OUR ROOTS

In 2021, Mikel Brown was tasked with enhancing the educational experience and opportunities for Central High School. During this mission, he crossed paths with Shauntia Cardine, and they discovered their shared love for their alma mater and aligned goals to provide better opportunities for the next generation. Together, they established Jacket Nation Inc. Mikel's vision, combined with Shauntia's business expertise, laid the groundwork for Jacket Nation and its promising future.

Jacket Nation Inc. black and white logo

THE HISTORY OF CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Central High School has a remarkable history, beginning in 1870 as the first public school for African Americans in Louisville, KY. Initially recognized by the board of education on October 1, 1870, the school was funded by African American taxes and served as both an elementary and junior high school. The first building, dedicated on October 7, 1873, was located at the corner of Sixth and Kentucky Streets, with J. M. Maxwell as principal and C. W. Houser as the only teacher. This original site is now part of Simmons College, known as Ida B. Wells Hall.

Front of Central High School

In 1882, the Louisville African American community successfully appealed for a high school, leading to the establishment of Central Colored High School, which included junior and senior classes. The school changed locations several times before being officially renamed Central High School in 1945 under Atwood Wilson's leadership. In 1952, it moved to its current location at 1130 West Chestnut Street in the Russell neighborhood. By then, Central High School had become the largest and most progressive high school for African Americans in the state, with 1,400 students and 57 faculty members, offering career courses alongside its academic programs.

Today, Central High School Magnet Career Academy is a comprehensive high school offering a pre-college curriculum with over 11 career magnets in fields such as STEM/Robotics, Allied Health, Business, Teaching & Learning, and Law. The school maintains a strong focus on college-preparatory classes, leveraging Louisville's business, government, and medical district resources to enhance student learning.

Central High School has many notable alumni, including: 

Muhammad Ali | Elmer Lucille Allen | Sam Gilliam | Lenny Lyles | Kenneth L. Abrams | Alberta O. Jones | John Y White III | Alice Kean Houston | Frank Stanley Sr. | Woodford R. Porter Sr. | Sen. Georgia Powers | Darryl T Owens | Judge Denise G. Clayton | Dr. Evelyn L. Waldrop

OUR MISSION

Jacket Nation Inc. is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for Central High School, students, and staff by providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Together, we aim to cultivate a community where every Yellow Jacket can reach their full potential and become leaders of tomorrow.