Indiana Landmarks, a statewide historical preservation nonprofit, will host a panel discussion this month about Black history on Indianapolis’ south side from the early 1900s to the 1960s.
During the event, “‘We All Just Did Life Together’: The Forgotten Story of the Black Southside of Indianapolis,” residents will learn about Black southside neighborhoods that were created in the 1900s. Panelists will also discuss how the construction of I-70 in the 1960s changed the area, as well as Lucas Oil Stadium in the early 2000s.
The in-person and live-streamed discussion will be presented by Susan Hyatt, an Indiana University Indianapolis anthropology professor, and Beverle Kane, a long‑time Babe Denny resident who works with the Southside US Colored Troop Coalition.
The event is part of a monthly discussion series, “Conversations in Indiana’s African American History,” hosted at Indiana Landmarks. Freetown Village, which works to preserve African American history and culture in Indiana, owns and hosts the event.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the discussion will begin at 6 p.m. June 11 at Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave. The event is free but registration is required.
A correction was made on June 8, 2026: A previous version of this story listed the incorrect date in the headline. A correction was made on June 9, 2026: A previous version of this story listed the incorrect host of the monthly discussion series.
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Mirror Indy reporter Elizabeth Gabriel covers the south side of Marion County. Contact her at elizabeth.gabriel@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X at @_elizabethgabs.
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