Hello, my name is Kathy Edmonds. I’m a native of Russellville, where I’ve lived for 62 years. I’m the daughter of the late Mr. James Benton Jr. and Mrs. Virginia Dunlap Benton of Russellville. My parents had 12 children, and I was the eighth child of the family.
I am the wife of Kenneth Edmonds, who was the first African American detective and served approximately 27 years with the Russellville Police Department. Kenneth and I have two sons, Andra Edmonds of Russellville and the late Shawn Edmonds. I’m a proud member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Russellville.
I’m a 20-year retiree of the Red Kap company. While employed at Red Kap, since I enjoyed playing softball, basketball and football and ran track, I decided to coach boys’ baseball and girls’ softball for Russellville summer youth programs.
After my retirement, I enrolled in PJ’s College of Cosmetology of Bowling Green in 1989. I have been doing hair all my life. My mother taught us to “always keep our hands busy doing something,” and I watched when she taught all of us how to press hair. I did not want to work in a factory all of my life, so attending cosmetology school was a logical step.
After PJ’s, I began my hair styling career with Darlene Nelson Hair Salon, working for her for half a year until the Lord blessed me with the opportunity to start my own company. In 1999 I started Kathy’s Hair Salon at 112 North Winter Street in Russellville. Since then, I’ve relocated to 510 West Ninth Street and am celebrating 26 years of service.
I have had the privilege of being involved in the community of Russellville most of my life. I’m a board member for the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, the Russellville Alumni Association, and the Seek Museum. I’m a proud supporter of The Sound of Cinema 4th Street Renovation project, Logan County High School, Logan Christian Academy, Russellville High School band and sports, as well as school-related activities. I also support all churches. I am a member of the NAACP and the 8th of August Committee.
Being asked to present the Black History Display at the Logan County Public Library for 2022 was indeed an honor that I accepted most graciously. This display will acquaint you with past and present aspects of black history as it relates to African American hair, various styles and trends. You will also get to see how Black History in general has evolved over the years. Black history has always been important to me because it renews my strength and confidence in who I am. It gives me a better understanding of how resilient my ancestors were during their struggles to just survive.
To share my heritage with the Russellville community is an honor. The invitation is extended to you, the public, to visit Logan County Public Library during February, Black History Month, to participate in this historical event.
Looking over my life, I realize that I am who I am simply because of God’s grace. I’m very blessed with what God has blessed me with an with and the position I’m in. I enjoy serving the City of Russellville. Stay blessed and visit the display at the Logan County Public Library.
Library hours are as follows: Monday 10 a.m.-7p.m; Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.