The Parkland neighborhood [1] is west of California, south of Russell, north of Park DuValle and east of Chickasaw. Its physical boundaries are 26th St to the east, Broadway to the north, Louis Coleman Jr. Dr to the west and Wilson Ave and Woodland Ave to the south. The neighborhood is one of the city's oldest. Incorporated in 1874, it was originally a suburb called Homestead, renamed Parkland in 1884, and then annexed by the city of Louisville in 1894. An F4 tornado leveled the area in 1890. When rebuilt, many large Victorian homes were built in 'White Parkland' along Virginia, Cypress and Hale; 'Black Parkland' or also called 'Little Africa' reached from Woodlawn and Hale Ave as far west as the river. Much of Little Africa was demolished by urban renewal starting in 1946—one example was Cotter Homes (in Park Duvalle) in 1953. A thriving business district on Dumesnil St and Virginia Ave between 26th and 28th included theaters, bakeries, hardware stores, a bank, a record store, a Gulf station. It was said to be one of the busiest spots in Louisville. On May 28th, 1968, after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr, a rally erupted into rioting. Two teenagers were shot by police. The National Guard occupied Parkland for 7 days. Many business were looted. Many owners chose not to return. Today, Parkland boasts an historic district with beautiful homes, a community garden, and a few businesses that have reoccupied the once bustling neighborhood.
Network Center for Community Change, Parkland Neighborhood Profile, 2014, www.makechangetogether.org, accessed April, 2018