History of local black community to be explored Monday

There will be a discussion of the history of African Americans in Bartholomew County Monday evening at the Columbus Area Visitors Center.

Lori Thompson, an organizer for Monday’s discussion, explains:

Thompson, an organizer for Monday’s discussion, explains that local genealogists Paulette Roberts and Brenda Pitts  will be explaining the history they uncovered researching local African-American families.

Thompson talks about what led to the first African Americans migrating here.

Those first African Americans came to Bartholomew County in the 1830s, as former slaves seeking freedom.

Eventually the government of the Northwest Territory reversed course, making it harder for freed slaves or freemen to move into Indiana.  That led to a major drop in the local community.

The discussion will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Barbara Stewart room at the visitors center on Fifth Street.

The discussion is tied to the Soul of Philanthropy exhibit going on through the end of the month at The Commons. The exhibit and events are sponsored by the African American Fund of Bartholomew County.

August is Black Philanthropy month.