Louisville pastor, civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Charles Kirby dies at 96

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A local civil rights leader and prominent Louisville pastor has died.

Rev. Dr. Charles Kirby, who founded Southern Star Baptist Church in 1955, died at the age of 96 on Monday at his home, according to an obituary.

Kirby is remembered for his role in the Civil Rights Movement and for his support of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s marches through Louisville.

He was also among nearly 10,000 citizens from across the state of Kentucky who demonstrated at the state Capitol for a statewide Public Accommodation Bill.

A Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame member, he also led the Kentucky Southern Christian Leadership Conference. During that time, he held demonstrations against businesses to stop investments in South Africa.

Kirby marched for open housing in 1967, along with Dr. King, Rev. W.J. Hodge, and other community leaders through predominantly white neighborhoods. Ultimately, the state's Fair Housing Act was passed.

He received many awards over the years, including the the city's Freedom Award in 2000.

Kirby will be laid to rest on Sunday, Sept. 1, at Portland Memorial Baptist Church on West Market Street in Louisville.

Visitation will be held from 1-7 p.m., with funeral services at 7 p.m.