showroom model for Cobbs Corner Casual, an American retail chain founded in the 1950s. She later worked for Lorca Inc., another dress house in the garment district. She always had a love for drawing, which was encouraged by her grandmother, who supplied art tools for her creative exploration. Nzingha continued to draw during her time in New York. Her supervisors discovered her artistic talent, and before she knew it, she was drawing the company’s fall line. The owners took her sketches to Europe to be made into fashion pieces. Eventually, she moved to Rochester, New York, where she began working for an advertising agency. She attended art classes at the Rochester Institute of Technology to advance her skills. After moving to Rochester, she met and later married Sundiata KB Sheppard. The couple has been married for over 30 years.
Nzingha shifted her employment to General Motors (GM) as an assembly worker. In this new position, she asked many questions to learn the “ins and outs” of the motor business. A new art department was created in Delco, a General Motors plant, and Nzingha was asked to lead the unit. She identified other artists in the factory, and their responsibilities included illustrating the proper way to assemble motors, creating training manuals, and designing hazardous material posters. She did this work for four years until the department was dissolved. Nzingha then worked for the General Motors Union Benefits Department, where she was the first Black person of any gender to hold a position in the office. She viewed this as an opportunity to support all the underrepresented people of color employed at General Motors. After retiring from the company, she traveled with her brother to Africa. Her global travels continue to inspire her current work as an artist and activist in Louisville, KY. She has served on the board of the Kentucky Foundation for Women and The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. Nzingha currently serves on the board for the Russell Place of Promise, a justice-based initiative incubated by Cities United and the Louisville Metro Government, with fiscal sponsorship from the Community Foundation of Louisville in the historic district. In the same neighborhood, since 2003, she has been the owner and practicing artist of Nzingha Creations Gallery & Studio. Her goal is to serve her community through her art and her tireless support of emerging artists.
Leadership means being aware of one’s shortcomings, recognizing that you don’t have all the answers, and always being willing to teach and mentor the next generation. Young people bring me joy, and I love watching them explore life. Nothing makes me happier than having a young person come back to me to share that something I did or said made a difference in their approach to life’s many ups and downs.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville”
Nannie Helen Burroughs moved to Louisville from Virginia in 1900 and graduated from Eckstein-Norton Institute. Burroughs helped consolidate Louisville’s many black women’s clubs under the National Association of Colored Women (NACW).
27. Trumbo, Harlina, 1939
Harlina Trumbo (she/her) was born in Louisville, KY, to LC Churn (Brownsville, TN) and Mary Emma Churn (Hernando, MS). Her parents enjoyed dancing competitively on the famous Beale Street in Memphis, TN, and later in Louisville dance halls. Harlina and her sisters embraced the performance traditions of their parents, participating in local dance contests and talent shows. Harlina’s first dance teacher was her cherished mentor and friend, Anita Moore Neil. Harlina learned early to use dance as a form of communication, emotional regulation, and education about cultural knowledge of African diasporic heritages. In her family, education was a high priority for social mobility and pride. Now retired, Harlina taught dance at Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville for 14 years and served as the Community Artistic Director for the La’Nita Rocknettes School of Dance in West Louisville. She received the Hilliard Lyons Excellence Award and the Fund for the Arts Teacher of the Year (2017). Harlina contributed to curriculum development for dance instruction in the K-8 Arts Integration Leadership Project, an online resource for teachers. She has been the founder and artistic director of the Imani Dance and Drum Company since 1987; director and dance educator of the NIA Creative Day Camp, co-founded with cultural activist Priscilla Hancock Cooper; and the choreographer and assistant director for the Theater Workshop of Louisville alongside the late Dhana Bradley Martin. Harlina has studied and performed dance in Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Gambia, and Togo, West African countries, as well as in London, England, Montreal, Canada, Paris, France, and throughout the United States. She helped bridge cultural understanding between African and African American students by supporting the development of “Africa Night,” an annual campus event showcasing diverse African traditions in food, dance, fashion, and wisdom. Harlina also organized study abroad experiences in Africa for youth leaders with the Chestnut Street YMCA.Harlina holds a BS in Pan African Studies and Cultural Anthropology and a Master’s in Teacher Leadership Education focused on equity and diversity from the University of Louisville. She earned a certificate from the Institute for the Study of African Culture Senegambia, through the Educational and Exchange Program in Senegal, West Africa. She is featured in KET-Television’s Dance Arts Toolkit (West African Dance/ African Dance Performance/African Root/Lye, Lye) and contributed to the “Dance and Culture” section of the Dance Arts Toolkit binder. Harlina has choreographed for Stage One Children’s Theater, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and the University of Louisville Theater Department. She is an award-winning dance educator and has received grants from the Kentucky Arts Council, Kentucky Foundation for Women, Jefferson Community and Technical College Community Award, Muhammad Ali Center Find Greatness Within Award, and the University of Louisville Women’s Center’s Community Pearls Award, among others. Harlina continues to share her love for dance with diverse audiences and enjoys life with her husband, Clarence Trumbo.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville”
In November 1939, Florence Taylor Dishman ran unsuccessfully for the state House in the 58th District against Charles Anderson, Jr. (the first African American elected official), likely becoming the first African American woman in Kentucky to enter electoral politics.
