Louisville’s First Black-Owned Pharmacy Opens in Russell
Good Brothers Pharmacy has officially opened in Louisville’s Russell neighborhood, marking the city’s first Black-owned pharmacy. The store aims to provide healthcare access for residents in West Louisville, a historically Black community often overlooked when it comes to medical services.
“This is more than a business; it’s a promise,” co-owner DeShawn King told WLKY News. “We’re going to stay here forever and make an impact on the West Louisville community.”
Located in the heart of Russell, also known as “Louisville’s Harlem,” Good Brothers is already being seen as a vital resource for local families.
Closing the Gap in Healthcare Access
Before Good Brothers opened, the nearest pharmacy was downtown, far from many West End families. This made it difficult for residents without transportation to access prescriptions and other medical needs.
“Families here deserve more than to travel miles to get their medication,” co-founder Isaiah Jones told WAVE News. The new pharmacy focuses only on healthcare services rather than convenience items. This choice allows them to fill prescriptions quickly and dedicate time to patient care.
In addition to prescriptions, Good Brothers provides over-the-counter medications, health screenings, immunizations, and even delivery services.
The Role of Pharmacists in the Community
Dr. Michela Brooks, the pharmacist in charge, stressed the importance of pharmacies as the first point of contact in healthcare.
“A lot of patients don’t know that,” Brooks said. “As a pharmacist, you are the first contact a patient has for medical reasons. Some people aren’t comfortable going to hospitals. They come here in their most vulnerable states looking for medical advice.”
By focusing on personal connections and trust, Good Brothers aims to make healthcare more approachable for those who might otherwise avoid it.
Founders with a Mission to Inspire
Good Brothers Pharmacy is the vision of childhood friends Isaiah Jones and DeShawn King, both from West Louisville. They opened the business not only to serve their community but also to show young people that success comes in many forms.
“I want kids from around Louisville to know sports isn’t the only way out,” Jones explained. “You can be an entrepreneur and open anything. I am not a pharmacist, and I opened a pharmacy. You can do anything that you allow your mind to do.”
The owners say they hope their work will encourage the next generation to consider business ownership as a path to building stronger communities.
