BLACK HISTORY NEWS & NOTES (^1

FEBRUARY 2001______NUMBER 83 William M.S. Myers Papers Donated During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) employed William M.S. Myers. The CCC was an emergency unem­ ployment relief program designed to give young men work on projects that preserved and restored natural resources. From 1942 to 1968, Myers worked for the Indianapolis Fire Department. He was a mem­ ber of numerous civic, social, and religious organizations. He served on boards of the Indianapolis Pub­ lic Schools, Citizens Forum, and Greater Indianapolis Information, Inc. He was very active in several cancer organizations, most notably the Little Red Door, an agency of the Marion County Cancer Society, Inc. He was the first African-Ameri­ can president of the Downtown Op­ timist Club (Indianapolis). A 32nd degree Mason, a poet, and a delegate William M.S. Myers with Marilyn Quayle, wife of Vice President Dan Quayle, at White to the White House Conference on House Conference on Library and Information Services, 1991. Photo Courtesy of Library and Information Services, www.carlfoxphoto.com, IHS C8615 Myers’s interests were wide and varied. ogy). Both books were received as Myers, Sr., and Laura Belle Johnson Marva Chubb, an Illinois school­ part of the Myers’s papers. Collec­ Myers, he moved to Indianapolis in teacher and Myers’s oldest daugh­ tion materials reflect most of Will­ 1920. He attended elementary and ter, worked with her mother, Erma iam M.S. Myers’s organizational af­ secondary school in Indianapolis, Myers, to gather and donate the Wil­ filiations. The collection will be es­ graduating from Crispus Attucks liam M.S. Myers Papers to the Indi­ pecially useful to researchers seek­ High School in 1932. He was a ana Historical Society. The papers ing information about Company 517 member of the National Honor So­ (M0741) contain copies of Myers’s of the CCC, Northside New Era ciety and he graduated in the upper speeches, correspondence, certifi­ Baptist Church, the Little Red Door, decile. Later Myers attended Indi­ cates and awards, programs, news Indianapolis Public Schools, senior ana Central University (now Univer­ clippings, photographs, and scrap­ citizen and library advocacy, and the sity of Indianapolis) and the Ameri­ books. Myers’s papers show evi­ Indianapolis African-American can Institute of Banking. dence of his poetry. There is an community. During his youth in Indianapolis, unpublished manuscript, “Complete Myers worked as a drugstore clerk Poems of William M.S. Myers” in BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH at the Douglas Park Pharmacy; he the collection. Some of his poetry William Moses Samuel “Red” was a stockroom assistant at the was published in anthologies in Myers (22 November 1914-2 July G. C. Murphy Company; and he 1935 (Modern American Poetry) 1995) was bom in Greenville, South worked as a truck driver and janitor and 1936 (American States Anthol­ Carolina. The son of William M.S. for House Trailers, Inc. From 1934

BHNN_2001-02_NO83 to 1937, he worked as a laborer, in gan having annual reunions at the at Fort Benjamin Harrison Hospital forestry, and as an office clerk and Jay County Fairgrounds in Portland, and later as a fireman with the In­ senior foreman with the CCC. The Indiana. Alumni and their families dianapolis Fire Department. Upon CCC was geared toward young men, were invited to attend. William deactivation from the State Guard ages seventeen to twenty-three. M.S. Myers was instrumental in in 1947, Myers was a captain and Myers enrolled with the CCC at Ft. publicizing the reunions. He sent commander of the Second Separate Knox, Kentucky. His first assign­ out notices to local newspapers, as Company, Third Infantry in India­ ment was in Corydon, Indiana. Dur­ well as letters to alumni. The col­ napolis. ing most of his tenure with the CCC, lection contains photographs from From 1942 to 1968, Myers he was in Company 517, first as­ several of those reunions. worked with the Indianapolis Fire signed to Corydon and then to the Myers married Erma Helen Department. Most of his time with Harrison County State Forest. The Adams on 15 November 1935. Six the fire department, he was an en­ corps rebuilt many state and national children were bom to this