From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Travis, Oneth M., Jr.
(born: 1923 - died: 1979) Oneth M. Travis, Jr. was born in Monticello, KY, the son of Fannie Goss Travis and Oneth Travis, Sr. Oneth Jr. had a real estate office on E. 3rd Street in Lexington, KY, where he was both a real estate agent and insurance agent.In 1979, Travis was one of two African American council members in Lexington, KY; prior to his sudden death, he was seeking his fourth term as council member of the 1st District, a predominately African American area northeast of downtown Lexington. The other African American council member was Bob Finn, who represented the 2nd District, another predominately African American area.
One of the fights led by Travis was against the referendum for the East Short Street Urban Renewal Project proposal to clear 80 acres, said to be slums, bound by East Main, Third Street, and Midland Avenue, and cut through by Corral and DeWeese Streets. Travis wanted the city to enforce the building code for the area and the properties brought up to standard rather than the area being completely razed and replaced with new housing.
Oneth Travis, Jr. was the husband of Leola Madison Travis; the family lived at 188 Eddie Street in Lexington. He was a graduate of Wilberforce University.
For more see "Travis recalled as strong voice for blacks here," Lexington Leader, 3/22/1979, p. A-3; "The empty chair: Council honors Travis, the man who sat there," Lexington Leader, 3/23/1979, p. A-1; B. L. Mastin, "Panel sought referendum on Urban Renewal plan in '64," Lexington Herald-Leader, 9/13/1984, Lifestyle section, p. D5; and Interview with Oneth M. Travis, August 11, 1978, online at the Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History website.