Ericka Seward – Shawnee Neighborhood

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a mother of 3 adult children and one grandchild who is also a business owner and community activist. I’m originally from Jamaica, NY but I’ve lived in Louisville since 1989. I’m also an entrepreneur who provides administrative services to individuals, businesses, and non profit organizations. My greatest goal in life is to enjoy all that I can experience in my time here on this earth. I’ve been fortunate to travel to South Africa and while on that trip I vowed to make that one of many trips to another country. I’m currently planning a trip to Mexico next year and hopefully I can fill up this passport book before I turn 55. 

What have you been working on in your neighborhood?

The Shawnee neighborhood experienced a loss of their most faithful leadership with the death of several longtime community leaders and the tragic COVID-19 pandemic. I decided to step into those shoes of leadership to continue the work of those before and I was elected as the President of the Shawnee Neighborhood Association in August, 2020. Since serving in this role, I’ve been able to lead the organization through rewriting our bylaws and we’ve begun to work with a Shawnee Implementation (appointed by the Metro Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods) that will focus on long term goals for the neighborhood. I’m excited to bridge the gap between the elders who laid the groundwork in the Shawnee neighborhood with the middle aged and younger generations who will carry it forward.

How did you get involved in this work?

I’ve always had a heart for service and worked with different community organizations however, after participating in the 2020 protests to demand justice for Breonna Taylor and others who have been victims of police brutality, I knew that I had to serve more directly in the area that I live in.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

I dream of having a neighborhood that looks and functions like the ones in the east and south end. Their buildings look nice and their businesses do as well. The vibe is vibrant and there’s always something positive going on whether that be youth sports or community events that educate and inspire residents to be the best at whatever it is that excites them. That’s what I want Shawnee to be. I want people to have a desire to come here from other parts of the city and enjoy themselves enough to come back. 

What are your hopes for your neighborhood in the future?

I would like people to know that Shawnee is rich in history and excellence. Some of our residents can remember the time when we as black people had to fight the law and systematic tactics of racism just to be able to live here. Going forward, we’re going to honor their sacrifices and the tribulations that they endured by preserving the historic assets that remain while reviving the beauty and liveliness of the neighborhood. The Shawnee neighborhood is going to be just as exciting and vibrant as NULU and Bardstown Road.