union. gine chauffeur, operating the fire forests and parks. It suppressed for­ They were Ruth Elizabeth Myers engine and fire pumps. He was sta­ est fires, planted trees, and com­ (18 May 193 7 - passed at two days tioned at Firehouse 1 for twenty pleted and maintained roads and old), William (25 February 1939-), years and Firehouse 22 for six years. trails. Marva Marie (27 November 1945-), The American Red Cross honored While at Corydon, Myers was the Claud Wesley (8 July 1949-), him for his work during the 31 Oc­ leader of A Barracks. He was also a Michael Edgar (31 July 1953-), and tober 1963 explosion disaster at the member of a singing quartet that Gloria Jean (26 January 1958-). Indianapolis Coliseum. made appearances in southern and The family resided on the north side In 1968 William M.S. Myers be­ central Indiana. Other quartet mem­ of Indianapolis. All of the surviv­ gan employment as a teller with the bers included Frank Wilson, Will­ ing children attended the Indianapo­ Indiana National Bank. Later he iam Maynard, and William Moore. lis Public Schools and Indiana in­ worked as an instructor in the Teller Myers worked as an office clerk and stitutions of higher learning. Training School, as a supervisor of senior foreman at Corydon before William M.S. Myers volunteered the Mail, Messenger and Inserter moving to Fort Benjamin Harrison, to serve in the Indiana State Guard Services Department, and as a prop­ his last assignment, where he was a in 1941. In preparation for the State erty management counselor in the senior foreman at Company 3550. Guard, Myers completed the Fifth Real Estate Department of the Trust In 1937 he was discharged from the Service Command School at Fort Division. He was a licensed real CCC at the expiration of his term of Knox, Kentucky. He served in the estate broker. Previously, from enrollment. State Guard and concurrently 1955 to 1970, he and his wife owned Around 1950, Company 517 be­ worked as a surgical ward attendant Myers Real Estate Company.

Black History News and Notes is a quarterly publication of the Indiana Historical Society Library. Intended in part to highlight the activities of the library’s Black History Program, it is issued during the months of February, May, August, and November. Essential to the Black History Program’s success is community involvement and commitment to the study of Indiana’s African-American heritage. Along with Black History News and Notes, membership also includes the quarterly Indiana Magazine o f History, published at Indiana University; The Bridge, the Indiana Historical Society’s bi-monthly newsletter; and many of the special publications as they are issued - all for only $35.00 a year. To become a member or for further information, write the Indiana Historical Society, 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202 (317) 232-1882. Correspondence concerning Black History News and Notes should be addressed to Wilma L. Gibbs, Editor ([email protected]).

INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (Please make membership in one name only) Name______Address City ______State _____ Zip______Occupation______Membership Categories (Check One) □ Student $10 (Under 26 years old) □ Annual $35 □ Sustaining $50 I wish to receive the following publications (please check all those that you wish to receive): _____ Traces o f Indiana and Midwestern History, a popular history magazine _____ Indiana Magazine of History, a scholarly journal _____ The Hoosier Genealogist, a family history publication _____ Black History News & Notes, a Hoosier African American history newsletter

Signature______Date 2 Myers was a Republican ward a delegate to the Indiana Governor’s the contest who bring their own and precinct committeeman and a Conference on Libraries (August buses can also take a free tour of state organizer for young Republi­ 1978), the White House Conference downtown Indianapolis with Land­ cans. He was appointed to the on Library and Information Services mark Tours, Historic Landmarks’ Marion County Tax Adjustment (November 1979), and the White sightseeing service. The day ends in Board. Myers was elected to the House Conference on Libraries and an awards presentation where chil­ Indianapolis School Board in May Literacy (April 