A Celebration of the Life of Ellis Franklin Bullock Jr.
September 11, 1945 — November 14, 2025
Ellis Franklin Bullock Jr. was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 11, 1945, to his wonderful parents, Ellis Sr. and Sunshine Bullock, who preceded him in death. He was their only child and grew up in Louisville’s West End.
Once the federal government passed desegregation legislation, Ellis and many of his friends were among the first African American students to help desegregate the Louisville public school system. Upon graduating from what was then junior high school, Ellis chose to attend Louisville Male High School. While a student there, he excelled academically and became one of the first African American students selected for membership in the National Honor Society. His other accomplishments at Male included lending his talent as an avid writer for the school newspaper, The Brook & Breck, and serving in the Junior ROTC, where he was ultimately promoted to the rank of officer and made a company commander, a respected military accomplishment.
During his high school years, Ellis continued his support and commitment to desegregation by actively participating in peaceful demonstrations in downtown Louisville for access to public accommodations. The Louisville marches were inspired by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Equality for All” movement, in which Ellis deeply believed. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Kentucky at a time when very few African American students chose this university for their higher education.
While a student at the University of Kentucky, Ellis was a writer for the university newspaper, The Kentucky Kernel, and continued as a member of ROTC. After graduation, he spent a brief period in the U.S. military. One of his greatest accomplishments while at the University of Kentucky was establishing and founding the first chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on the UK campus, which previously had no African American Greek organizations. He worked diligently and was recognized nationally for his work as an Alpha.
Ellis met his wife, Jane, while a student at the University of Kentucky. After their marriage, Ellis and Jane relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where their daughter, Courtney, was born. Jane taught in the Minneapolis school system, while Ellis became an esteemed executive and continued his work with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Over the years of his career, Ellis enjoyed time as a writer for the Minnesota Star Tribune and served as Executive Director for Jostens Corporation and later for the Grotto Foundation. Additionally, he served on the boards of directors for numerous organizations, including the Minnesota Science Museum, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, National Center for Non-Profit Boards, Independent Sector, Minnesota State Arts Board, United Way, Metropolitan State University, Turning Point, Serve Minnesota, Ordway Theatre, and the Urban League. Ellis was also a member of The Boule, Monitors, and The Forty Club.
After his many years of respected work, Ellis became ill and retired from his professional life. Following an extended stay at a care facility, his devoted daughter brought him home to care for him, and he remained there until he departed this life on November 14, 2025. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughter, Courtney; son-in-law, Tafadzwa; grandsons Lauden, Munesu, and Jaxson; as well as his extended family and dear childhood friends in Kentucky.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 18 at noon at Walker West Music Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota.