Above is a composite view of Downtown Danville, Kentucky in the early 1900’s and after redevelopment, included also is the historical marker for the AA Business District of years past.
This is the city where I was born, and a place where several African American families settled after the Civil War. It is also the city where my paternal Bright families established their homes.
My great great grandparents, William T Bright, 1823 – 1920 and Candis Culbertson 1824 and their children; Frances, Benjamin, Henry, John and Robert R Bright (my great grandfather) 1858 – 1945 and his wife Betty (Givens) Bright. Their children were, Joseph Sampson 1883 -1934 and James Walker Bright (my grandfather) 1887 -1938 and his wife Emma Eliza (Jones) Bright 1889 -1957 and their only child, Joseph B Bright ( my father) 1911 – 1972.
The Kentucky Historical Society indicates that “After the Civil War, African American Kentuckians gravitated to rural hamlets, towns, and cities across the state for better economic opportunities, group protection, and a sense of solidarity. Due to segregation, however, many of the towns and cities developed separate neighborhoods that provided housing, goods, and services to African Americans.
Black businesses in these neighborhoods, including insurance agencies, funeral homes, restaurants, hotels, barber and beauty shops, clothing stores, and doctor and dentist offices, served their communities and established strong personal relationships with their patrons. These neighborhoods also included community organizations, churches, schools, civic and fraternal groups, theaters, dance halls, and sports teams that enriched residents’ lives.
During segregation, one African American business district in Danville was located on 2nd Street and faced the Ephraim McDowell House. There, businesses and organizations like the Elite (taxi) Cab Company, DeLuxe Barbershop, The Hollywood Restaurant, Singleton’s Super Market, Richardson Brothers billiards, and Doric Lodge No. 18, provided the black community with opportunities to own, serve, and support their local population.
When racial segregation ended, many of these black businesses that were unable to compete with other businesses closed. In the 1970s, with funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Danville engaged in an urban renewal project that razed all of Danville’s historic African American Business District on 2nd Street at Constitution Square. Although urban renewal removed the physical traces of this neighborhood, it did not wipe away the fond memories that Danville had of its African American Business District”.
Per recorded deeds, my family purchased property at 203 E Walnut Street in 1914 for $945 cash and owned and operated the Bright’s Funeral Home there until it was sold in 1948 for $10,000 to William Johnson, after the death of my great grandfather. I wonder where/how they accumulated the cash paid for the property. My great grandfather was a stonecutter and I assume that cutting headstones is how they accomplished the purchase. A picture of the only business remnant I could find is shown below and indicates the name of the “new owner” along with the family name.
Jewells In Dem Kentucky Hills 
Mary you told your story so well I felt like i was right there during the process from beginning to end. I like how you did the photo arrangements at the beginning of the page. Very nicely done.
Urban renewal wiped out many a black business district. And then came the freeways to complete the job.
Kristin you are so right … happened over and over and over again!!!
I had always believed that integration benefited everyone — now I know the rest of the story. Yes, it opened opportunity somewhat for African Americans, but in many areas it destroyed their way of life and sense of community. Take away income and jobs, businesses close, become run-down, and are then ripe for urban renewal — and freeways. How many historically Black neighborhoods have been destroyed in the name of “progress”?
Hey there Mike … so glad to see you visit. The response to your question is many. I believe many were systematically planned (ie: if you continue to remove/limit resources things deteriorate and soon you’ll have control of the most valuable land around) I don’t have any solution but I sure wish I did. Thanks again for visiting!!!
Amazing details and such a vivid historical depiction. I’m glad you the history as well as giving the history a place for all to read and soak in. Thank you for sharing!
WOW thanks bunches Dante. Never “lived” there (that I knew about) so just sharing what I’ve found. Thanks for your so kind remarks!!!
Loved the Church fan! Hopefully I’ll get over to Danville this summer. Loved the photo collage. Have you been there?
Hey there …Thanks so much for your comments. Please let me know if you’re going to Danville, I might need some look-ups. I was born there and believe that I left at about 3-4 years old. I did visit with some of the elders at 2-3 family reunions. Went on a couple of research visits when I was able to get around on my own. Still have family there.