1979). He was also dren, teachers, parents, and friends 1972. He was elected on the slate a delegate to the 1991 White House cheer for the winners as they receive of the Committee for Neighborhood Conference on Library and Informa­ cash prizes. Schools. tion Services. The Create a Landmark Contest William M.S. Myers was a mem­ William M.S. Myers received gives teachers an opportunity to in­ ber of the Northside New Era Bap­ many awards. When he retired from corporate a variety of subjects in a tist Church. A trustee and the Indiana National Bank in 1978, In­ learning project that also stresses church treasurer, he regularly served dianapolis mayor William Hudnut teamwork and problem solving. For as the financial officer for Men’s declared 23 June 1978 William M.S. the contest, each class works to­ Day. He was also director of Reli­ Myers Day in Indianapolis. In 1982, gether to research and construct a gious Education. The church was the he was honored with the Service to three-dimensional model of an In­ result of a 1935 merger of two In­ Mankind award from the Broad diana landmark, such as a house, dianapolis Baptist congregations, Ripple Sertoma Club. The Little commercial or public building, Northside and New Era Churches. Red Door bestowed a Recognition bridge, monument, or church. The The collection contains materials Award upon Myers in 1991. primary purpose of the competition that relate to the merger, building Myers was entombed at the is to teach children to look closely funds, church organization and Crown Hill Cemetery on 7 July at old buildings and appreciate the structure, programs and bulletins, 1995. importance of history and the built and financial records. SOURCES: Materials in the col­ environment. Teachers have used Myers was a member of several lection; Robert Fechner, “Civilian the contest not only as an art and his­ career related organizations includ­ Conservation Corps,” in James tory project but also in science les­ ing the Metropolitan Indianapolis Truslow Adams, ed, Dictionary of sons, to explain the layers of the Board of Realtors, Indiana State American History, (New York: earth and how they become build­ Real Estate Association, Indiana Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1940), ing materials; in composition, to Firefighters Association, Indianapo­ 1:393; and William M.S. Myers write letters to a newspaper editor lis Local-Indiana Firefighters Asso­ obituaries in the Indianapolis News, about an endangered building; in ciation, and the Indianapolis Retired 5 July 1995, page E4 and the India­ social studies lessons, to teach trans­ Firefighters Club. He was on the napolis Star, 6 July 1995, page B6. portation history, changing religious board of directors of numerous civic views, and clothing styles; and in organizations including Citizens Fo­ math to demonstrate computing vol­ rum; Greater Indianapolis Informa­ Landmark Contest ume and the importance of engineer­ tion, Inc.; Marion County Cancer Children are thrilled to see their ing and construction. In the process, Society, Inc.; Indiana Cancer Soci­ own work among the exciting ex­ children become advocates for un­ ety, Inc.; Senior Enterprises, Inc.; hibits at The Children’s Museum of derstanding and preserving their ar­ and the United Cancer Council. Indianapolis for the annual Create chitectural heritage. Myers was on the Legislative Com­ a Landmark contest, the research The contest is open to fourth thru mittee of the Indiana School Boards and model-building competition sixth-grade classes. The class win­ Association and he was a life mem­ sponsored by The Children’s Mu­ ning first prize receives $125; sec­ ber of the National Association for seum of Indianapolis and Historic ond prize earns $ 100, and third prize the Advancement of Colored Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. wins $75. The deadline for entering People. Additionally, he served as Models of historic landmarks are Create a Landmark is 30 March and president of the Downtown Optimist created by fourth thru sixth-grade models are due at the museum on Club (Indianapolis) and the Little classes and then displayed at the Saturday, 5 May. Contest entry fee Red Door, an agency of the Marion museum for two weeks prior to con­ is $5. County