Louisville's first Black-owned pharmacy opens in Russell neighborhood
As medicine rolled in for opening day at Good Brothers Pharmacy, so did momentum for what owners and neighbors call a long-awaited resource in west Louisville.
“It is such a joy to be able to see, you know, a Black business budding, hopefully soon growing, thriving. So we are speaking life into it.” said Nefertia Mason.
Just blocks from Norton West Louisville Hospital, Good Brothers officially opened on West Main Street in the Russell neighborhood, making history as Louisville’s first Black-owned pharmacy, according to its founders.
“Good Brothers Pharmacy is more than a business, it’s a promise. It’s a promise that we are going to stay here forever and we’re going to make an impact on the west Louisville community.” said DeShawn King, co-founder of Good Brothers Pharmacy.
Dr. Michela Brooks, the pharmacist in charge, said pharmacies often serve as the front line of health care.
“A lot of patients don’t know that. As a pharmacist, you are the first contact that a patient has for medical reasons… Some people aren’t comfortable going to hospitals or making appointments. They come here in their most vulnerable states looking for medical advice.” Brooks said.
The owners say the shop is about more than filling prescriptions; it’s about access for people who have long gone without a neighborhood option. Since the CVS in Portland closed last year, the closest pharmacy has been downtown, nearly two miles away, and out of reach for many without transportation.
“With us focusing strictly on the medication and no convenience stores, we'll be able to get prescriptions out as soon as possible. We'll be able to deliver the next day. Our 30, 90, and 60-day customers will be able to get them there throughout the week, throughout the month. So our plan is a lot different than your big box pharmacies,” said Isaiah Jones, co-founder of Good Brothers Pharmacy.
“It is awesome to be able to see the residents of West Louisville be able to have access to, equitable resources,” Mason said.
“It’s a blessing to be a part of something bigger than life itself.” Jones said.
