Sister Paula Livers-Powell’s eyes grow dim as she remembers being a part of the first African-American class to integrate a public school. She clinches her hands while explaining how she participated in her first civil rights march at age 6. She smiles with pride thinking about a book her grandmother gave her at age 10 entitled, Encyclopedia of Negro History and Life.
“It was about social change and justice. I took those experiences with me wherever I went,” said Livers-Powell. “When you know your history it brings about a sense of confidence.”
Those experiences and countless others brought about the Indianapolis Society of African-American History & Culture (ISAAHC), which was established to educate and give voice to the extraordinary legacy and history of known and unknown Blacks in Indianapolis since their arrival in the 19th century.
ISAAHC seeks to identify all those who will serve as “gatekeepers,” of the Black experience, and it exists in the form of BlackIndy.org.
This site is not just to toot the African-American pride horn. According to founder and African-American historian Livers-Powell, it’s to educate residents, visitors and youth about what Indy has to offer to the world.
“This was divinely inspired,” she said. “This is my gift to my city. It was as if I was compelled to do this. Give these people a place. Where are the people that were the first? Those souls of our ancestors and elders are crying out for us to tell their story.”
Those stories include Mary Ellen Cable, founder and first president of Indianapolis NAACP in 1912, also an IPS teacher, president of Colored Women’s Civic Club and member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.; Rev. Moses Broyles, founder and pastor of Second Baptist Church in 1846 also a former slave, teacher, and community leader; and Lillian Thomas-Fox, the first African-American female journalist in Indianapolis. She was the first Black woman reporter hired by the Indianapolis News in 1903.
According to Livers-Powell this site seeks to reclaim, promote and celebrate the past, present and future contributions of dedicated Blacks too. BlackIndy.org was birthed through curiosity, after Livers-Powell relocated back to Indianapolis after 23 years of residing in Santa Cruz as a professor of African-American history, she was proud to see the progress Blacks have made. She searched frequently to discover her city’s documented progression only to be disappointed.
“I wondered why the 11th largest city in the nation did not have a comprehensive information site to celebrate and educate our residents about the contributions of Blacks. Now, with just a click, people can find notable individuals, businesses, organizations, historic churches and Indy’s Black Cultural Trial and landmarks on Blackindy.org,” she explains.
Many have heard about the Monon and Indianapolis Cultural Trail, however the Black Cultural Trial exists as well. This trial identifies the most precious landmarks and cultural sites, including Crispus Attucks High School and Museum, Booker T. Washington IPS #17 and the NAACP building.
Livers-Powell says she does not align her thinking with the naysayers that report Indy is not this or that. Or proclaiming, “Blacks are not here and don’t do nothing.”
“Indy is not a perfect city, but there is a lot to be proud of,” she said. “Don’t discount Indy. Every city has a history and Indy has a lot to offer when it comes to African-American history. Blacks here are progressing. Every body thinks Indy has it going on. We need to start thinking that we do too.”
If you know history or information about Indianapolis’ Black community, email sistapaula@blackindy.org or contact her at (317) 432-4226. Visit BlackIndy.org for more information.
