INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) is celebrating February as Black History Month with a virtual workshop and a special History Happy Hour.
On Thursday, February 18, IHS hosts a special History Happy Hour on Black Literature. This free program takes place online via Zoom from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Much of the rich heritage of literature in Indiana has been influenced by African roots. Join Nichelle Hayes from the Indianapolis Public Library will explore the writing and influence of such Black literary figures as Mari Evans, Amos Brown and Ethridge Knight. Registration closes two hours prior to the start of the program.
In addition, Hoosiers are encouraged to help contribute to IHS’s “Project Take a Stand: Listening to the Voices of Protest” African American collecting initiative.
If you or someone you know has letters, diaries or photographs from individuals, businesses or organizations related to African American history in Indiana, please contact Susan Hall Dotson, Coordinator of African American History at shall@indianahistory.org.
Hoosiers throughout the state can also visit some of IHS’s online resources to discover more about the history and experiences of African Americans in Indiana. Access thousands of photographs, documents and publications in IHS’s Digital Collection. Explore the history of early Black settlements from around Indiana as documented through the Early African American Settlement Heritage Initiative. And time travel through hundreds of journeys in Destination Indiana, including topics such as Civil Rights, African American Education, Martin Luther King, Jr. in Indiana and more.
To register for the research roundtable or reserve your spot for the History Happy Hour, visit www.indianahistory.org.