Reverend C.H. Parrish

Reverend Charles Henry Parrish Sr., born into slavery in Lexington, Kentucky, emerged as a distinguished leader in the African American community and the fight against segregation. As a graduate of the Kentucky Normal and Theological Institute, he became a passionate pastor and advocate for the rights and education of Black children.

Parrish co-founded the Eckstein Norton University in 1890, located in Bullitt County, 29 miles south of Louisville. This all-Black institution, set on a 75-acre campus, was a beacon of opportunity for approximately 1,200 students from 14 states. Parrish’s vision was to teach the “dignity of labor, manliness, and race pride,” offering a curriculum that included shorthand, typing, sewing, cooking, carpentry, blacksmithing, and music, alongside a strong literary and theological education.

Under Parrish’s leadership, the university stood as a testament to the power of education, equipping African American youths with the skills necessary to succeed. The campus had a vibrant atmosphere with nine dedicated teachers who helped students cultivate both their minds and skills. Beyond his contributions to education, Parrish was also a leader in Kentucky’s anti-separate coach movement, advocating to the governor against train passenger segregation in 1892. He founded the Kentucky Home Society for Colored Children in Louisville in 1908, further solidifying his legacy as an educator and protector of African American children.

Eckstein Norton University would later merge with the Lincoln Institute in 1912, but its impact on educational equality and empowerment remains a significant chapter in Kentucky’s history. Rev. C.H. Parrish’s life and work continue to inspire progress toward a more inclusive and just society.