Celebrating Legacy: Mary Virginia Cook Parrish Rededication at Simmons College of Kentucky

On November 14th, during Homecoming Week, Simmons College of Kentucky honored a remarkable figure in its history by rededicating the Parrish Hall building as the Mary Virginia Cook Parrish building. This event celebrated the enduring legacy of Mary Virginia Cook Parrish, an activist, pioneering educator, and professor at Simmons College of Kentucky, whose contributions have shaped the college and the wider community. Dr. Ursula Parrish Daniels, Board Chair of the Charles H. Parrishes and Virginia Cook Parrish Foundation and granddaughter of Mary Virginia Cook Parrish, attended the dedication to pay tribute to her grandmother’s lasting impact.

Chairperson Ursula Parrish Daniels stands proudly at the entrance of the Mary Virginia Cook Parrish Hall at Simmons College of Kentucky, flanked by portraits of Charles H. Parrish Sr. and Mary Virginia Cook Parrish.

Honoring a Trailblazer in Education and Civil Rights

Mary Virginia Cook Parrish was a formidable advocate for education and civil rights during a time when opportunities for African Americans, especially women, were severely limited. Her work as an educator, writer, and activist helped pave the way for future generations. Simmons College of Kentucky, with its rich history as one of the oldest historically Black colleges in the United States, has long recognized the importance of preserving and celebrating such legacies.

The rededication of Parrish Hall to bear Mary Virginia Cook Parrish’s name is more than a symbolic gesture. It reflects the college’s commitment to remembering the contributions of those who fought for equality and education. The building now serves as a daily reminder to students, faculty, and visitors of the values Mary Virginia Cook Parrish stood for: perseverance, education, and community empowerment.

Ursula Parrish Daniels’ Role in Preserving the Legacy

Ursula Parrish Daniels, as Board Chair of the Charles H. Parrishes and Virginia Cook Parrish Foundation, plays a crucial role in continuing the work started by her grandmother. Her presence at the dedication event underscored the personal and communal significance of the occasion. Ursula Parrish Daniels has been instrumental in organizing efforts to keep Mary Virginia Cook Parrish’s story alive through educational programs, scholarships, and community events.

Her leadership ensures that the foundation’s mission is lived out loud in the Louisville, Kentucky, community. By fostering partnerships and encouraging community involvement, Ursula Parrish Daniels helps bridge the past with the present, inspiring new generations to appreciate and build upon this rich heritage.

The 2026 Tea Event at Simmons College of Kentucky

To further honor Mary Virginia Cook Parrish’s legacy, the 2026 tea event will be hosted at Simmons College of Kentucky. This annual gathering has become a significant occasion for supporters, alumni, and community members to celebrate the achievements of Professor Mary Virginia Cook Parrish and modern-day educational trailblazers.

The tea event offers a unique opportunity to connect with history while supporting future leaders. Attendees can expect a program filled with stories, reflections, and plans for advancing educational opportunities in the spirit of Mary Virginia Cook Parrish’s vision.

How to Support the Cause

Supporters who wish to contribute to this important cause can donate at TheParrishLegacy.com/donate. Donations help fund scholarships, educational initiatives, and events that keep the memory and mission of Mary Virginia Cook Parrish alive. Every contribution strengthens the foundation’s ability to impact lives and uphold the Parrish legacy.

Professor Mary Virginia Cook Parrish

The Importance of Remembering History Through Place

Buildings like the Mary Virginia Cook Parrish building serve as physical links to history. They provide context and continuity, reminding communities of the struggles and achievements that shaped their present. Simmons College of Kentucky’s decision to rename Parrish Hall reflects a broader movement to recognize the contributions of African American leaders in education and civil rights.

This rededication also highlights the role of institutions in preserving history. By naming a building after Mary Virginia Cook Parrish, Simmons College of Kentucky ensures that her story remains visible and accessible to all who pass through its doors.

Inspiring Future Generations

The legacy of Mary Virginia Cook Parrish is not only about honoring the past but also about inspiring the future. Students at Simmons College of Kentucky now have a tangible connection to a figure who exemplified courage, dedication, and leadership. This connection encourages them to pursue their own goals with the same spirit of determination.

Ursula Parrish Daniels’ ongoing work with the foundation reinforces this message. Through scholarships, events, and educational outreach, the foundation helps students and community members understand the importance of history and the power of education to transform lives.