BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Jonesville is a former prominent Black neighborhood in the Bowling Green area that was demolished in the 1960s due to the expansion of Western Kentucky University. Longtime artist Alice Waddell is making sure that Black history isn't lost. 

What You Need To Know

  • Artist Alice Waddell is painting a mural in honor of Bowling Green's Jonesville neighborhood

  • Jonesville was a prominent Black neighborhood that was demolished for the expansion of Western Kentucky University

  • Waddell has been working on the mural since April

  • The mural requires a special style of painting so that the colors never fade
Alice Waddell putting details on the flowers on the Jonesville mural. (Spectrum News 1/Evan Brooks)

She is currently painting a Jonesville mural where her ancestors and family lived. Where the athletic buildings such as Diddle Arena are now used to be a thriving Black neighborhood built by enslaved people. 

“I’m honored to be a part of the project," said Waddell. "Especially with my family ties, and as an artist, to be able to create something that can be appreciated by many people."

Waddell has been working on the mural since April. It requires a special style of painting so that the colors never fade. She said it's important to notice the details of the image with families coming to grips with the reality of being forced out. 

“The significance of the kids is they are pointing to what is going on up the hill because they have no idea what is happening," said Waddell "The images of the adults are reactions to them being forced to leave the neighborhood."

Alice Waddell putting details on the flowers on the Jonesville mural. (Spectrum News 1/Evan Brooks)

The completion of the mural is expected to be done Friday, Aug. 13. Waddell, as well as her interns, spend as many as eight hours painting to make sure no detail is missed. 

“The average person would have no idea of the amount of time and work that goes into that process," said Waddell. "What I admire is that it sustains for such a long period of time because the pigment is sustained in the concrete, so as long as the concrete is there, you can see the images."

Waddell said she has many memories of Jonesville, always visiting her grandparents and enjoying the company of the neighborhood. 

"It was just a thriving Black community with everyone always getting along and proud to be there," said Waddell. "It is unfortunate what happened, but I just want everyone to know each time they go to a sporting event what history used to be there."

Waddell has been painting for over 47 years.