Cancer Society, Inc. test day. That day— Saturday, 19 For more information about Cre­ A member of two fraternal orga­ May—spokespersons from each ate a Landmark and an entry form nizations, Myers was a 32nd degree class talk to judges about their or for a list of teachers’ ideas from Mason. He was a member of the model and the landmark it repre­ last year or other teaching tools, call Constantine Consistory No. 25, Val­ sents. Judges base their decisions on Suzanne Stanis at Historic Land­ ley of Indianapolis. He was also a creativity, accuracy, depth of re­ marks headquarters, (317) 639-4534 member of the Southern Cross Lodge search, and student responses to or (800) 450-4534. (To request a No. 39 of the Most Worshipful Prince judges’ questions. Meanwhile, their tour of downtown Indianapolis, call Hall Grand Lodge, F & AM. classmates tour the museum for Katy Hair.) During the late 1970s, Myers was free. School groups participating in (Continued on page 8) 3 Senator Robert L. Brokenburr: He Lived to Serve by Stanley Warren

During the late nineteenth and head and $125 in his pocket.”1 In early twentieth centuries, many of 1910 Brokenburr was admitted to Indiana’s public figures migrated the Indiana Bar as a practicing at­ from the Old South. They were par­ torney. His client list was not large, ticularly influential in the political but he slowly built a reputation as arena as they sought out seats in the an able attorney. state legislature as well as city and Perhaps it was fate or maybe it county offices. Many were from the was luck. A few short months be­ upper South, particularly Kentucky fore the arrival of Brokenburr in In­ and Tennessee. From the lower dianapolis, Madam C. J. Walker, South, several individuals came who was to become world renowned from Mississippi. for her hair preparation business, Robert Lee Brokenburr, 1886-1974. The impact of southern pre-Civil also relocated to Indianapolis. Knox Indianapolis Recorder Collection, IHS War political ideologies on Indiana was the conduit through which each 5877 is well documented. The role of made that important decision. It was black immigrants, other than as la­ Knox who introduced the two of harken back to his days at Hampton borers, has been generally ne­ them. No one could have known and the teachings of Frissell. The glected. Robert Lee Brokenburr, that their business relationship and credo at Hampton was: “live to bom in Phoebus, Virginia in 1886, friendship would last a lifetime. serve.”3 Republican stalwarts began is an example of the other side of Not long after their meeting, to take notice of the measured con­ this wave o f political and social flot­ Brokenburr became Walker’s part- servative approach to all aspects of sam that found its way to Indiana. time legal adviser. Having devel­ his business and personal life that After finishing a degree at Hamp­ oped a good foundation in the hair Brokenburr exhibited. In 1912, two ton Institute (Virginia), Brokenburr care business in Pisttsburgh and short years after being admitted to attended Howard University where Denver, Walker was well prepared the state bar, the Republican party he received an LL.B. in 1909. The to expand her business to Indianapo­ recruited Brokenburr to run for state future of a young black man with a lis. Training women in the art of representative. Though the defeat law degree in the first quarter of the hair preparation, the sale of the hair was painful, the lessons he learned twentieth centrury in America was preparation products, and a mail­ were of great use in future endeav­ a very uncertain one. It was more order business became the center- ors. Two additional Brokenburr likely that he would become a clerk pieces of the new business. Late in nominations for the House of Rep­ in a store than a practicing attorney. 