28. Vasser, Marian 1922
Marian R. Vasser (she/her/ella), a PhD candidate, serves as the assistant vice president for inclusive excellence and belonging, where she leads the university’s DEIB educational opportunities. Her leadership responsibilities include high-level oversight of the Cultural and Equity Center. Hired in 1993, Marian’s diverse experience in Human Resources, Physical Plant, the Controller’s Office, Student Affairs – Career Center, Athletics – Football, the Brown Cancer Center, the A&S Dean’s Office, the Provost’s Office, and the President’s Office contributes to her well-rounded knowledge, advocacy, and strong relationships across the university and the broader community. She has served on many UofL committees, including but not limited to ATHENA, CODRE, COSW, Faculty Affairs – Leadership, Equity, and Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Council, Staff Senate, Sustainability Council Planning & Administration Committee, and university-wide Strategic Planning.
With approximately eighteen years of experience as a Culture, Equity, and Belonging Practitioner, Marian is dedicated to creating environments that reflect our Cardinal Principles, focusing on equity and belonging. In addition to facilitating numerous campus-wide workshops and dialogues, she has presented at various local and national conferences and developed a youth summer camp to foster social justice leadership skills in K-12 and college students. As a native of Louisville, Marian stays actively engaged in her community and has served on several boards, including Evolve 502, as well as numerous JCPS district-wide committees. Along with leading workshops through JCPS and various school districts across the region, she has consulted with over 30 diverse external partners to provide educational opportunities that promote more inclusive and equitable learning and work environments. Marian earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration while juggling multiple jobs and raising her child as a single parent. She has received numerous awards for her contributions, including the Kentucky PTA Honorary Lifetime Achievement award and the CODRE Commissioner of the Year in 2024. Currently, Marian is a doctoral candidate researching the impact of the COVID era on white activism in Louisville, Kentucky, particularly focusing on the Breonna Taylor movement. She is the proud mother of three handsome, intelligent, and talented young men.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” On March 22, 1922, after significant pressure from Black leaders and others, the Louisville Department of Police hired its first Black officer, a woman named Bertha Whedbee.
29.White, Portia, 1914
Portia White (she/her) has worked in the field of arts education for over thirty years as a dance instructor, choreographer, and arts administrator. She has held leadership positions with the New York State Council on the Arts, Kentucky Performing Arts, Louisville Ballet, and Louisville Metro Parks. In 2017, she relaunched Genesis Arts Kentucky, Inc., originally founded by her late mother and distinguished performer, Dolores White, in 1984. Genesis Arts offers free dance instruction for preschool to high school students and provides wellness programming for older adults to enhance cognitive function and physical health through arts and community-building. Portia has trained with the renowned Alvin Ailey School and the Eleo Pomare and Forces of Nature dance companies in New York. She began her formal dance training in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, with the locally acclaimed dance teacher, Jewel K. McNari Rhea, as well as arts organizations such as the Courtney School of Dance and the Louisville Ballet. She performed in the Louisville Ballet Civic Company for three seasons. Her passion is to share the transformative power of the arts with students of all ages. Portia is the proud mother of three amazing young adults—Sara, Eli, and Zion—and resides in Louisville’s West End with her husband, Sam.
Prayer, my family, movement, music, my dear “sistah” circle, and food all bring me joy, inner peace, and strength during life’s challenges. Prayer tops the list because it requires no planning, costs nothing, and never leaves me feeling sore or stuffed.
Without a doubt, my mother, Dolores White, had a profound impact on my life. While I don’t necessarily see myself as a “leader,” I accept this title with gratitude—something she taught me is vital for every positive experience. Her work as an educator, writer, and artist transcended gender, ethnicity, spiritual beliefs, and socioeconomic status. My approach is shaped by her belief that “everyone has a gem inside them.” This saying inspires me to engage with others openly and to bring joy to their lives through the arts. If Dolores were still alive today, at 95 years young, we would be creating something wonderful together for young and old.
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville” In August 1914, Mary E. Merritt became the first African American registered nurse in the state of Kentucky. She trained African American nurses at Louisville’s Red Cross Hospital until the 1940s.
