Conversations in Indiana African American History and Culture
Historians, researchers, and educators share their knowledge of Indiana’s Black heritage.
Select Thursdays
6 p.m. EDT
Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis and Online
In this recurring series presented by Freetown Village, historians, researchers, and educators discuss topics related to Indiana’s Black heritage, followed by question-and-answer sessions. Sponsored by Indiana Landmarks’ Black Heritage Preservation Program, Indiana Humanities, IUI Africana Studies, and Association of the Study of African American Life and History Joseph Taylor Branch.
View all upcoming Freetown Village events at freetownvillage.org/new-events.
September 17, 2026
6 p.m. EDT (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis and Online
We’re Not Going Anywhere, and We Won’t Be Erased!
Dr. Jakobi Williams, chair of African American and African Diaspora Studies at Indiana University, presents a community-centered exploration of African American history, political power, and the continuing struggle to ensure that Black voices, institutions, and histories remain central to the story of Indiana and the nation.
Beginning with a simple but powerful proposition—When we vote, we win—Dr. Williams will examine the long struggle for Black voting rights and persistent efforts to limit political participation. The lecture considers voting not simply as an individual civic responsibility, but as one of the most vital forms of collective power available to Black communities.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at Indiana Landmarks Center and talk begins at 6 p.m. in person and online. Free with RSVP. Learn more and register a https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conversations-in-indiana-african-american-history-culture-91726-registration-1998437704972
Questions? Contact Marriam Umar, Freetown Village Program Director, at marriam@freetownvillage.org or 317-631-1870.
October 15, 2026
6 p.m. EDT (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis and Online
“For Our Own People”: Mutual Aid and Banking
Kisha Tandy, curator of social history at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, explores the history of early African American mutual aid societies and financial institutions in Indianapolis from 1900 to 1990—highlighting the community networks that built self-reliance, and support.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at Indiana Landmarks Center and talk begins at 6 p.m. in person and online. Free with RSVP. Learn more and register a https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conversations-in-indiana-african-american-history-culture-101526-registration-1995934973234
Questions? Contact Marriam Umar, Freetown Village Program Director, at marriam@freetownvillage.org or 317-631-1870.