Louisville Renames Park In Honor Of The City’s First Black Attorney

Alberta O. Jones Park is in honor of the city’s first Black lawyer as her legacy lives on.

The city of Louisville is paying tribute to a civil rights icon. The late Alberta O. Jones, who was murdered in 1965, is now forever remembered at a park dedicated in her name.

The Alberta O. Jones Park sits on seven blocks within the Kentucky neighborhood on Louisville’s west side. A ceremony to unveil the new establishment was held on Nov. 18, as community leaders and elected officials joined to formally introduce the new playscape and nature trail and speak on the naming of Jones Park to honor the fallen attorney’s profound impact on racial justice within the city.

“City parks are a vital part of what makes Louisville’s neighborhoods vibrant and healthy,” Mayor Craig Greenberg said, as shared by WHAS-11. “They improve mental and physical health, help the environment, spur economic development, and build social connectedness. That’s why my administration has made it a top priority to ensure every resident has equitable access to high-quality green space. And Alberta O. Jones Park is a significant step in the right direction. I congratulate the people of the California Neighborhood, the Parks Alliance, and the many generous donors to the Alliance for their commitment to make this vision a reality.”

Jones received her J.D. at the University of Louisville’s School of Law. As the first Black attorney in the city, her work during the civil rights movement led to her launching the Independent Voters Association, which sought to teach Black residents about voting procedures. Jones’ legal achievements also included negotiating contracts on behalf of Muhammad Ali and her appointment as the first female prosecutor within the county.

Jones’s life and work were cut short when she was found dead in the Ohio River in Aug. 1965. While the attorney’s murder was never solved, her legacy in Louisville remains.

Alberta O. Jones Park will host an abundance of amenities, including outdoor classrooms, fitness centers, and the first-ever free 5G Wi-Fi for guests in the area. The Parks Alliance of Louisville’s plan to revitalize the flood-prone area also features a special pavilion featuring a mural of Jones alongside pictures donated by the neighborhood. Jones’ substantial impact is enshrined through the recreational facility’s dedication to uplifting the Black community of Louisville.