30. Wimsatt, Elisha 1842
Elisha Faye Wimsatt (she/her), 71, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at her home. She was a graduate of Owensboro High School, Western Kentucky Universi ty, and the University of Louisville, and she retired from the Jefferson County Public Schools district after more than 20 years as an arts educator. A member of Burnett Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, she was involved with Faith Works Studio and Theater Workshop. She found joy in performing on stage alongside her fellow artists. Additionally, she was a member of the Jeffer son County Teacher Association, the Greater Louisville Alliance of Black School Teachers, and served as a Host Speaker for the LaNita Rocknettes School of Dance for over 10 years. Elisha cherished her community as much as her family and was a proud member of the Vintage Club. She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Jean Wimsatt; father, James “Chuck” Wimsatt; brother, Lauren Martel Wimsatt; and sister, Roberta Louise Wim satt. She is survived by her brothers, Antoni “Tony” Wim satt, David Wayne Wimsatt, and Ray (Zenda) Wimsatt, all of Owensboro, and James “Nuffy” Wimsatt of Lou isville; her sisters, Deidra “DeeDee” (Tony) Tinsley and Mia (Monta) Watkins, both of Owensboro, and Giselle Wimsatt of Henderson; along with many beloved nieces and nephews whom she regarded as her own children. (Rosehill-Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum.
“Elisha Faye Wimsatt Obituary 2023.)
Historical reference from “Two Centuries of Black Louisville”
In 1842, Victoria Cunningham Smith was born and later became a leader in the pioneering freedom ride aimed at desegregating Louisville’s streetcars.
ABOUT ELMER LUCILLE ALLEN GALLERY
The main gallery at the Heritage Center is named after a hometown hero from Louisville, Kentucky, Elmer Lucille Allen. She paved the way for women in science, the arts, and community building. In 1966, after years of being denied positions in her field, she became the first African-American woman chemist at Brown-Forman. After retiring in 2002, she pursued her lifelong passion for art and textile design. At the age of 71, Allen earned a Master’s Degree in Creative Arts from the University of Louisville, concentrating on textiles, ceramics, and mixed media. With her work displayed throughout Kentucky, Allen’s life journey combined science and the arts, marking her as a pioneer before the STEM/STEAM education movement aimed at preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
In addition to Debra Lott’s painting pictured above, Her Legacy, The Elmer Lucille Allen Gallery houses a bronze bust of Elmer Lucille Allen, created by artist/sculptor Terri Gilmore. Elmer Lucille Allen is a dedicated and selfless mentor, as well as a highly respected contributor to our community. She deserves the recognition these works of art will provide, both now and for future generations. Allen embodies excellence in both science and the arts. Her life serves as a model to inspire everyone, particularly future generations entering the 21st-century workforce.
Debra Lott & Elmer Lucille Allen below Lott’s portrait of Elmer Lucille Allen.
ABOUT CURATOR JULIA YOUNGBLOOD
Julia Youngblood, founder of Youngblood Harmonizing Arts, is recognized in the arts and social justice communities for her multifaceted contributions and commitment to fostering creativity and cultural equity. Julia is the recipient of a 2024 Fund for the Arts Community Event Grant, the 2023 Curate, Purchase, Inspire award from Louisville Visual Art, and the 2022 Indiana Arts Commission On-Ramp fellowship.
Julia’s academic journey includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bennington College and a Master of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute. Julia’s diverse skill set encompasses arts education, photography, Jin Shin Jyutsu practice, and multidisciplinary artistry, showcased through solo and group exhibitions in Kentucky, Vermont, New Mexico, and California. A recent solo exhibition, “Held in the Sway,” featuring captivating paintings and printed textiles, took place at Lodgic Loft Gallery in 2022. With a rich history of community engagement, Julia spent sixteen impactful years directing ArtsReach, a renowned community arts program at Kentucky Performing Arts.
Julia’s commitment to advancing cultural equity extends beyond local initiatives, as evidenced by her involvement in panels for esteemed institutions such as the National Endowment for the Arts and The Kentucky Arts Council. Julia serves as an advisor on cultural equity for the Kentucky Peer Advisory Network.
Driven by a profound belief in art’s healing and transformative power, Julia is deeply passionate about promoting individual and community well-being and actively engages with various community organizations, including KCAAH’s Samuel Plato Industrial and Creative Arts Institute, JCPS Elev8, Molo Village, Maryhurst, BluePrint 502, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, and Dreams with Wings, where Julia facilitates arts-based programming to empower individuals and foster connection.
In addition to her community involvement, Julia plays a vital role in supporting exhibitions and curation at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, further exemplifying her dedication to amplifying diverse voices and narratives within the arts landscape. Julia’s tireless advocacy for cultural equity and holistic approach to art and wellness inspire and uplift communities, embodying a vision of harmonizing mind, body, and spirit for a better world.
