Oscar Robertson, the “Big O,” was an unstoppable offensive player over the course of his career and it all began right here in Indianapolis, Indiana. In high school, he made history as he led Crispus Attucks High School to consecutive basketball state titles in 1955 and 1956, making them the first all-black champion in state […]
A son of a bricklayer, Jeff Harrison worked as a hod carrier, who mixed mud, carried blocks down to the basement, and carried bricks up ladders onto roofs for chimneys. Though he originally planned to be a bricklayer like his father, Jeff’s high school guidance counselor talked him into engineering. From there, he would attend and graduate from […]
A journalist provides a voice for those who do not have one and for years that what Carolene Mays did for years before becoming the Commissioner for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and now Executive Director of the White River State Park Development Commission. From 1998, until the appointment, she was Publisher and President of […]
Dr. Melvin B. Girton, Sr. has been a champion for civil rights and an outspoken advocate for social justice. As spiritual leader, he has organized and hosted hundreds of events to bring the people of central Indiana together in celebration, remembrance, and hope. He remains dedicated to these goals even in retirement and will continue to […]
Isaac and Cynthia Wilson, owners of the Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place, have been serving some of the best soul food in the Midwestern Region since 1986. Known for a variety of different down home recipes, from their fried pickles, fried green tomatoes, famous fried chicken wings, savory pork chops, fresh salmon patties, cube steaks, […]
Everyday we look for leaders to emerge and take on the challenge of growing and inspiring the next generation and in Indianapolis, one of those leaders is Dennis Bland. With a passion driven by a concern for the plight of African American youth and community, Bland leads the direction of and manages the operations of Center for […]
When you talk Indiana Black Expo, you can’t help but mention the name, Tanya Bell. Since leaving her board seat in 2008 to become president and CEO of Indiana Black Expo, the Indiana State graduate has continued to build the expo as one of the best events in the state, as well as the country. Plus, […]
When it comes to visionary leadership and passion for his community, you can’t help but think about Anthony “Tony” Mason. With undergraduate and graduate degrees from Miami (OH) University, Mason’s experience includes stints as senior vice president of the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee; executive director at Circle City Classic; and youth programs coordinator at […]
Known for his passion and devotion to justice, Reverend Andrew J. Brown was a man who fought for what he believed in and created great opportunities for the people in his community. Brown’s lifelong devotion to justice was sparked while he served in the armed forces during World War II but his calling to Chaplin […]
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana there is no one cares more about the safety of his home than Sheriff Frank Anderson. A graduate of Shortridge High School, where he was a member of the wrestling team, Anderson would enlist in the United States Navy Shore Patrol, serving from 1956 to 1959. From there, he would serve in […]
Reginald Jones, along with his wife Tracey, are long-time McDonald’s Owner-Operator that has built their success upon a foundation of integrity, faith, hope and love. The guiding values that they share have been the compass by which their personal and professional lives have navigated. As civic and community minded individuals, the Joneses have been recognized […]
Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. is a spirit-filled preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who accepted his call to ministry at the age of 17 and he hasn’t stopped impacting lives since. Pastor Johnson received a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Religion fromBishop College in Dallas, Texas, graduating with honors, before attending Christian Theological […]