I. Willis Cole Home 2317 West Muhammad Ali Boulevard Memphis native I. Willis Cole is most notably known as the founder of the Louisville Leader, a civil rights oriented black newspaper, and the I. Willis Cole Publishing Company. The Leader published issues pertinent to the black community and also announced births, deaths, sports info, as well as church services. Cole published the first edition of The Louisville Leader with $50 that he borrowed from someone in November of 1917. By the 1930’s, the circulation of The Louisville Leader was 22,000 units. Cole was a militant advocate against segregation and used his publication to inform black readers to vote, to oppose Jim Crow laws, and especially to oppose segregation. In 1922, Cole ran for state senate on the Lincoln Party ticket.
● I. Willis Cole
explorekyhistory. ky.gov
● 1917 explorekyhistory. ky.gov
I. Willis Cole, 1887-1950 - Militant editor and sole owner of The Louisville Leader and I. Willis Cole Publishing Co. (1917-1950). A race paper boasting, “We print your news, we employ your people, we champion your cause.” Cole wielded power of the press to combat racism. A noted business and civic leader, devout churchman, and inductee of the National Negro Press Hall of Fame.
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