RESOLUTION NO. __________, SERIES 2022
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A RESOLUTION HONORING BENETHA ELLIS BY DEDICATING THE INTERSECTION OF WEST MAIN STREET AND SOUTH 45TH STREET TO BE KNOWN AS BENETHA ELLIS WAY IN HER HONOR.
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL MEMBER DONNA PURVIS
WHEREAS, Benetha Ellis resided in her home in the Shawnee Neighborhood on 100 South 45th Street for over 45 years, rearing three children, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren;
WHEREAS, Benetha Ellis was a well-rounded community woman known for her organizational efforts and activism confronting racial injustice in the 1960's and 1970's. Her efforts toward racial justice are documented in the University of Louisville Anne Braden Archives and have been cited in subsequent oral history projects highlighting Louisville's student busing policies;
WHEREAS, Benetha Ellis co-organized the group United Black Protective Parents to confront the racial harassment and abuse of Black students in Louisville. American Radio Works quotes Beneatha as saying, "If we had to burst into a classroom, that's what we did. If we had to burst into a principal's office, that's what we did. If we had to burst onto a bus, that's what we did"; and
WHEREAS, Benetha Ellis led grassroot initiatives to expand the community services provided by the Park DuValle Neighborhood Service Center, including access to rent assistance programs, access to healthcare, and providing opportunities to engage with job training programs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: Benetha Ellis' service and commitment to Louisville Metro is hereby recognized by dedicating the intersection of West Main Street and South 45th Street to be known also as "Benetha Ellis Way."
SECTION II: The Department of Public Works is hereby directed to move forward with the fabrication and installation of the honorary street si...
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