Share feedback on public art honoring Indy’s Black history

Over the last year, Danicia Malone and Kaila Austin have been spending time in Black communities in Indianapolis, learning the history of these neighborhoods.

Malone and Austin are collaborating with Flanner House to create the Indianapolis Black Heritage & Legacy Trail, a public art project that will include temporary markers honoring three neighborhoods.

Haughville’s history includes Belmont Beach, a swimming hole Black families turned to during the years of segregation. Today, Friends of Belmont Beach is revitalizing the spot and hosting free community events. Residents of Haughville also highlighted beloved institutions like Long’s Bakery and Tate’s Barbershop.

Martindale Brightwood neighbors shared memories of swimming and playing golf at Douglass Park, sweetheart dances at St. Rita’s Catholic Church and eating the broken cookies from Omar Baking Company.

And for Norwood, the marker will tell the story of a close community that was founded by Civil War Veterans from Indiana’s only Black regiment. Neighbors there remember coming together over community barbecues, Sunday picnics and Norwood reunions.

These pieces of public art showcasing the history of the neighborhoods will be unveiled in June, ahead of the 160th year of Juneteenth. Before that, the coordinators of the project are looking for feedback from residents of Haughville, Martindale Brightwood and Norwood.

Share your feedback through an online survey for Haughville, Martindale Brightwood or Norwood.
Email your thoughts to the Indianapolis Black Heritage & Legacy Trail team at info@ibhlt.com. In the subject line, write the neighborhood name plus “panel feedback.”
Call the project hotline at 317-279-5106 and leave a message.

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Mirror Indy reporter Sophie Young covers services and resources. Contact her at sophie.young@mirrorindy.org.