Louisville Honors Shirley Mae Beard With Smoketown Street Sign

Shirley Mae Beard, a beloved Louisville soul food restaurateur and community activist, was honored posthumously with the proclamation of May 10 as 'Shirley Mae Beard Day' and the unveiling of an honorary street sign named 'Shirley Mae's Way' in the Smoketown neighborhood. Beard, who died in January at age 84, owned and operated Shirley Mae's Café on South Clay Street, which served as a cultural and community hub for decades. She was known not only for her soul food but also for using food as a vehicle to build community and fellowship, earning her the affectionate title 'Mother Nature.' Beyond her restaurant, Beard founded the annual Salute to Black Jockeys celebration, dedicated to honoring the contributions of Black jockeys to the Kentucky Derby, even funding the event herself to keep it free. Louisville mayors Craig Greenberg and Greg Fischer, along with other community leaders and family members, participated in the ceremonies celebrating her legacy. The street sign and day proclamation aim to inspire the community to carry on her spirit of service, unity, and cultural pride.