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Very sad the storied history of Indiana Avenue and the many black jazz musicians who made the area famous, has all been torn down and erased. With the exception of the Madam Walker theater, you’d never know of the black history of the area. Can’t understand why the Indiana avenue couldn’t have been reinvented to point back to that history.
That can be said about many ethnic neighborhoods. There was a Jewish neighborhood, Irish, German, Slovenian, Italian and more. Like with the black neighborhoods, when prejudice and financial situations allowed, those folks moved out to the nicer neighborhoods.
I was friends with the Stuart family. Mr Stuart grew up in the Indiana Avenue area. He started a moving company in the 30’s and made good money. When the civil rights act passed and redlining eased, he moved his family to north Meridian. He wanted to enjoy the nicer things in life. Many families of many ethnic groups did this. The older, ethnic neighborhoods they lived in were redeveloped. The Holy Rosary Italian neighborhood is taken over by Lilly’s. The Irish Hill neighborhood was eaten up by the elevation of the railroads and later coming of the interstates. The families made money and moved north or south to the suburbs. The Piazza’s , Cato’s and, Mascari’s , the Feeneys, the Sullivan’s and McKinney’s, the Shapiro’s, Kahn’s, Strauss’s, Block:s and Efroymson’s, moved out of their historic neighborhoods on to bigger and better. There are only a few.reminders of those old ethnic neighborhoods left.
Really, how do you NOT know? The story HAS been told many times many ways. Nice thought, but what exactly would you propose? We move on, we move up, thank God, from the days when hatred and prejudice limited African Americans here and across the country to only one place, one option with which to live their lives. Knowing our history, where we came from IS important. Madame Walker Theater, Ransom Place to some regard, even Attucks continue to connect past to present. Maybe a few more reminders, possibly a museum of some sort would be appropriate, so why hasn’t the community, particularly the black community responded with money,support, and ideas? I would guess part of the answer is they aren’t “forced” to live and do business there any more. The growing education and Tech 16 districts are great ways to move on — to push ahead. As a longtime local, and IUPUI alum (yeah that’s past too) I think the evolution is pretty awesome.
OK Let’s talk truths. Many “historical black areas” are slums. What a more noble ambition than to honor the area with top quality schools of education for blacks, whites, browns and all people.
You’re so close to understanding the point
Part of Butler-Tarkington are historically black. A section of Irvington east of Arlington Ave was historically black.
Rather than making an ill-informed or asinine statement, is it not better to do a bit of research or if one is truly ignorant of facts, say nothing
I’m impressed with Mickey’s article, and the commenters on the article. No biased hate and race comments, well done and very appropriate, and we must move forward without crying about the past and who lived where. Those days are history and we respect them, but must move forward!
The expansion and development of both Purdue and IUIndy are fantastic opportunities for the universities and the city alike!
The idea of modifying West Street to be integral with the urban campuses and continuing as the only north-south primary transportation thoroughfare in downtown Indy remains one the most important challenges before us all!
Any and all discussions regarding West Street must remain in full transparency and full participation with all of Indianapolis citizens and businesses. This is not just a DPW and Purdue-IU issue, but and issue for the growth and function of this city. It cannot be decided by the just the city and universities, it’s too important to resolve in a threesome vacuum.
Meetings and forums should be held over time and not in a three hour presentation. There should be time for all citizens to review and comment, and it won’t be easy and quick.
Yup, West Street is quite the barrier. A meaningful fix, one that both moves traffic and pedestrians will take ideas, money, time, and real commitment. Pedestrian bridges, or below-ground sidewalks/tunnels are options (not good ones in my opinion), so might be some rerouting of West/Missouri streets, possibly putting some of it below grade — if and where possible. Carry that to and through the lifeless concrete/industrial area around Lucas Oil Stadium. Don’t want to think about the hassle, but yes, do more than just think about it. Imagine the lost possibilities had we done that with the downtown interstate loop.
Can some reduction in West Street traffic be accomplished by moving vehicles to the west onto White River Parkway? And then perhaps connecting the Parkway with an upgraded Harding Street, which is long, long overdue? If those roads are upgraded that could help relieve congestion.
Hard to go under West or any of the adjacent streets…it’s swamp ground there.