1911, Brokenburr filed articles of in­ resentatives (1932, 1934) also re­ Had it not been for George L. corporation for the Madam C. J. sulted in losses. Knox, publisher of the Freeman, Walker Manufacturing Company. During the post-Civil War pe­ Brokenburr might have followed the Fearing that too much involvement riod, Radical Republicans, trail of other Hampton educated in the world of business would de­ Thaddeus Stevens and Charles lawyers, who established firms on tract from the development of his Sumner, set the stage for African- the East Coast. Knox, friend of fledgling practice, he spumed over­ American support of the Repubican Booker T. Washington and a con­ tures from Walker who was seek­ party by pressing for passage of the servative interested in politics, knew ing a general manager for her com­ Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amend­ that this bright young man who re­ pany. After about a year of indeci­ ments to the United States Consti­ ceived his early training under the sion, Walker appointed another tution. The realization that African watchful eye of Hollis B. Frissell at young attorney, Freeman B. Ran­ Americans were more politically Hampton would likely become a som, as general manager of her com­ astute than their backgrounds would standard-bearer for conservative pany. Brokenburr agreed to assist him indicate and more serious about how Republican causes in Indianapolis. while retaining his private practice.2 their votes were cast than either Little did he know that Brokenburr’s No doubt, the success of the party suspected proved interesting career would take him to state, na­ Walker company helped to propel for several decades following Re­ tional, and international arenas. the name of the young attorney into construction. Unfortunately, the Re­ Upon the advice of Knox, the spotlight. It was his low-key, publican party paid only lip service Brokenburr moved to Indianapolis intelligent defense of his clients that to its commitment to African- in 1909. In his own words, he came soon made him a fixture in the legal American voters. They depended with “a stylish panama hat on his community. He always seemed to heavily on the legacy provided by 4 NATIONAL OFFICERS Sumner, Stevens, and Abraham National Association For The OFFICERS OF INDIANAPOLIS Lincloln, but the slavery issue and W0ORFIELD STOREY ' VIpe»-Prepldenla ROBERT LEE BROKENBURR ARCHIBALD H. GRIMKE Vice-P resident the atrocities of the Civil War were REV. JOHN HAYNES HOLMES REV. A. H. MALONEY BISHOP JOHN HURST Advancement of Colored People JOHN F. MILHOLLANP still heavy in the hearts of the Afri­ jh a r y w h i t e OVINGTON OSWALD GARRISON VILLARD CONSUELA E. STREET T reasurer can-American community. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Proposes to Make 11,000,000 Americans Phys­ MATTIE DANGERFIELD ically Free From Peonage, Mentally Free From Ignorance, Politically Free Executive Committee Influential African-American Re­ ROBERT LEE BROKENBURR From Disfranchisement, and So­ REV. A. H. MALONEY O. G. VILL AR D , T reasurer cially Free From Insult. ELIZABETH MAYS publicans such as Knox and PR. W. E. 13. DU BOIS. Director ot W. E. JONES Publication and Rcaearck MATTIE DANGERFIELD DR. CHARLES SUMNER WILLI. JOHN R. SHILLADY, Secretary R E V . S. D. DAVIS Brokenburr had great difficulty D R . F . A. CLARKE JAMES WELDON JOHNSON, Field . H UM MO N S Secretary "TIANTZ bridging the gap between the Repub­ WALTER F. WHITE. fnbiamipolis |lraitt{). VILLI 8 lican party that was becoming more dominated by the Ku Klux Klan and India.na.polis, Ind. the Democratic party that still bore the stench of slave ownership. By Dear Members the late 1920s, the Klan had made such strong inroads into Indiana’s An important meeting of the Local Branch Republican party that the Demo­ of the N.A.A.C.P. will be held at the Young Men’s cratic party seemed to be the only Christian Association Thursday November 6, 1919. refuge for those attempting to band All members are urged to be present. Business together against the Klan. By 1940 of very great importance. it was clear that African Americans You are hereby notified that an election in Indiana were determined to sup­ of officers will take place at the above mentioned port the Democratic party. African- meeting along with the transaction of other import­ American Republicans seeking of­ fice had to find a way to support ant business. their party platform while also ap­ Respectfully yours, pealing to black voters.4 An early indication of the role that Brokenburr was to play in the Indianapolis community was his in­ volvement as chair of the Better In­ BOARD OF DIRECTORS dianapolis League, a group of citi­ Chairman. MAJOR J. E. SPINGARN; New York.

