A Historic Journey Through Louisville

By Valecia Quinn, Director of JFCS Navigate, JFCS DEI+TIC Chair

Over the past few years, I’ve found myself in different cities, taking bus tours to learn about the Black History that represents the core fabric of each city and neighboring towns. I can remember sitting on the bus in Montgomery to Selma, AL, stopping at places that had significant meaning and impact on what is happening today. Then, there was the Jacksonville and St. Augustine, FL trip that had many landmarks and living folks who shared stories that will not only open your eyes, but will bring tears as you envision the pain, the suffering, and yes, the progress! Even my hometown of Boley, OK carries significant meaning and serves as a place for the young generation to visualize how their ancestors fought for a better life that we are enjoying today.

Louisville, KY is no different. It has a lot of Black History that makes the fabric of this community that we love. I’m excited to take a bus tour with my colleagues on Thursday, February 20 as one part of our Black History Month initiative, in which we will tour part of our downtown and West Louisville area. Did I mention that we will have several members of our board of directors join us as well? Tom Owen will be our storyteller (tour guide) for this bus tour. Tom Owen, among other notables, is a well-known historian in Louisville, who also has deep and rich knowledge and grew up in West Louisville.

Without giving too much information (keeping some element of surprise), we will hear about Lucie and Thornton Blackburn, the significance of the Western Branch Library, Martin Luther King’s impact in Louisville and ties to the community, the first black public school in Kentucky, and a few other significant pieces over the course of the 1 ½ hour bus tour. As Tom is “storytelling,” colleagues will have the opportunity to ask questions, and we just might be able to get off the bus for one of the stops!!

After the tour, we’ll return to the office and then celebrate Black History through some delicious food, catered by one of Louisville’s popular black-owned restaurants, Blak Koffee. Tom Owen will also join us for this food celebration and will probably enjoy answering any remaining questions or providing some additional insight.

Last year, we learned about the connection and importance of Black History through Kentucky’s lens and ties to the Jewish Culture from Chaka Cummings. This year, we’ll spend time learning more about Louisville’s Black History, hearing the stories and using our eyes to visualize the impact during our mobile journey.

In closing, Black History is American History and this month, which should be every month, is about celebrating diversity in our country. 2025 appears to be one of our challenges to keep this at the forefront of what we do each day, both personally and professionally. I’m depending on each of you to continue to show appreciation and support for everyone, regardless of differences and similarities.

A final THANK YOU to all my ancestors, my mentors, and numerous individuals who have endured hardships and challenges to make tomorrow a better day than yesterday.

About the Author

Valecia Quinn, has nearly 35 years of expertise in developing for-profit business and marketing programs in various markets throughout the US. As the Director of JFCS Navigate, Valecia leads and manages the microenterprise program, providing full-service business planning and microlending opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, with an emphasis on under-served communities. Valecia collaborates with various community partners in Louisville’s thriving ecosystem to help clients achieve their business dreams and goals.

Along with being Director of JFCS Navigate, Valecia also chairs JFCS’ DEI+TIC efforts.