African American history in Southern Indiana is full of contradictions. On one hand, Indiana was the proverbial promised land for those escaping the clutches of slavery. On the other hand, what was waiting on the north shore of the Ohio River wasn’t always friendly or compassionate to those fleeing enslavement.
You can learn about the Black experience at Big Ben’s D & M Restaurant at the Depot in Jeffersonville, where posters tell the history of African Americans’ quest for freedom in Clark County and the surrounding area. Each poster tackles a different set of information. Important figures, notable moments, a timeline of noteworthy events, the first African American settlements and land purchases are detailed.
One of those important dates was when Indiana became a state in 1816. At the time, some Indiana residents kept people as personal property even though the constitution forbids slavery. And although it was prohibited, enslaved people were not technically free for many years afterward. Even then, along with white women, Black people and Indigenous people were not allowed to vote or participate in the system that made laws governing their lives. In fact, upon the ratification of the second constitution of the state of Indiana, black people were technically not allowed to settle in the state. They were only allowed to pass through.
Around this time, the Fugitive Slave Act passed, making it a crime to help anyone escape enslavement. The penalties were most severe for those trying to escape. Those who participated in the Underground Railroad or helped in any way, faced fines or jail time.
Despite the danger, the Black population increased, and sanctioned settlements popped up, particularly near the homes of Quaker communities, which have a storied history of participating in the Underground Railroad.
Southern Indiana serves a unique role in the relationship between the northern and southern United States. We are a gateway, a passage and a hub for many of the events that shaped and continue to shape this country.
As we mark another Black History Month, it is important to remember our history, both good and bad. It is equally important that we face it with honesty and humility to move forward and truly create the “more perfect union” that our federal constitution asks of us. It is an attainable goal. In Southern Indiana, and around the nation, recommitting ourselves to that small task will continue to bring us closer to the dreams of those who came before us.
If you’d like to learn more, you can learn about the significant milestones of Black history at Big Ben’s D & M Restaurant at the Depot. In addition, the Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center has two permanent exhibits about the Black experience as well as a virtual one.
“Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage: Men and Women of the Underground Railroad” tells the tale of New Albany’s Underground Railroad experience and reveals the contributions of ordinary people, both free and enslaved, who showed courage during that time.
“Remembered: The Life of Lucy Higgs Nichols” guides visitors through Lucy’s life, from 1838 to 1915. Period documents and letters detail her life as a slave in Tennessee, a nurse during the Civil War, and her post-war life in freedom.
You can experience “A Reason to Remember: A Virtual New Albany Field Trip” in a special annex exhibit. This educational film tells Indiana history in collaboration with four other historic sites in New Albany: Town Clock Church, Culbertson Mansion, Scribner House and Division Street School.
Carnegie Center staff member Delesha Thomas (L) and historic interpreter Mandy Dick (R) (portraying Hattie Scribner) are featured in A Reason to Remember: A Virtual New Albany Field Trip.
Black History Month Events
Honoring The Legacy Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, February 8th, 2025
1 – 2:30 p.m.
Griffin Recreation Center, New Albany
New Albany Parks & Recreation, in partnership with Town Clock Church, invites you to a Black History Month event honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join them for performances by the New Albany High School Choir and hear from our keynote speaker, Amber (Booker) Duke, Executive Director of the ACLU of Kentucky. Lunch is free, but donations are appreciated. Please RSVP by February 5 by calling 812-949-7275.
Black History Month Talk with Pam Peters
Saturday, February 15, 2025
1-2 p.m.
Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center, New Albany
Local author and historian Pam Peters will be in attendance to discuss African-American history in the Floyd County region. The main topic of discussion will be “Memory and the Underground Railroad in Floyd County: Looking Back, Moving Forward.” Refreshments will be provided. This event is free to attend, but space is limited. Click here to reserve your spot.
Art History Illustrated, The White Gaze: People of Color as an Iconographic Theme in Western Art History
Thursday, February 20, 2025
5:30-7 p.m.
Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center, New Albany
Head to the Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center for their “Art History Illustrated” talk series, held the third Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. This monthly illustrated talk series is presented by art historian Brenda Edgar, in collaboration with The Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center. This talk will cover how people of color have occasionally appeared in works of fine art by people of European descent and how this has been long ignored by art historians. Art historian Brenda Edgar will highlight these often marginalized figures, from the Black Magus in Medieval manuscripts and Renaissance altarpieces, to Diego Velazquez’s portrait of Juan de Pereja, his own enslaved artist; from Laure, featured by Edouard Manet in three of his paintings, to depictions of Black people in the work of photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and painter Alice Neel; and much more! This event is free, but space is limited. Click here to reserve your spot.
“Blacks Against the Wall” curated by Jes Allen, Opening Reception
January 25, 2025
2-4 p.m.
Chestnuts and Pearls, New Albany
Chestnuts and Pearls is hosting an opening reception for the group exhibition, “Blacks Against the Wall” on January 25. Curated by local Black artist Jes Allen, this exhibition celebrates contemporary art made by Black artists from both Indiana and Kentucky. This exhibition is free, open to the public and will run through February 22. Gallery hours are Thursdays Noon – 4 p.m., Fridays 1 – 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. or by appointment. For more information please call 502-548-9114.
Black Art, Black Hearts: Celebrating Black Excellence
January 31 – February 28, 2025
Bad Cat Boutique, Jeffersonville
Bad Cat Boutique’s February art show celebrates and honors local black artists. Featured artists include:
Additional Resources:
List of Black Owned Businesses in the tourism industry of SoIN to support year-round:
If there are other businesses to add to this list please reach out to Marissa@GoSoIN.com.
