African Americans in Indianapolis: The Story of a People Determined to Be Free

by David Leander Williams

Indianapolis has long been steeped in important moments in African American history, from businesswoman Madame C. J. Walker's success to the rise of the Ku Klux Klan to the founding of Crispus Attucks High School, which remained segregated through the 1960s.

In African Americans in Indianapolis, author and historian David Leander Williams explores this history by examining the daunting and horrendous historical events African Americans living in Indianapolis encountered between 1820 and 1970, as well as the community's determination to overcome these challenges. Revealing many events that have yet to be recorded in history books, textbooks, or literature, Williams chronicles the lives and careers of many influential individuals and the organizations that worked tirelessly to open doors of opportunity to the entire African American community.

African Americans in Indianapolis serves as a reminder of the advancements that Black midwestern ancestors made toward freedom and equality, as well as the continual struggle against inequalities that must be overcome.

236 pages, Paperback

First published February 8, 2022

Reviews

[Indiana Authors Awards]

I was born and raised in Indianapolis. It is my home. I have spent my entire adult life researching and celebrating African American history in the city. This has meant walking the streets of downtown Indianapolis, in particular Indiana Avenue, visiting the Walker Theatre for a discussion or performance or leading a tour in Ransom Place while noting the legacy of Crispus Attucks High School. The canal has been the path on my way to the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. From the church tower, one can see land once owned by James Overall, who came to Indianapolis from Corydon in 1830 and was a leader in the black community. There is a historical marker near Indiana Avenue and West Street acknowledging Overall’s life and success.

These locations and names are highlighted by David Leander Williams in African Americans in Indianapolis. This book provides a tour of African American life in Indianapolis and is the most comprehensive book to date documenting the period 1820-1970. He sets the stage by offering a synopsis of early history of African Americans in Indiana, including slavery in the state and the struggle for people like Polly Strong, Mary Bateman-Clark and John Freeman who “were determined to strive against all odds and be free.” The remainder of the book is a compilation of short chapters in mostly chronological order that can stand on their own but are tied together by the theme that freedom was a constant goal. This is evident by the subtitle, The Story of a People Determined to Be Free...

Read Kisha Tandy's full review at: https://www.indianaauthorsawards.org/...

[Greg Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each and every black citizen of Indianapolis should read this book. I am enlighten and empowered after reading this. I absolutely loved it…!

[Addie Dobry · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine, I needed it for my research project but this isn’t written like a historian or really even an academic…