In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, Indianapolis’s Indiana Avenue was a thriving district of Black-owned restaurants, churches, businesses, and jazz clubs that would all but disappear in the coming decades. On Feb. 1, Indiana Landmarks hosts a panel discussion exploring the community’s untold story of activism to resist decisions that led to the decline of the area as a Black cultural and business center during the 1970s and ’80s.
Charles Blair, formerly with Lilly Endowment Inc, will present an overview, followed by a discussion featuring the following panelists:
- Ken Morgan, first executive director of Madam Walker Urban Life Center (1981) and former president of Business Opportunities Systems;
- Jim Morris, vice chairman of Pacers Sports & Entertainment and former president of Lilly Endowment Inc;
- Joe Slash, former deputy mayor of Indianapolis and former president of the Indianapolis Urban League;
- Fay Williams, lawyer and civic leader.
A’Lelia Bundles, journalist, historian, and great-great-granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker, moderates the discussion.
Related: City calls for revitalization of Indiana Avenue
The event is sponsored by Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program, Reclaim Indiana Avenue, Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, and Indiana Humanities.
The talk is free with an RSVP. Reserve your spot here or by calling 317-639-4534.
WHAT: What Really Happened on Indiana Avenue panel discussion.
WHEN: Thursday, February 1. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for a Meet the Panel reception in Indiana Landmarks Center’s Cook Theater with the main program beginning at 6 p.m. in Grand Hall.
WHERE: Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis, and online via Zoom.
COST: Free with reservation.
RSVP: RSVP for the What Really Happened on Indiana Avenue panel discussion by clicking here or by calling 317-639-4534.
For more news courtesy of the Indianapolis Recorder, click here.