Georpe W. Crawford Mary White Ovinston R ev. G. R. W a lle r zens that protested attempts to build New York C ap t. A rth u r B. S p ln x a rn St. Louis Rev. Hutchins C. Bishop Charles H. Studin Hon. Charles Nagrel Joseph Prince Loud Dr. John G. Underhill Moorefleld Storey Oswald Garrison Villard a new institution for the purpose of Butler R. Wilson L illia n D. W ald Florence Kelley I.>ro£ ,^ J<>orp’e W illia m Cook Paul Kennaday Archibald H. Grimke segregating secondary students. John Milholland T)r. W illia m A. S in c la ir Charles Edward Russell. The protesters were unsuccessful. Crispus Attucks High School was A letter written while Brokenburr was president of the Indianapolis NAACP, 1919. built, but Brokenburr moved another George Stewart Papers, Indiana Historical Society step closer to becoming a commu­ In 1948 Harry S.Truman carried sociation for the Advancement of nity icon.5 The growing respect for the banner for Democrats nationally Colored People, and a trustee of Brokenburr by the other senators led with a strong civil rights plank lead­ Hampton Institute. He was also a to the adoption of a resolution urg­ ing the way. Indiana rejected board member of the United Negro ing his appointment as Hoosier del­ Truman, but lost control of the state College Fund, the Community Chest egate to Liberia for that nation’s legislature because of strong local (now United Way), Boy Scouts of centennial celebration. The measure support for civil rights. As a Re­ America, the Flanner House, and the passed by a vote of 38 to 0.6 publican, Brokenburr was placed in Young Men’s Christian Associa­ By 1940 the political transforma­ the unenviable position of being an tion. Brokenburr was a 33rd degree tion was nearly complete. Both African American trying to get votes Mason and a longtime trustee of Democrats and Republicans were associated with a party that es­ Jones Tabernacle African Method­ courting the African-American vote. chewed civil rights. It was a no-win ist Episcopal Church.7 Brokenburr, a nominee for the state situation for Brokenburr. Brokenburr, twice married with senate, was among a handful of Af­ With a life so filled with politics two children, had been a bugler dur­ rican Americans nominated for the and legal matters, it is somewhat ing his college days at Hampton. He Indiana General Assembly. For surprising to learn of Brokenburr’s was responsible for playing Taps Brokenburr, it was the beginning of involvement with so many other in­ each evening. By his own admis­ a long career as a state senator. With stitutions. He was an active mem­ sion, some of his happiest times the exception of 1948, he went on ber of the Kappa Alpha Psi frater­ were when he was showing off his to repeat the win at each election nity, second president of the India­ trumpet virtuosity and his singing through 1963. napolis Chapter of the National As- voice while his daughters accompa- 5 nied him on piano at family gather­ case against the city. He also won a 1947, he introduced an anti-hate bill, ings. Most who knew Brokenburr case that struck down the right of and a bill encouraging Congress to could only imagine him nattily theater owners to separate the audi­ enact a law against lynching.12 In dressed in a business suit, ready to ence by race.9 1953 he introduced a bill that per­ take on the next challenge. His Brokenburr’s four terms as a mitted creation of a joint city- musical abilities remained hidden senator were sprinkled with more county building authority.13 from the public. than a hundred important bills that In the regular session of 1955, Brokenburr served in Marion he authored or coauthored. Many Brokenburr introduced a bill to pro­ County as deputy prosecuting attor­ became law. In his first term, there vide for creation of the Metropoli­ ney for twelve years. The first Af­ was an anti-nepotism bill and a bill tan Planning Commission in Marion rican American admitted to the In­ permitting baseball and hockey to County and in other counties around dianapolis Bar Association, he was be played on Sundays.10 In 1943 he the state.14 In 1957 he introduced a admitted to practice before the Su­ sponsored a bill requiring the ap­ bill that enabled first-class cities to preme Court in 1953. He served as pointment of African-American po­ eliminate blighted areas through the judge pro tern and special judge in licemen based on population ratio. Redevelopment Commission.15 He Marion County Circuit Court.8 Brokenburr sponsored at least two introduced a bill in 1961 to permit Many of the important court cases successful procedural bills in 