Russell in Louisville in Jefferson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

I. Willis Cole, 1887-1950 / Home of I. Willis Cole

I. Willis Cole, 1887-1950 Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 26, 2020

1. I. Willis Cole, 1887-1950 Marker

Inscription.
I. Willis Cole, 1887-1950 Militant editor and sole owner of The Louisville Leader and I. Willis Cole Publishing Co. (1917-1950). A race paper boasting, “We print your news, we employ your people, we champion your cause,” Cole wielded power of the press to combat racism. A noted business and civic leader, devout churchman, and inductee of the National Negro Press Hall of Fame.

Home of I. Willis Cole Louisville pioneer in civil rights movement, Cole fought segregation in public parks and on street cars. Ran for state senate on Lincoln Party ticket in 1922. Black votes provided necessary margin to get 19 bond issues passed which financed founding of Madison and Jackson Junior High Schools and Louisville Municipal College.
Presented by Louisville and Jefferson County
African American Heritage Committee, Inc.

Erected 1997 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1998.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location.

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38° 15.289′ N, 85° 47.396′ W. Marker is in Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson County. It is in Russell. Marker is on West Muhammad Ali Boulevard west of South 23rd Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2217 West Muhammad Ali Boulevard, Louisville KY 40212, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Zion Baptist Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Anthony Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Carl Braden Memorial Center / Home to Campaigns for Racial Justice (approx. one mile away); Louisville to Portland Turnpike (approx. one mile away); Samuel M. Plato, Architect / Buildings by Samuel M. Plato (approx. one mile away); Fort-on-Shore (approx. 1.2 miles away); U.S. Marine Hospital (approx. 1.2 miles away); Montgomery Street School (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.

Home of I. Willis Cole Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 26, 2020

2. Home of I. Willis Cole Marker

I. Willis Cole, 1887-1950 / Home of I. Willis Cole Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 26, 2020

3. I. Willis Cole, 1887-1950 / Home of I. Willis Cole Marker

I. Willis Cole image. Click for full size.

Photographed By University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media

4. I. Willis Cole

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 248 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 30, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.