Zirl A. Palmer facts for kids

Zirl Augustus Palmer (1920–1982) was an important African-American businessman and activist. He lived in Lexington, Kentucky. He opened his own pharmacy, Palmer's Pharmacy, in 1952. Mr. Palmer worked hard to end segregation in his city. He also became the first Black board member for the University of Kentucky. His family faced a scary attack in 1968 because of his work.

Zirl Palmer's Early Life and Education

Zirl Palmer was born in 1920 in Bluefield, West Virginia. His parents were James and Lola Allen Palmer. He grew up learning the importance of hard work.

He went to college at Bluefield State College and Howard University. Both of these schools are Historically Black Colleges and Universities. At that time, Black students could not attend professional schools in West Virginia. So, Palmer found another option.

He studied pharmacy at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. He even got help from his home state to pay for his train fare and part of his tuition. Both Zirl and his wife, Marian Elspy Sidney, served in World War II.

Opening Palmer's Pharmacy

In 1952, Zirl Palmer opened Palmer's Pharmacy in Lexington, Kentucky. It was located in an old building at Fifth and Race Street. At that time, there were many Black professionals in Lexington. However, there were no Black pharmacists.

Because of segregation, Black people were not allowed at soda fountains in most pharmacies. Mr. Palmer wanted his pharmacy to be different. He had trouble finding an ice cream company to work with him at first. But Dixie Ice Cream Co. agreed. His soda fountain quickly became very popular.

A New Building and Community Hub

In 1961, Palmer built a new, modern building for his pharmacy. It was at 400 East Fifth at Chestnut. This new location was more than just a pharmacy. It also had offices for two doctors and a lawyer. It was called Palmer's Pharmacy, Luncheonette, and Doctor's Office.

The opening of his new store was even reported in Jet Magazine. His pharmacy was a franchise of Rexall, and it was the company's first Black-owned store. Mr. Palmer cared deeply about his community. He helped young people in the neighborhood by giving them jobs. He also helped them find work at other businesses.

Working for Civil Rights

Zirl Palmer was very active in the Civil Rights Movement. He was a member of the NAACP. He also joined the Chamber of Commerce. At his church, Main Street Baptist, he started a health care program.

He was one of the first members of the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights. This group works to make sure everyone is treated fairly. He also helped organize Community Action. He was the first Black member of the Optimist Club and Big Brothers.

Facing Challenges

In 1966, Zirl Palmer opened a second pharmacy on Georgetown Street. On September 4, 1968, this store was attacked. The Ku Klux Klan bombed the building. The bombing destroyed Palmer's store. It also damaged three other stores nearby. Eight people were hurt.

Palmer, his wife, Marian, and their four-year-old daughter, Andrea, were trapped under the rubble. They were hospitalized for their injuries. After this terrible event, Mr. Palmer decided to retire. He sold his businesses to protect his family.

Continuing His Legacy

Even after retiring from his businesses, Zirl Palmer continued to serve his community. From 1972 to 1979, he was a member of the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees. He was appointed to this important role by Governor Wendell Ford.

Today, his first pharmacy building at Fifth and Race is owned by the city. People in the community and those who care about history are working to save the building. They want to make sure it is preserved. There is also an effort to add the building to the National Register of Historic Places. This would recognize its importance in history.