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Celebrating black history
Posted: Feb 06, 2008
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Indianapolis is filled with hints of the past just waiting to be discovered. And this month offers a bonus with a host of events commemorating Black History Month.
"If I wanted to learn (about black history), I'd start with some of the cultural institutions. Then, I'd think about what kind of experience excites or interests me," said Wilma Moore, senior archivist of black history at the Indiana Historical Society, where she has worked for more than two decades.
"I'm an Indianapolis girl. This city is a little different in 2008 than it was in 1968, but lest we get comfortable, there's still more to do. We're not just celebrating history, we're teaching history," said Moore.
"History should be that vehicle that allows us to assess and access the past -- realizing that even one minute ago is the past -- to find perspective and move forward."
Following are some suggestions from Moore, as well as local activities, events and places that can help you learn the history.
Special Events
Art & Soul
This annual event, which began Feb. 1, features 19 free performances from local African-Americans in music, dance and spoken word.
The program runs various times through Feb. 27 at the Indianapolis Artsgarden, located above the intersection of Washington and Illinois streets. Free. (317) 631-3301, www.indyarts.org.
This week's performances include:
Feb. 7: Indy Steppers, pop dance troupe, 12:15 p.m.
Feb. 9: Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, a string ensemble performing classical and pop works, 1 p.m.
Feb. 10: Tasha Jones, a spoken-word artist who describes her work as "a dose of medicine," 2 p.m.
Feb. 10: North Star, a 15-member group performing traditional Afro-Brazilian martial-art and dance rituals with native instruments, 2:30 p.m.
Meet the Artists
A showcase of some of the city's best black visual artists that features 43 hanging pieces, nine sculptures and six cases of small sculptures, jewelry and textiles. Artists and their works include:
Yolanda Beaver, quilt and children's literature.
Mason Archie, oil on linen.
Tonya Bundles, paper dolls.
Ismaila Ndiaye, stone work.
Anthony Artis, handmade drums.
Jeana Marie Lewis Quattara, photography.
Meet the Artists runs through Feb. 29 at the Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St. Free; open during regular library hours. (317) 274-4099, www.imcpl.org.
Follow the North Star
Relive the days of slavery as you play the role of a fugitive slave and encounter a wide range of people and events, including a slave sale, at Conner Prairie Pioneer Settlement, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers.
Upcoming dates are April 11, 18 and 19. $19 nonmembers, $16 Conner Prairie members. Reservations are required. (317) 776-6000. www.connerprairie.org. For ages 12 and older.
'Sharing the Dream'
During this black history celebration at the Indiana History Center, visitors can learn how Hoosiers participated in the civil rights movement and hear how local leaders interpreted Martin Luther King Jr.'s messages as he fought injustice. The exhibit includes images, artifacts and areas for families to read and learn more about King.
"Sharing the Dream" runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 7 through March 31 at the Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St. (317) 232-1882, www.indianahistory.org.
'The Power of Children'
This permanent exhibit at The Children's Museum takes visitors through the life of Ruby Bridges, who in 1960 became the first black student to integrate William Frantz Public School in New Orleans. As a first-grader, Bridges became the face of integration when photos of her being escorted by U.S. marshals while walking past an angry mob of protesters were published around the world. (The exhibit also focuses on Anne Frank and Hoosier native Ryan White.)
"The Power of Children" runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Mondays) at the Children's Museum, 3000 - Meridian St. Part of regular museum admission ($13.50 adults, $8.50 youths ages 2-17, $12.50 seniors age 60 and older). (317) 334-3322, www.childrens!museum.org.
Black History Challenge
Want to learn about famous black Hoosiers and their contributions to Indiana and America? Pick up a game card now through Feb. 29 at any Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library branch or the Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St. Answer the questions and enter to win. The grand prize drawing includes tickets to a Pacers game.
For more information or to take the challenge online, go to www.indianahistory.org
Music, dance and drama
'African Footprint'
Seen by 250 million people worldwide, "African Footprint" is a 90-minute musical and cultural celebration of African rhythms presented by a cast of 30. The production takes a look at the history of South Africa through Afro and Eurocentric music and dance.
"African Footprint" will be performed at! 7 p.m. Feb. 14 and 15 at the Madame Walker Theatre Center, 617 Indiana Ave. $80, $50 and $35. (317) 236-2099, www.walkertheatre.com.
Gospel Extravaganza
Celebrate the sounds of gospel music with the brother-and-sister team of Jearlyn and Billy Steele and the Voices of Worship Gospel Choir.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave. Free. (317) 788-3251, www.uindy.com.
Legacy Theater
The theater, inside the Indiana State Museum, offers 20-minute educational performances interpreting Indiana's black culture through stories, song and drama. Performances are at various times Wednesdays through Sundays. Seating is limited to 45.
