RESOLUTION NO. __________, SERIES 2026
TITLE
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE, LEGACY, AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF HARRY JOHNSON JR. BY NAMING THE CORNER OF 26TH STREET AND BROADWAY STREET IN HIS HONOR.
BODY
SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL MEMBER KEN HERNDON
WHEREAS, Metro Council considers the honorary naming of its streets after its citizens to foster a continued sense of community, place, and history; and
WHEREAS, throughout his life, Harry Johnson Jr. has demonstrated exceptional dedication, service, leadership, compassion, and commitment to the betterment of the community; and
WHEREAS, Harry Johnson Jr. has positively impacted the lives of numerous individuals and families by bringing fashion, hair care, and various other beauty products to an underserved urban community, and would go on to serve all communities through ownership of multiple beauty supply stores throughout Louisville in a variety of ways; and:
WHEREAS, he was a valuable source of business education for many up-and-coming cosmetologists and barbers for decades, helping them learn certain aspects of entrepreneurship, and
WHEREAS, Harry Johnson Jr. helped others to afford the equipment needed to build their salons and barbershops, sometimes losing money in his efforts in helping others become successful; and
WHEREAS, Harry Johnson Jr. was responsible for bringing hair shows and beauty conventions like his "Derby Hair Affair" to Louisville; and,
WHEREAS, he created, manufactured and marketed his own line of hair care products called VitaGene; and
WHEREAS,. Harry Johnson Jr. also went into business with Mr. Faye Hughs to create hair care products for longtime friends - comedian Redd Foxx and world heavy weight champion boxer Muhammad Ali.; and
WHEREAS, through his dedication and tireless efforts, he not only made our community beautiful, he showed the community that self-sufficiency and ownership was not only attainable but unlimited; and
WHEREAS, the accomplishments and character of Harry Johnson Jr. have established a legacy that will continue to serve as an inspiration to present and future generations; and
WHEREAS, the designation of a street in his honor provides an appropriate and lasting tribute to recognize Harry Johnson Jr.'s contributions and dedication to the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: Harry Jonnson Jr.’s enduring legacy and contributions to Louisville Metro is hereby recognized by naming the corner of 26th Street and Broadway Street as “Harry Johnson Jr. Way.”
SECTION II: The Department of Public Works is hereby directed to move forward with the fabrication and installation of the honorary street signs upon the passage of this Resolution and the receipt of funds to cover the expense.
SECTION III: This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval or otherwise becoming law.
_______________________________ _____________________________
Sonya Harward Brent Ackerson
Metro Council Clerk President of the Council
________________________________ _____________________________
Craig Greenberg Approval Date
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
By: _______________________________
R-146-26 Honorary Naming -Harry Johnson Jr.v.2 RCG 10.08.26