The West End Opportunity Partnership is a significant economic investment initiative launching in the
West End to overcome challenges stemming from the intergenerational effects of racial prejudice and
segregation, which have hindered progress for African Americans in Louisville.
Located centrally in the West End of Louisville, KY, California has a long history intertwined with Black voices and experiences. It was originally settled by German immigrants in the late 1840s and was known colloquially as Henderson, but became known as California in the 1850s due to its wealth of opportunity that was likened to the California Gold Rush. The neighborhood was settled between railroads that connected Kentucky and Indiana across the river, which contributed to its wealth as the industrial and manufacturing industries grew. It was a booming business area that employed thousands and shipped products across America until business began to slow after World War II and the neighborhood lost approximately 50% of its population.
At its peak, California had a large, mixed-race population, with many African-Americans settling there after the civil war and industrialists building their homes where the railroads were. It was the site of the California Colored School and a branch of the Freedmen’s Bureau, with several activists living in and around the neighborhood. Today, the population is approximately 90% black Americans, and is rising to restore its commercial glory. The Brown-Forman Corporation, a well-known distillery, has invested in the area as they continue to operate their headquarters out of the neighborhood. The Louisville Metro government has also committed to a California and Victory Park Neighborhood plan that include short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals, as well as community plans to reach them.
In terms of community, California is the site of the Republic Bank Foundation YMCA on the corner of West Broadway and Dixie Highway. It also offers a Community Center at California Park that has free public wi-fi, a public computer lab, meeting rooms, a full-court gym, and a food bank. It has been a great support system for the community and increases the resources that residents have for online schooling and work. California lies North of Algonquin and is also bordered by Park Duvalle, Parkland, Russell, downtown Louisville, SoBro, Old Louisville, and University. It has plenty of affordable renters properties, making it a great residential choice for students at the University of Louisville, Spalding University, Jefferson Community & Technical College, and downtown Louisville workers. For families living in the area, it is served by several Louisville public schools, including:
We want to hear your voice! Let us know what you have to say.
Creating opportunities for Louisville communities, by Louisville communities, in Louisville communities.
1608 W. Broadway
Suite 200
Louisville, KY 40203
(502) 303-5251
[email protected]
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Opportunity Partnership
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