“Notable Louisville Neighborhoods and the People Who Put Them on the Map” is a new series that seeks to connect people with their hyper-local history in a meaningful way. Focusing on the various neighborhoods within the city of Louisville, the series kicks off with a panel discussion on the history of the Russell Neighborhood. Originally a fashionable suburb with white and black working-class housing, Russell evolved into Louisville’s foremost African American neighborhood by the 1940s, boasting a well-defined business district and an expansive residential area.

Sam Watkins, former Chief Executive Officer of Louisville Central Community Centers, will lead a panel discussion on the people and places that put the Russell neighborhood on the map. Joining him on the panel will be:

• Lynn E. Johnson, Director of the Chestnut Street YMCA Black Achievers Program serving teens grades 8th – 12th.   She has expanded the program to youth grades K-7th. She commits to helping teens succeed, while nurturing adult volunteers who are the backbone of the Program.
• Reverend David Snardon, Pastor of Joshua Tabernacle Baptist Church. He is a leader of pastors who support the transformation of the Russell neighborhood and has provided strategic leadership in advancing economic development in Russell and west Louisville.