1945. the Civil Rights Commission to is­ fought by Brokenburr preceded the One amended an act to provide a sue cease and desist orders to per­ civil rights era and passed quietly procedure for appeals from lower sons practicing unlawful discrimi­ without much notice. Brokenburr courts, and the other provided a pro­ nation and a bill to create an Ameri­ won a racially restrictive residential cedure for change of venue.11 In can Negro Emancipation Commis­ sion.16 Also that year, he sponsored a bill to ratify an amendment to the United States Constitution that would eliminate the requirement that a tax be paid before citizens are allowed to vote for certain federal offices.17 There is much evidence to indi­ cate that Brokenburr was a master­ ful negotiator. From the caucuses with other senators—on both sides of the aisle, there were cosponsored bills with more than a dozen sena­ tors. These bills covered a wide range of issues, many of which were sponsored by Brokenburr. No doubt his ability to see the big picture is one of the reasons that he was ap­ pointed chair of the Senate Commit­ tee on the Affairs of Indianapolis. Fremont Powers, a writer for the Indianapolis News summed up Brokenburr’s style as follows: “He managed what few men ever achieved, to serve both communi­ ties, black and white, and to do it with invariable courtesy and cour­ age.”18 By the late 1940s, Brokenburr’s accomplishments as an attorney and as a senator began to pay dividends. In 1949 he received an alumni award from Hampton; in 1955 the India­ napolis Chapter of the American Jewish Congress honored him with the Stephen A. Wise Memorial Ci­ tation; and in 1956 he was awarded 6 an honorary doctorate from Howard University.19 The high point in this evolving recognition of Brokenburr as a key contributor to the well-be­ ing of the citizens of the state of In­ diana was his appointment as an al­ ternate delegate for the United States to the United Nations by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.20 Letters of congratulation from John Foster Dulles, United States Secretary of State and Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., permanent representa­ tive to the United Nations (UN), were strong indicators that his reach had moved far beyond the borders of the state of Indiana. Questioned about his accomplishments at the UN at the end of his term, he gave a typical response to the question: “Did the United Nations accomplish anything while you were a del­ egate?” His modest response was: “Oh my yes, but not because of any­ thing I did.”21 In spite of his many contribu­ tions, his detractors remained. With the growing militancy, quiet lead­ Brokenburr and Indiana lieutenant governor Richard Ristine. Indianapolis Recorder ership was not well respected. It was Collection, IHS C8614 felt that strong stances by Brokenburr, a well-respected state senator, would advance the cause of occupancy ordinance was pending Brokenburr had laid a foundation civil rights much more than his quiet before the city council. The cham­ from which future civil rights efforts approach. In Brokenburr’s words: ber was on record denouncing the were launched. Not only was he rec­ “Sometimes they ask me to come in ordinance. ognized for his role in the civil rights with them. They want to know why As the elder statesman, movement, but also there was wide I won’t get up and shout. I tell them Brokenburr was the first of the recognition that his motto carried for that just isn’t me. A man is best off group to speak. At the conclusion life from his days at Hampton, “live to do what he can, to be the kind of of his remarks he said, “There is no to serve,” included all citizens in the man his background makes him.”22 point in waiting any longer. We state of Indiana. His record stands Some respected this stance by might just as well face up to the is­ the test of time. His posthumous Brokenburr, but there were others sue. The time to act is now.” The election to the Indiana Academy is who felt that his position called for committee was stunned. They were significant proof that he was a a more aggressive posture on issues accustomed to a more conciliatory Hoosier who “enriched the cultural that mattered to the community that Brokenburr. One witness to the and civic life of the state.”24 he served. By the 1960s, it was ap­ event said, “Many of us had grown parent that he was in the twilight of used to thinking of Brokenburr as Endnotes: his career. Housing was not only the guardian of the past. In that mo­ 1 Indianapolis News, 29 'March 1974. the issue of the moment, but