Join the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program, IUI Arts and Humanities Institute, and the Indiana Remembrance Coalition to discuss the history of Black labor in Indiana with A’Lelia Bundles, Britt Redd, Jakobi Williams, James English, Eunice Trotter, and others. 

Image: “Inside Gaines Barber Shop on Indiana Avenue” Indiana Album, Paul Family Collection

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A’Lelia Bundles, prominent journalist, author, and historian, is renowned for her impactful contributions to literature and the preservation of African-American history. As the great-great-granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker, the pioneering entrepreneur and America's first female self-made millionaire, Bundles has dedicated her career to chronicling the legacy of this trailblazing figure. Armed with a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to storytelling, she has authored several critically acclaimed books, including "On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker." Bundles is not only a captivating writer but also a sought-after speaker, sharing her insights on entrepreneurship, African-American history, and the intersection of race and gender. Her profound understanding of her family's legacy and her ability to weave historical narratives with contemporary relevance make Bundles an influential voice in the realms of literature and cultural preservation.

Britt Redd is the founder and driving force behind Ubuntu Planning Studio, a dynamic firm committed to dismantling inequity and co-creating liberated spaces rooted in Ubuntu values. With over a decade of experience in urban planning, Britt brings a wealth of expertise to their practice, prioritizing inclusivity, transparency, and trauma-informed community building. As an adjunct professor at Ball State University, they educate students on urban planning theory, history, and the critical role of design professions in promoting social and environmental justice. Britt is deeply engaged in volunteer efforts aimed at fostering positive change within communities. They serve as the Board President of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the American Planning Association’s Indiana Chapter, and as a founding member of the BlackSpace Indianapolis urbanist collective. Britt holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning and a Certificate in Social and Environmental Justice from Ball State University, complemented by a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Butler University.

Jakobi Williams is a distinguished scholar and professor in the Department of History at Indiana University, where he contributes his expertise to the study of African-American history, labor, and social movements. As a leading authority in his field, Williams is known for his groundbreaking research on the history of race, social activism, and political engagement. His work delves into the intersections of race, labor, and civil rights, providing valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities throughout history. Williams is not only a respected academic but also an advocate for social justice, using his research to shed light on the complexities of race relations and the ongoing fight for equality. Through his teaching, writing, and community engagement, Jakobi Williams continues to make significant contributions to our understanding of American history and the ongoing pursuit of a more just society.

Eunice Trotter is the owner of Trotter Communications. She was a reporter and the first Black editor at The Indianapolis Star. She held writing and editing positions at The New York Post, Florida Today, Lafayette Journal and Courier, Palm Beach Post, Stockton (California) Record, and Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. She is a member of the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame. She was formerly owner and publisher of The Indianapolis Recorder. She has researched family history of African Americans from Southern Indiana for more than three decades, detailing some of those stories in Traces Magazine, published by the Indiana Historical Society. Eunice is responsible for the marker now located at the Knox County Courthouse in honor of her great, great, great grandmother Mary Bateman Clark.