INDIANAPOLIS — Founder of Indiana Black Expo and the National Black Republican Council James C. Cummings, Jr., died yesterday at age 90 in a Carmel, Ind., nursing home after suffering a heart attack.
A life-long Indianapolis resident, Cummings was a celebrated civic and political leader who helped shape Indiana’s cultural life, economic development and political landscape and played a prominent role on the national political stage. Cummings is best known as founder of Indiana Black Expo, an annual week-long celebration of African American history and culture that attracts national celebrities and thousands of visitors to the state and generates millions of dollars in convention and tourism revenue.
Born on the west side of Indianapolis on Fayette Street on September 22, 1929, Cummings rose from humble beginnings to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from Indiana Central University and forged a career that included various leadership roles with the Indiana Republican Party. During the late 1970s, he founded the National Black Republican Council and served as its director at the Republican National Committee, overseeing operations in 20 states and playing a pivotal role in the election of President Ronald Reagan.
It was, however, Cummings’ driving vision to showcase Indiana’s African American history and accomplishments through a major educational and entertainment exposition that became his abiding passion. A thriving Indiana Black Expo stands today as a testament to Cummings’ uncompromising determination. Leading a close team of community leaders, Cummings inaugurated a groundbreaking event held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in 1971, guided it through its infancy and developed it into one of the state’s major, annual Indiana Convention Center attractions.
Cummings was married to Norma L. Cummings until her death in 2014. Survivors include his children and their spouses: Cynthia Elaine Cummings (Mary Hunsche), James Cornelius Cummings III (Karlotta Cummings), Cecilia Eileen Cummings (Stephen Glynn), Ronald Lee Cummings (Lisa Cummings) and Claudia Elissa Cummings (Michael Rains). Also surviving are seven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
Services are pending. Donations may be sent to Indiana Black Expo, 601 N. Shortridge Road, Indianapolis, IN 46219.