The museum is also showing "For Gold and Glory," a documentary about Charlie Wiggins and the black racing circuit of the 1920s and '30s in the auditorium daily through Feb. 29.
Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St. Included with regular museum admission ($7 adults, $4 children, $6.50 senior citizens). (317) 232-1637, www.indianamuseum.org.
Lilly Theatre: Vignettes
Explore the lives of two historical legends who played significant roles in the trials and triumphs of black history. Actors will portray Levi Coffin, a Quaker who lived in Fountain City, Ind., in 1826 and helped some slaves to freedom by hiding them in his home, and Madam C.J. Walker, who was born into a family of former slaves and became a savvy businesswoman by developing hair products for black women. Vignettes will be performed at 1 p.m. Feb. 9-16 (closed Mondays) at The Children's Museum, 3000 - Meridian St. Included with regular museum admission ($13.50 adults, $8.50 youths ages 2-17, $12.50 seniors age 60 and older). (317) 334-3322, www.childrensmuseum.org.
Freetown Village
Freetown Village is a symbolic "community" representing many predominantly black settlements scattered throughout Indiana during the post-Civil War years. The troupe will host a period dinner at 6 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Villa Inn, 1456 - Delaware St. $60 per person. Reservations required. For more information, call (317) 631-18770 or visit www.freetown.org.
'The Power of One'
Actress Milicent Wright portrays three historical figures: abolitionist Harriet Tubman, businesswoman Madam C.J. Walker and civil rights leader Rosa Parks, in a performance directed by Richard J. Roberts.
"The Power of One" will be performed at !2 and 6 p.m. Feb. 9, 16 and 23, and March 1 and 8 at Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St. Tickets are $30 and $32 for adults, $22 for seniors, $15 for students. (317) 635-5252, www.irtlive.org.
Landmarks
Kuaba Gallery
A collection of works by African and black American artists, including ceramics, paintings, sculptures, baskets, furniture and jewelry. Open 11 a.m. to 6.p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 8.p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. 877 Massachusetts Ave. (317) 955-8405.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
The city's oldest black church (414 W. Vermont St.) was organized in 1836 in the log home of barber Augustus Turneron, a site just west of the Central Canal on Vermont Street. The main portion of the present structure was built from 1867-1869, an east-west gable was added in 1894 and a three-story false facade in 1973. Tours are arranged by appointment. The church office is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Worship service is at 11 a.m. Sundays. (317) 634-7002.
Crispus Attucks
Opened in 1927 as Thomas Jefferson High School, the city's first all-black high school later changed its name to Crispus Attucks in honor of the former slave and American patriot killed during the Boston Massacre of 1770. Today, it is an IPS medical magnet high school, with the Crispus Attucks Museum in the rear of the building showcasing memorabilia from the school's long history. The school and museum are at 11140 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. Museum hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday or by appointment. Free admission. (317) 226-2432, www.518.ips.k12.in.us.
Indiana Avenue
After the Civil War, Indiana Avenue became a hub for black businesses, including theaters, restaurants, newspapers, taverns and clubs. It was also a corridor for homes, churches and community organizations. In recent years it has been identified as one of the city's six cultural districts, anchored by the Madame Walker Building (617 Indiana Ave.), which is open for scheduled tours from! 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment on weekends. $5 for adults; $3 for students. Call (317) 236-2099.
Books, Movies and TV:
On public television, WFYI 4 will air the following:
"African American Lives 2:" A journey into the black experience to reveal triumphs and tragedies within the family history. 9 to 11 p.m. Feb. 13.
"Red Tail Reborn": A PBS documentary about the first black pilots of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen. 9 p.m. Feb. 14.
"Independent Lens: Banished": The story of white residents who, 100 years ago, forced black families to flee their homes. 10 p.m. Feb. 19.
For more information on black history programs on WFYI, go to www.wfyi.org.
Beyond 'The Color Purple'
Rent a movie that celebrates and reflects black history, including:
"Cooley High": A 1975 movie set in the 1960s that centers on a group of high school friends from "the projects."
"Amistad": A 1997 Steven Spielberg history lesson about the 1840s trials of West Africans and their bloody rebellion aboard a slave ship.
"Roots": Based on Alex Haley's family history, this movie tells the story of Kunta Kinte, who is abducted from an African village and sold into slavery.
"Eyes on the Prize": This documentary about the civil rights movement starts in 1952 with the murder of Emmett Till and ends with the historical march to Selma in 1965.
Read the classics:
"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass," by Frederick Douglass.
"The Classic Slave Narratives," by Henry Louis Gates.
"Afrocentricity," by Molefi Kete Asante.
"The Autobiography of Malcolm X,"by Alex Haley.
For more ideas, go to www.powertolearn.com.
-- By T.J. Banes
