Black History Month in Bourbon City
Louisville wouldn’t be the creative, innovative, and compassionate city it is today without the vibrant community that shapes it. Everything that makes our city special—the Kentucky Derby, the bourbon distilleries on Whiskey Row, the thriving culinary scene, and the G.O.A.T. himself, Muhammad Ali—has been enriched by the contributions of Black Louisvillians. We invite you to take a walk with us as we celebrate Louisville’s Black culture -- past and present.
Begin your journey at the Muhammad Ali Center (144 N 6th St.), an award-winning museum and cultural center that is part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Dedicated to the life and legacy of Louisville’s native son, Muhammad Ali, this inspiring space showcases his journey from Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., a young boy growing up on Grand Avenue during segregation, to a world-renowned boxing champion and humanitarian. A pivotal moment in his youth—the theft of his red bicycle—sparked his passion for boxing, setting the stage for a legendary career. Beyond the ring, Ali was a fierce advocate for civil rights, and his six core principles continue to inspire the world today.
Just outside the Muhammad Ali Center, you’ll find a plaque honoring Kentucky’s Black Trailblazers, part of an immersive storytelling initiative launched in July 2024. Scan the QR code with your smartphone to watch Louisville’s history come to life as you learn about the influential Black Kentuckians who shaped the city and beyond.
As you cross the pedway toward the Belvedere (501 W Main St.), you’ll encounter two vibrant Muhammad Ali murals. The first is by artist Ashley “ACE” Cathey during the 2021 Imagine Mural Fest highlighting Ali’s iconic Louisville Lip post. The second on the back of a small office building faces the Muhammad Ali and features both a photo of Ali and one of his most beloved saying. These stunning art pieces celebrate his enduring legacy.
Continue toward the Ohio River overlook, where you’ll discover a striking sculpture by internationally renowned Louisville artist Ed Hamilton. This one-of-a-kind statue honors York, a key member of the Lewis & Clark expedition. Born into slavery, York was William Clark’s childhood companion and played a crucial role in the Corps of Discovery. Though his contributions were historically overlooked, this powerful monument ensures his story is told.
A few blocks away, just off Main Street’s Whiskey Row on Fist Street, you’ll find Roots 101 African American Museum (124 N 1st St). This museum offers a moving journey through the African American experience, highlighting achievements, cultural contributions, and resilience. Be sure watch The Sankofa Experience, which teaches that understanding our past is essential for moving forward.
From the museum, head toward the heart of downtown—Fourth Street. Outside the Louisville Visitor Center (401 W. Jefferson St.), you’ll find one of the Louisville Downtown Civil Rights Trail (301 South 4th Street) markers, also part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Grab a guide from the Visitor Center or access the online version to explore more sites that played a pivotal role in the city’s civil rights movement.
Look up as you pass by, and you’ll see a mural of Tom Bullock, The Ideal Bartender (311 S. Fourth St.), created by local artist Kacy Jackson. Bullock, a renowned mixologist, is credited with popularizing Louisville’s Official Cocktail—the Old Fashioned—at the Pendennis Club. He was also the first African American to write and self-publish a cocktail book. You can dive deeper into his legacy with a special speakeasy tour at Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (528 W. Main St.).
Continuing your stroll, you’ll arrive at the corner of Fourth Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard. Once known as Walnut Street, this area was the heart of Black culture in Louisville, earning the nickname "Louisville’s Harlem." In the early 1900s, the street was a thriving hub of Black-owned businesses, nightclubs, and cultural institutions. During the Great Migration, African Americans settled here, fostering a vibrant community that attracted legendary performers like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. Though urban renewal and segregation led to its decline, today, Muhammad Ali Boulevard stands as a symbol of resilience, with Black-owned businesses working to preserve its storied past.
As you pass the Seelbach Hotel, you’ll enter what locals call the South Fourth Street district, a lively area filled with unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Your walking tour ends at the historic Brown Hotel (335 W Broadway), which opened in 1923. This iconic hotel has deep ties to Muhammad Ali, who was a frequent guest in his younger years.
If you’re feeling thirsty after all that walking, head to the Lobby Bar and try an Ali Smash, a cocktail named in his honor. Legend has it that Louisville boxing coach Joseph Martin once told a young Ali, “You’re spicy as rye, but you might consider learning to fight before getting smashed.”
Looking for a place to stay? Book a night in the Ali Suite, personally commemorated by The Greatest himself. Lined with Ali memorabilia, this suite serves as a living tribute to his legacy.
After exploring Louisville’s rich Black history, kick back and relax at the Brown Hotel’s Lobby Bar—a well-deserved reward for your journey. As you sip your cocktail, start planning your next adventure, because there’s always more history to uncover in Louisville.
Celebrate Black History Month at a These Local Attractions*:
Kentucky Derby Museum Exhibits:
- Black Jockey’s in Racing Exhibition
- Black Heritage in Racing Tour
Kentucky Center for African American Heritage
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory Exhibits:
- The Best Black Baseball Team You’ve Never Heard Of Exhibition
- Signature Wall Spotlight: Heroes of the Negro Leagues
Footsteps of Greatness - Ali’s Louisville Self-Guided Tour
U.S. Civil Rights Trail Self-Guided Tour
Civil Rights Markets Walking Audio Tour Narrated by Rasheda Ali
Frazier History Museum's The Journey: Unsung Stories of the Underground Railroad
Historic Locust Grove (note: Closed until March 1 for tours, but check website for select programs)
*This is not an exhaustive list of events taking place around town. Please check our calendar of events for additional events.
To find all events happening in and around the city be sure to check out our event calendar and subscribe to our email newsletters for the latest updates on news and events.
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