Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 2 April 2004 — Page 4

PAGE A4

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2004

HEART

► Continued from Page 1 munity, including the Madame Walker Theatre Center, Crispus Attucks Middle School and museum. Ransom Place Museum along with Bethel A.M.E. Church, the city’s first AfricanAmerican congregation, and Willis Mortuary, which has functioned as Indianapolis oldest existing Black funeral home since 1890. "This designation will not only be a blessing to the Indiana Avenue area, but also to the en-

tire city because everyone can benefit from this,” said Mildred Morgan Ball, chairwoman of the Madam Walker Center board. Gilbert Taylor, curator of the Crispus Attucks Museum, wasn't necessarily head over heels about the designation, but appeared pleased that the city is giving Indiana Avenue cultural district status. “1 think it’s a wonderful thing, but given how long Indiana Avenue has impacted our commu-

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nity the decision is a long time coming," ho said. “The main benefit we see right now is official recognition, and this could be helpful by highlighting the Crispus Attucks Museum as the premiere museum focusing on the African-American experience in Indiana." The Indiana Avenue area’s designation as a cultural district means that it will be officially recognized and protected due to its status as a contributor to the historical and cultural development of the city. Other cultural districts include Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, Historic Canal Walk/ White River State Park, Massachusetts Avenue, and the Wholesale District, including Monument Circle. The Indiana Avenue area was originally a part of the Canal

Walk/White River State Park district. ‘‘Because Indiana Avenue’s attraction and rich heritage called for the establishment of this neighborhood as a district of its own,” stated Keira Amstutz, deputy mayor of public affairs and administrator of the Cultural Development Commission. “It became obvious that the district itself was so large that it would be difficult to properly showcase Indiana Avenue if the area remained as one." Amstutz said she is looking forward to seeing organizations collaborate in efforts to enrich what she called “one of the most historic districts in Indianapolis.” These cultural tourism districts are part of the five-year, $10 million Cultural Tourism initiative being implemented

jointly by the mayor’s office, Indianapolis Downtown Inc., the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Convention and Tourism Association. “We are very excited about this initiative, and it will strengthen our ability to share Indianapolis’ unique AfricanAmerican experience," said Julia Watson, vice president of Indianapolis Downtown Inc. “This experience is a story that’s not told very often and Indiana Avenue will make a great addition to the cultural districts we already have.” The major goal of this effort, which is funded by the Capital Improvement Board and Lilly Endowment, is to promote cultural awareness while boosting the local economy. Created in 2001, five pillars

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ofthis initiative include increasing cultural participation among local residents, maximizing the cultural experience for the city’s visitors, strengthening Indianapolis as a unique cultural destination and buildinga“sustainable” infrastructure to support cultural development. Ball noted that having the Indiana Avenue neighborhood cited as a cultural district might spark more interest in preserving historical landmarks such as the Madame Walker Theatre, which has experienced ups and downs along with the rest of the area. “This is a beautiful building and if we could get more people to use it we w ouldn’t have to struggle,” she said. “It’s very expensive to put on programs and maintain a building. So we just need everybody to remember that we’re still up here and support the programs w-e have on Indiana Avenue.” Like Harlem in New York City, I ndiana Avenue was a product of segregation, which intensified in Indianapolis duringthe early 1900s as African Americans moved to Northern states during the “Great Migration.” From the 1920s to the 1940s Indiana Avenue, which stretched from New York Street northwest to the former City Hospital near White River, was “the spot” for African Americans. Many affectionately referred to the strip as “Funky Broadway,” “The Yellow Brick Road” and “The Grand OF Street.” “The Avenue” was dotted with popular clubs such as Sunset Terrace and Pearl’s Lounge, which hosted frequent appearances and memorable performances by famous artists such as Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. Several jazz icons got their start on Indiana Avenue including Wes Montgomery, MaryMoss,J.J. Johnson, the Ink Spots, the late Jimmy Coe and many others. Several thriving Black businesses also graced the area, including The Indianapolis Recorder newspaper and the Walker Building, which w r as named after Madame C.J. Walker, American’s first Afri-can-American millionaire. Completed by her daughter, A’Lelia Walker in 1927, the facility housed a prominent theater and Black professionals who weren’t able to purchase space in other buildings downtown. During the 1950s, however, social dynamics shifted and Indiana Avenue began to nosedive in a decline due to commercial development and the westward expansion of HJPUl’s campus. More critically, Blacks began to move out of the area as segregation eased and minorities had more freedom to live w here they wished. Beginning in the late 1970s and early ‘80s, however, various civic groups banded together in an effort to funnel more money and interest in to restoration projects on Indiana Avenue. Many structures from the glory days had been torn down, but others, such as the Walker Theatre, were saved. City government stepped in during the massive downtown development phase that Indianapolis experienced in the 1990s, leading to the renovation of such landmarks as the Lockeficld Gardens apartment complex. Today Indiana Avenue is also the sight of modern structures such as the office of the Indianapolis Urban League and the popular Peyton’s Place restaurant.