Conversations in Indiana’s African American History: “We’re Not Going Anywhere, and We Won’t Be Erased!”

Event Details

Throughout 2026, Freetown Village presents monthly conversations with historians, researchers, and educators to discuss topics related to Indiana’s Black heritage and deepen our understanding of the African American experience in Indiana, past and present.

September’s program features Dr. Jakobi Williams, who will lead a community-centered exploration of Black history, political power, and preservation. Williams will examine Black voting rights as a tool for collective community power, grounded in the principle “when we vote, we win.” He will highlight the historic 1972 National Black Political Convention in Gary, Indiana—which placed the state at the forefront of national Black politics—and connect that legacy to today’s fights over voter access, education, and Black studies.

The event, which includes a question-and-answer session, will be presented both in person and online via Zoom. Registration is required for both in-person and online attendance. Click on the RSVP link above to register for both the in-person and online options.

For more information, visit Freetown Village’s website at www.freetown.org, email events@freetownvillage.org, or call 317.631.1870.

This program received support from an Indiana Humanities Mini-Grant.