Join us in celebrating the blessed results of a long labor of love to honor Ira D. Nelson, the late husband of Lady Ruby Nelson: a street named in his honor in our very own beloved Kankakee! On Saturday, August 15 at 11 a.m., Nelson will lead a special program of special guests to unveil the street sign for “Honorary Ira D. Nelson Avenue.” Celebrants will gather at the corner of North Schuyler and Birch.

The Kankakee City Council passed a resolution to designate the 600 block of North Schuyler Avenue as “Honorary Ira D. Nelson Avenue,” so named after the city’s very First Licensed African American Barber. After years of keeping up momentum for the honor, Ruby was there to accept the designation!

We all know the significance of barbershops in African-American communities as safe spaces, meeting places, comedy stages and wisdom centers. Nelson’s Barbershop, later renamed Nelson’s Beauty Parlor to include his cosmetology work and clients, was a community staple courtesy of Ira’s work and dedication to the business for almost 50 years starting in the mid-1960’s.

Lady Ruby Nelson will be joined by special guests including local clergy, political figures and Nelson family members. Come out and bring the family!

OFFICIAL MEDIA RELEASE