I. Willis Cole, 1887-1950 / Home of I. Willis Cole - Louisville, KY
Posted by: 
Markerman62
N 38° 15.290 W 085° 47.395
16S E 605875 N 4234782
Located on West Muhammad Ali Boulevard west of South 23rd Street, Louisville
Waymark Code: WM18151
Location: Kentucky, United States
Date Posted: 05/07/2023
Views: 1
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.
Marker Name: I. Willis Cole, 1887-1950 / Home of I. Willis Cole
Marker Location: City
Type of Marker: Person
Marker Number (for official markers): 1998
Group(s) Responsible for placing Marker:
Kentucky Historical Society
Kentucky Department of Highways
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