EASTSIDE+ Neighborhood Association serves the historic Covington neighborhoods of Eastside and Helentown. Dating from the early 1800s, these neighborhoods have a wealth of early American architecture, from late Federal to the Queen Anne, Italianate, and Greek Revival architecture of the Victorian Era. Helentown was settled by mostly working-class German Immigrants. Eastside has a rich cultural heritage and continues to be the most economically and racially diverse neighborhood in Northern Kentucky. Eastside has produced many talented leaders, including doctors, politicians, teachers, social workers, and business leaders…many of whom were prominent civil rights advocates. The renowned artist Frank Duveneck lived and worked in Eastside, and his home on Greenup Street is currently undergoing renovation.
Eastside is an important focal point for civil rights for Black Americans. Dr. James Randolph (1917-1981), a pioneering Black physician, became the first African American physician on the staff of St. Elizabeth Hospital.
Rev. Jacob Price, (1839-1923), Baptist minister and business owner, was an advocate for education opportunities for African American children. On April 17, 1866, a group of concerned citizens met in the Covington City Hall to establish a school for African American Children.
Another Eastside resident, Alice T. Shimfessel, from the 1940s until her death in 1983 fought against segregated movie theaters and restaurants and advocated school integration at Holmes High school. In recent years, Sr. Janet Bucher has been a tireless advocate for the Black community. She helped found a school for Black children in the 1940s-50s and spearheaded the recent installation of a historical marker at the site of the school on E. 10th Street.