Local Black History
Scroll to learn about 196 years of Black resilience in Columbus, Indiana.
The peak of the Civil Rights Movement, 1963, was the culmination of numerous protests, acts of violence against protesters and even deaths which led to the 1963 March on Washington, the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
All are milestones commemorated in the 21st Century, but more importantly all led to the foundation of many of the freedoms that we have today.
Although many events that led to these national milestones occurred in the South, Columbus had its own Civil Rights Movement as well, paralleling the national course.
“Underground Railroad network centered around the Azalia settlement by a group of Quakers in Bartholomew County. ”
“Census listed 6 free African Americans living in Bartholomew County.”
“Indiana Constitution restricts the migration of minorities to Indiana. The intentional removal of Native Americans, Delaware, from Bartholomew County began. ”
“Black Laws in Indiana placed tremendous political, educational, and social restrictions on African Americans. ”
“Indiana Constitution amendments were adopted to prohibit African Americans from entering or settling in Indiana and were in effect for the next 20 years. Prior to 1851, African Americans were required to register with the County Clerk.”
“African American children were prohibited from attending Indiana public schools.”
“Grandville Lee became the 1st African American male to graduate. Eugene W. Smith graduated in 1920.”
“146 African Americans lived in Bartholomew County. Prevalence of Sun Down Towns in counties surrounding the area.”
“Some public accommodations were integrated in the 1950s and ‘60s (e.g. Donner Pool) even though segregation continued across the state.”
“Ahead of the curve, Columbus Mayor E.A. Welmer signed the proclamation establishing the Columbus Human Rights Commission (CHRC), which began its work on housing segregation. Lee Hamilton, then a local attorney was elected Chairman. Other commissioners include Benjamin “Mickey” King, Rev. Patrick Gleason, Henry Abts, and Circuit Judge William Lienberger. The Commission would become the FIRST local Human Rights Commission in Indiana.”
“A black teacher was hired at St. Columba 45 years after the closing of the “All Black School”.”
“The peak of the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. Although housing discrimination against African Americans was a focal point, a study of the status of community discriminatory practices facing African Americans in Columbus showed discriminatory practices in other areas of public accommodation, law enforcement, and education.”
“March on Washington. Dr. King delivers his “I Have a Dream” speech. Federal Civil Rights Act was signed.”
“The CHRC proposed a meeting with a representative from the superintendent’s office to discuss the status of African Americans in public schools and ways in which school authorities may be able to contribute to the advancement of human rights.
Voting Rights Act was signed.”
“Federal Fair Housing passed”
“The CHRC gets its local fair housing ordinance (race only) passed.”
“Community dialogue between African Americans and whites concerning police treatment of African Americans.”
“Local human rights ordinance was broadened and strengthened to include public accommodation, education, employment, and credit on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, and disability.”
“Handicap discrimination was added to coverage under local anti-discrimination law.”
“Changes in the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance added sections on sex discrimination, sexual harassment, pregnancy, and wage discrimination. ”
“President Ronald Reagan signs Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday into law.”
“First community Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. community observance was conducted, sponsored by the City of Columbus, CHRC, and the NAACP.
The 1st William R. Laws Human Rights Award was presented to J. Irwin Miller for his many contributions to human rights.
Bartholomew County area NAACP reinstates its local charter.”
“CHRC works with Police and Fire departments on minority recruitment issues.
CHRC works with city officials on effective handling on racial violence.”
“Familial status in housing added to local anti-discrimination law.”
“U.S. Congress passes the Americans with Disabilities Act.”
“Community “Airport Meetings” were held to address allegations of police harassment and profiling against African Americans.”
“Mayor’s Task Force on Police Community Relations and diversity consultants from Kaleel Jamison and Associates work on policy and community relations. This led to the establishment of the Police Audit and Review Committee formation in 2000.”
“MLK Holiday is officially observed in all 50 states.
BCSC began observing MLK Holiday as an out-of-school holiday.”
“First Welcoming Community studies conducted by the Outreach Committee of the Heritage Fund. Community responds to isolated incidents of vandalism and hate graffiti of Calvary Church with “Not in our Town” vigils and letters of support.
The Latino community grows significantly
BCSC creates first-of-its-kind diversity training for employees.”
“Columbus Area Multi Ethnic Organization (CAMEO) launched.”
“Welcoming Community follow-up studies conducted.
Welcoming Community grants program launched by Heritage Fund.”