Jonesville Academy honors legacy of historic Black community

BOWLING GREEN, Ky – Before Western Kentucky University expanded its campus, a tight-knit Black community known as Jonesville stood in the area.

Jonesville was more than a neighborhood. It was home to families, churches, businesses and schools. But during the 1950s and 1960s, WKU’s expansion forced many families to relocate, and the physical community eventually disappeared.

Even though the original neighborhood no longer exists, its legacy lives on through Jonesville Academy, a program created in honor of the historic community.

Founded in 2021, Jonesville Academy focuses on academic enrichment, mentorship and leadership development. The program aims to create opportunities for Black youth while preparing them for future careers and community involvement.

“Our impact goes beyond the classroom,” said Tyreon Clark, co-founder of Jonesville Academy. “It is a program that provides opportunities to visit businesses, provide career support and also community service. That’s what makes Jonesville Academy special. We wanted to remember Jonesville and what it meant to our community and remember the history. What Jonesville provided us.”

The academy serves elementary, middle and high school students. Each year, participants take part in a tie ceremony symbolizing respect, commitment and confidence, values leaders say are central to the program’s mission.

“We get these scholars to come in as young boys,” Clark said. “We’re watching them grow into young men. As a parent, that’s all you can want.”

Ninth grader, Aiden Ellis-Griffith, said the program’s environment has made a strong impact on him.

“The community around us, the environment is just really fostering. It’s very nurturing,” Ellis-Griffith said. “The teachers, the mentors, the educators — they’re so influential and such good role models to us. We just try to follow them the best way we can.”

Like the original Jonesville community, the academy is built on connection and support, offering students guidance and a sense of belonging.

While the buildings of Jonesville may be gone, community leaders say its spirit continues through education, mentorship and the next generation.