Louisville honors historic Walnut Street with new historical marker | News from WDRB [Video]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville’s history was celebrated Tuesday with the unveiling of a new historical marker at the corner of 13th and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, officially naming the area Old Walnut Way.

The site is located on what was once Walnut Street—a bustling corridor in Louisville known for its thriving Black-owned businesses, entertainment venues and cultural significance during segregation. The area reached its peak between the 1930s and the 1950s as a hub of Black excellence.

Nathaniel Spencer, a lifelong west Louisville resident and community activist, spearheaded the initiative for the historical marker. Spencer began a petition and shared his vision with Councilman Jecorey Arthur, I-District 4, who became a strong supporter of the project. The effort gained momentum with the support of local advocates, including Ken Clay — who opened the city’s first African American culture shop — sculptor Ed Hamilton and activist Rhonda Mathis.

While Arthur is …