was a ment, he became an architect of the 2 A’LeliaP. Bundles, Madam C. J. Walker constant civil rights battle for many future. It was a tremendous perfor­ (New York: Chelsea House Publications, years. In May 1964, the Executive mance.” In a redraft of an earlier 1991), 43-46. Committee of the Indianapolis statement, the Executive Commit­ 3 Indianapolis News, 16 November 1949; Chamber of Commerce, trying to tee reversed its original position. It William H. Hughes and Frederick D. Patterson, Robert Russa Moten ofTuskegee come to grips with the segregated was that housing discrimination and Hampton (Chapel Hill: University of “clearly cannot be justified in any housing issue, called a meeting and North Carolina Press), 1956. invited whom it perceived as the ten moral or economic consideration.”23 4 Emma Lou Thombrough, Since Emanci­ most influential African-American After his death in 1974, there was pation: A Short History of Indiana Negroes, leaders in Indianapolis. An open growing recognition that 1863-1963 (Indianapolis: Indiana Division 7 American Negro Emancipation Centennial (Cleo Blackburn, superintendent of Flanner Landmark Contest Authority), 30-47; Lerone Bennett, Before House and Herman Walker, Indianapolis (Continued from page 3) the Mayflower: A History of Black America Social Action Council were invited, but did (Chicago: Johnson Publishing Co.), 1982, not attend.) Contest deadlines: 223-27. 24 Indianapolis Star, 12 June 1975. 30 March 2001: Entry form, entry 5 Indianapolis Board of School Commis­ fee, and list of class members Stanley Warren is a former Historical sioners, Minutes Book X , 29-30, 50-51. mailed; downtown Indianapolis Society trustee. 6 Indianapolis Star, 9 March 1947. tours requested. 7 Indianapolis News, 25 March 1974. 5 May 2001: Models delivered to 8 Indianapolis News, 21 December 1940. The Children’s Museum. 9 Ibid. 25 March 1974. Call for Papers 7-19 May: Entries on display. 10 Indiana Senate Journal (1941-42), 1271. The 23rd Annual Mid-American (Children unable to visit the mu­ 11 Ibid. (1945-46), 1059. Conference on History will be held seum on the day of the contest can 12 Ibid. (1947-48), 1028. at Stillwater, Oklahoma, 20-22 Sep­ see their models during museum 13 Ibid. (1953-54), 54. tember 2001. Some of the speakers hours.) 14 Ibid. (1955-56), 188. and their topics include: Mary P. 19 May: Judging and awards cer­ 15 Ibid. (1957-58), 146. Ryan, “Space, Place, and the Rec­ emony; models picked up. 16 Ibid. (1961-62), 156. lamation of U.S. History”; Geoffrey 17 Ibid. (1963-64), 52. N. Parker, “The Messianic Vision 18 Indianapolis News, 29 March 1974. of Philip II”; and the Tulsa Race Great Lakes History 19 Indianapolis Recorder, 11 June 1949; Riot Commission, “The Historian, Indianapolis News, 25 March 1974. the Public, and the History: Under­ Conference 20 Indianapolis News, 25 March 1974; In­ standing the Tulsa Race Riot of The 26th Annual Great Lakes dianapolis Times, 1, 23 July 1955. 1921.” Proposals may be by indi­ History Conference, sponsored by 21 Indianapolis Times, 20 December 1955. viduals, groups of individuals, or Grand Valley State University, will 22 Indianapolis News, 15 November 1949. panels. All historic subjects and be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 23 Indianapolis News, 21 July 1964. Oth­ time periods are acceptable. Inter­ on 9-10 November 2001. The ers present at the meeting were: Lionel ested persons should send their one- theme of the conference is “The His­ Artis, manager of Lockefield Gardens; An­ page proposals and vitae (one-two tory of the Great Lakes Region.” drew J. Brown, pastor, St. John Baptist pages) to Jim Huston, History De­ The conference invites papers and Church; James L. Cummings, pastor, Trin­ partment, Oklahoma State Univer­ arranged sessions in all areas of his­ ity CME Church; F. Benjamin Davis, pas­ sity, 501 LSW, Stillwater, Okla­ torical study. Preference will be tor, New Bethel Baptist Church; Grant W. Hawkins, the Works Board; Rufus homa 74078-3054. Submissions by given to those that relate to the Kuykendall, attorney; Willard Ransom, at­ E-mail are encouraged. E-mail to theme. For more information, con­ torney and city council member; William [email protected] or to tact: Dr. Carolyn Shapiro-Shapin, T. Ray, real estate broker and president, As­ [email protected]. Deadline Grand Valley State University, sociation for Merit Employment; and C. T. for proposal submission is 1 April (616) 895-3445; E-mail Watkins, pastor, Bethel AME Church. 2001. [email protected].

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