Joshua’s Louisville (09/16/2022)

You know those “______’s Louisville” banners on the sides of buildings throughout the city? Ali and Jennifer Lawrence and Diane Sawyer and more “notable” names. We think the blank should be for all of us. (Who do you think Louisville Magazine should interview about our city? You can tell us here.)

Since March 2020, what’s something you’ve gained?

“Deeper, more fruitful friendships.”

Since March 2020, what’s something Louisville has lost?

“A united purpose.” 

Since March 2020, what’s something Louisville has gained?

“Creativity. Especially in how small businesses operate. It has been beautiful to see what ideas people have come up with to make things works.” 

Here’s a magic wand. Wave it and you can change one thing in your neighborhood. What do you change?

“Unity. I’d love to see block parties, neighbors coming together more often, all that good stuff.” 

Louisville dish you’ve eaten more than any other?

“Ice cream from Dairy Kastle.” 

Where are you a regular? 

“Sunergos on South Preston Street, eight-ounce black coffee. I love watching the neighborhood be the neighborhood through the large glass window. Full Stop is also a go-to for coffee.”

Favorite Louisville building?

“Speed Art Museum. Every time I visit, I find myself in awe. Even the parking garage catches my attention.”

Most memorable show/concert you’ve been to in Louisville? 

“Louisville’s own Bryson Tiller at the Yum! Center in 2017. It was the same night as a U of L-Clemson football game, and I’m so glad I chose the concert. Tickets were like $30, and Kendrick Lamar made an unexpected appearance.”

If you were elected mayor, what’s the first thing you would do on day one?

“Create a policy around making affordable housing easily accessible for all.” 

Something unexpected that you love in Louisville?

“Without traffic, it only takes about 15 minutes to get almost anywhere I need to go.” 

One thing Louisville is missing?

“More coffee shops. I’m joking.”

Favorite Louisville smell?

“Burger Boy after midnight.”

What does Louisville have that it should be known for but isn’t?

“A vibrant community of talented artists, especially photographers.” 

Something from Louisville’s past that you wish people today could experience?

“Being a college student while Lamar Jackson was on the U of L football team.” 

Fill in the blank: “_______’s Louisville” should be the next banner on the side of a building. 

“Albert. Albert Shumake — or DJ Always, as many people know him — is one of Louisville’s hidden gems. He’s an artist, a teacher, a father and more.” 

In one word, what’s your biggest hope for Louisville?

“Confidence.”

In one word, what’s your biggest fear for Louisville?

“Insecurity.”

Earliest childhood memory?

“YMCA soccer on the weekends.” 

Most noticeable quirk?

“I say LOL out loud.” 

Your drink?

“Whiskey sour.” 

Go-to karaoke song?

“‘Sweet Caroline.’” 

Who would you shadow for a day?

“Photographer Andre Wagner. He’s based in New York, and the way he captures life is so simple, yet so intentional.” 

What Louisvillian has died who you really miss?

“Bud Dorsey.” (Dorsey, a photographer who documented life in west Louisville for decades, died in 2021.)

What three people (living or dead) would be on the guest list to your ideal dinner party?

“Bud Dorsey, Barack Obama and Andre Wagner.” 

Favorite thing hanging on the walls at home?

“A piece made out of Ale-8-One lids, shaped like the state of Kentucky.”

Book you’ve given away the most?

“Love Does, by Bob Goff. A simple, practical read on how to love people better.” 

Who or what should be on a future cover of Louisville Magazine?

“A before-vs.-now NuLu edition.” 

First thing on your bucket list?

“I’d love to go on an African Safari someday.” 

What makes somebody a Louisvillian?

“You have to be sweet but also scrappy. There’s nothing like it.”