Rooted in History. Rising for the Future.

At Lincoln Station Foundation, we envision a vibrant and unified Southside Paducah community that flourishes today and for generations to come.

Our Mission

We facilitate meaningful collaborations and connect our community to dynamic resources that create a Southside neighborhood that thrives and endures.

HOW WE WORK

Through engagement, education and empowerment, we are a facilitator, collaborator, organizer, host and funder. We are passionate about connecting the community to local resources, services, caring individuals and organizations.

Our PILLARS

HEALTH

We support access to mental health services, promote nutrition and physical activity, and connect residents to preventive care.

EDUCATION

We expand youth programs and connect residents to education, training and workforce development.

COMMUNITY

We create welcoming spaces and promote food and housing security, while advocating for infrastructure like walkable paths and trails and affordable housing.

OUR HISTORY

A Legacy of Strength. A Future of Possibility.

The story of Lincoln Station Foundation began long before our organization was formed. The Southside Paducah community, once known as Bronzeville—a vibrant, self-sustaining Black neighborhood that stood as a testament to community, culture, and resilience.

Throughout much of the 20th century, the Southside thrived as a center of African American life in Paducah. It was home to:

  • Locally owned businesses like barbershops, restaurants, and a pharmacy

  • The Lincoln School, a cornerstone of education and pride

  • A Boys & Girls Club, churches, and civic institutions

  • A network of Black homeowners and families who created a tight-knit, empowered community

But like many historically Black neighborhoods across the country, Bronzeville was negatively impacted over time by years of underinvestment, urban renewal policies, and systemic inequities. Over time, businesses closed, homes fell into disrepair, and essential services disappeared.

Yet the spirit of the Southside never left.

The Lincoln Station Foundation was born from that enduring spirit. Formed by local leaders and community members, the organization was envisioned as a pathway to restoration—a way to reclaim the pride, opportunity, and connection that once defined the Southside.

Our name honors the legacy of Lincoln School, and our work reflects the hopes of generations who built something beautiful here—and never gave up on it.

Today, we continue their work by investing in health, education, and community development—not as outside experts, but as neighbors and partners in progress.

Leadership

  • George Wilson

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    George, former NFL team captain and founder of the S.A.F.E.T.Y. Foundation, brings a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and community impact to his role as Executive Director of the Lincoln Station Foundation. A committed changemaker, Wilson blends his experience as a professional athlete, entrepreneur, and advocate to help build a thriving, resilient Southside community.

  • Steve Powless

    BOARD PRESIDENT

    Steve is the retired Chairman and CEO of Computer Services, Inc. and serves as Board President of the Lincoln Station Foundation. A seasoned executive and dedicated civic leader, he brings decades of experience from corporate leadership and service on more than 20 boards to his work building a stronger Southside community. Known for his passion for mentorship, Steve leads with purpose—and a deep belief that the best leadership is lived.

  • Emily Roark

    BOARD MEMBER

    Emily Roark is a nationally recognized attorney and head of the Mass Tort Division at the Bryant Law Center, where she leads high-impact litigation on behalf of clients harmed by dangerous drugs and medical devices. A dedicated civic leader and member of the Murray State University Board of Regents, she brings deep community commitment and professional expertise to her role on the Lincoln Station Foundation board. Emily’s work is driven by a belief in justice, equity, and building a stronger future for the region she calls home.

  • Mark Bryant

    BOARD MEMBER

    Mark is the founder and president of the Bryant Law Center and a nationally recognized trial attorney with over 50 years of experience. A lifelong Paducahan and former Commonwealth’s Attorney, he has built a career fighting for justice and serving his hometown. Mark has served on the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees and received numerous honors for his legal and civic leadership. A proud product of Paducah’s public schools, he brings deep community roots and a strong commitment to equity—volunteering with the NAACP, Boy Scouts of America, and Wounded Warriors to help build a stronger Southside Paducah.

  • JW Cleary

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Nancy Powless

    BOARD MEMBER

    Nancy Powless is a retired educator with 28 years of teaching experience, from elementary school to graduate-level classes. She serves on the boards of the Lincoln Station Foundation and Paducah Diversity Advocacy Board. A lifetime member of the NAACP, member of Immanuel Church, and supporter of LGBTQI+ Friends and Advocates, Nancy is a tireless champion for equity and inclusion. Known for her compassion and tenacity, she connects people and resources to create lasting, meaningful change.