Louisville is a city with a deep-rooted African American history, and there are many places to explore and learn about it. The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage is an ideal starting point. The Soul of Walnut Street Experience series at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage provides visitors with the opportunity to discover the life and experiences of rhythm and blues singer Mary Ann Fisher. Fisher was one of the first African-American women to have a career as a rhythm and blues singer, and she performed with some of the most renowned names in music, including Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, B.
B. King, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Bobby Dinah Washington, and Billie Holiday. Between 1830 and 1860, Louisville's free African-American population increased from 232 to 1,917, or 726 percent. This made Louisville home to the highest concentration of free people of color in both Kentucky and the upper southwestern part of Baltimore.
Baseball is also an integral part of Louisville's history. At the Louisville Slugger bat factory, visitors can learn more about a team from the city before the Negro Leagues that dominated all players in the early 20th century before fading into obscurity. Uncovering Louisville's African American history is an essential way to comprehend the city's past and present. Visiting these sites can help visitors gain a better understanding of the struggles and successes of African Americans in Louisville.