Councilwoman Sexton Smith To Host Unveiling of The Nellie Crawford Plaque

Photo: Louisville Metro Council

Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) will join the neighbors of Shelby Park and many others for a special unveiling of a plaque which honors two special Louisville Women.

On Tuesday, September 24th, a plaque honoring the accomplishments of Nellie Crawford and Christa Robinson will be unveiled at the corner of East Oak Street and South Jackson.

“This is a very special moment for our Shelby Park Neighborhood and many others throughout our city. Nellie Crawford was an accomplished stage, film and television actress born right here in Louisville. Christa was my Legislative Assistant who was one of the most caring people I have ever encountered. Sadly, she left us too soon earlier this year,” says Sexton Smith.

Born in 1873, Nellie Crawford began her life as a laundress and had a keen interest in acting. She took the stage name of Madam Sul-Te-Wan and was the first African American to sign a major film contract in the infancy of the film world. Through her career she appeared in more than 50 films. She was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1986.

Christa Robinson had a long career as a public servant for Councilwoman Sexton Smith and Congressman John Yarmouth. She passed away in April of this year.

“I want to thank the neighbors of Shelby Park for this fitting tribute to Christa and Nellie,” says Councilwoman Sexton Smith. “To all who see this plaque, please know these are two very dedicated women setting examples for  all of us.”

The unveiling ceremony will take place tomorrow at 5:30pm at the corner of East Oak Street and South Jackson.