Lexington, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Lexington honors Zirl Palmer, the city’s first Black-owned pharmacist who opened Palmer Pharmacy in 1952. Overcoming racial barriers, he served the underserved Black community and made substantial contributions to local healthcare and business. His legacy includes being the first Black pharmacist in a predominantly white industry and an advocate for community support, significantly impacting future Black entrepreneurs.
Lexington is remembering the legacy of Zirl Palmer, the city’s first Black-owned pharmacist, who made significant contributions to healthcare and community support after opening Palmer Pharmacy in 1952. Palmer’s journey as a groundbreaking entrepreneur began after he relocated from Bluefield, West Virginia, facing numerous challenges along the way, including racial barriers in education and professional acceptance.
Born in 1919, Palmer was determined to succeed despite being required to attend pharmacy school out-of-state at Xavier University of Louisiana. Upon graduation, he made history by opening Palmer Pharmacy in the East End of Lexington, targeting the underserved Black community. At that time, Lexington already had a number of established Black professionals, including nine medical doctors and four dentists, who were part of a gradually developing network of Black healthcare providers.
Initially, Palmer struggled to gain acceptance within the community due to his young age and the unique nature of being a Black pharmacist in a predominantly white industry. However, he forged ahead, securing a contract with Dixie Ice Cream Company to operate a soda fountain specifically for the local Black population. This innovative addition proved successful, with the Luncheonette selling over 5,000 gallons of ice cream in its first year and establishing Palmer Pharmacy as a vital community gathering location.
By 1961, Palmer’s influence continued to grow as he expanded the pharmacy’s services. He constructed an office building housing medical professionals, which included Palmer Pharmacy, a Luncheonette, and a doctor’s office. Palmer Pharmacy notably became the first Black-owned franchise of a Rexall pharmacy in the United States, attracting media attention, particularly from Jet Magazine, and creating a foundation for future Black entrepreneurs.
Zirl Palmer’s involvement in the community extended beyond business. He participated actively in organizations like the NAACP, the Chamber of Commerce, and Planned Parenthood. His leadership was marked by being the first Black member of the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees and contributing to the establishment of healthcare programs at his church, Main Street Baptist.
Tragedy struck on September 4, 1968, when Palmer’s pharmacy was bombed, injuring eight individuals—including Palmer and his family—who were trapped beneath the rubble. The attack was linked to local Ku Klux Klan violence, following a nearby shootout in Berea. Phillip Campbell, the Klan’s grand dragon, was eventually convicted for the bombing and sentenced to a 21-year prison term. Faced with the aftermath of this violence, Palmer chose to sell the business and retire, prioritizing his family’s safety over his professional ambitions.
Today, the original location of Palmer Pharmacy is significant not only for its historical context but also for its current role in the community as the Marksbury Family WayPoint Center, which aims to assist underprivileged populations. The building has gained recognition for its Modernist architectural style and has been identified for preservation efforts, underscoring its importance as a landmark of Black-owned businesses during a time of segregation in Lexington.
The enduring legacy of Zirl Palmer exemplifies resilience, community service, and pioneering entrepreneurship. His work paved the way for future generations of Black pharmacists and business owners, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of healthcare in Lexington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Zirl Palmer’s major contributions to Lexington’s healthcare community?
Zirl Palmer was the first Black pharmacist in Lexington, opening Palmer Pharmacy to serve the Black community. He also expanded healthcare access by building an office for medical professionals and participating in community organizations.
How did the community respond to Palmer Pharmacy when it first opened?
The initial response was challenging due to Palmer’s youth and the absence of precedent for Black pharmacists in the area. However, he eventually gained community support through services like his soda fountain and Luncheonette.
What was the significance of the bombing of Palmer Pharmacy?
The bombing was a violent act linked to local Ku Klux Klan activity and resulted in injuries to multiple people. Following this, Palmer chose not to reopen the pharmacy, prioritizing his family’s safety and subsequently retiring from pharmacy.
Key Features of Zirl Palmer’s Legacy
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| First Black Pharmacist | Opened Palmer Pharmacy in 1952 to serve the East End Black community. |
| Community Impact | Contributed to local healthcare access and community support through active involvement in various organizations. |
| Legacy of Entrepreneurship | Pioneered as first Black-owned Rexall franchise pharmacy in the US, encouraging future Black business owners. |
| Historical Significance | The pharmacy site is now preserved as a landmark for its architectural and cultural importance during segregation. |
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum News: A Historically Black Pharmacy Becomes New Waypoint Center
- Smiley Pete: Preserving Palmer Pharmacy
- Kentucky.com: Article on Palmer Pharmacy
- LEX18: Fayette Co Sheriff’s Office Activates Winter Care Program
- Wikipedia: Zirl Palmer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zirl Palmer
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
