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

Charles H. Parrish, Jr.

(1899-1989)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 24, 2022

1. Charles H. Parrish, Jr. Marker (side A)

Inscription. In 1950-51 University of Louisville campus was integrated. One African American professor came from Louisville Municipal College, where only blacks had previously been enrolled. Charles H. Parrish, Jr., a noted sociologist and a lifelong civil rights activist, became the first black professor at a white southern school.

In 1959 Parrish became first black department head at U of L, chairing the sociology department. He studied under the noted American sociologist George Herbert Meade at the University of Chicago. His work as an activist yielded friendships with many Civil Rights era luminaries. This place of gathering is named in his honor. U of L Bicentennial Committee

Erected 1998 by Kentucky Historical Society. (Marker Number 2008.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1950.

Location. 38° 12.957′ N, 85° 45.566′ W. Marker is in Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson County. It is in University. Marker is on East Centennial Walk. Marker is between Gardiner Hall and Gottschalk Hall

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on the University of Louisville's Belknap campus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2224 E Centennial Walk, Louisville KY 40208, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Brother Charles H. Parrish, Jr. (a few steps from this marker); Louis D. Brandeis (1856-1941) (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Founding of Jefferson Seminary (about 500 feet away); War Memorial for University of Louisville killed during the World War (about 600 feet away); Alpha Phi Alpha (about 700 feet away); Alpha Kappa Alpha (about 700 feet away); National Pan-Hellenic Council (about 700 feet away); Phi Beta Sigma (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.

Also see . . . Charles H. Parrish, Jr. (1899 - 1989). Biography of the noted educator and civil rights activist. (University of Louisville College of Arts & Sciences) (Submitted on August 9, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Charles H. Parrish, Jr. Marker (side B) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 24, 2022

2. Charles H. Parrish, Jr. Marker (side B)

Charles H. Parrish, Jr. Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 24, 2022

3. Charles H. Parrish, Jr. Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 120 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 9, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.