Pride of the Parks

Pride of the

Parks

Honoring

Black

Culture

through

Indy Parks

Right: Oscar Charleston was considered one of the best players in the Negro Baseball League

Impacting Indianapolis in a POSITIVE way

Below: Marshall Walter Taylor is the namesake for the Major Taylor Veledrome.

It is a great honor that Indy Parks and Recreation has the opportunity to that several African Americans have had on the community, and have chosen to highlight their achievements and contributions by naming our parks and recreation facilities in their honor.

This is a simple overview of a few outstanding African Americans who have contributed to the people of Indianapolis, be it on a local, state, or national level. The individuals Indy Parks and Recreation has highlighted over the years represent a diversity of backgrounds and achievements.

We hope that you will take the opportunity to learn more about these inand whose names will be preserved and remembered at our city parks.

Please take a moment to browse the map below to learn more about these great individuals.

Lt. Junior Grade Graham Edward Martin U.S. National Archives, Feb 1944 (picture 80-G-300215 Public Domain)

Above: Frederick Douglass was one of the most abolition of slavery.

Left: Martin Luther King’s

Left to right, front row: Ensigns George Clinton Cooper, Graham Edward Martin, Jesse Walter Arbor, John Walter Reagan, Reginald Ernest Goodwin. Back row, left to right, Ensigns Phillip George Barnes, Samuel Edward Barnes, Dalton Louis Baugh, James Edward Hare, Frank Ellis Sublett, and WO Charles Byrd Lear.

through non-violence affected the entire nation and is recognized throughout the world as one of the movements in history.

Andrew Ramsey Park

JTV Hill Park

Watkins Park

More Than a Name Indy Parks and Recreation honors many outstanding individuals who have made contributions to the betterment of society by naming parks in their honor. These allowing for recreational and environmental enhancement of the city. This is a sampling of some of the excellent facilities named after African-Americans at Indy Parks.

Major Taylor Velodrome

Douglass Park

Oscar Charleston Park

Martin Luther King Park

Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

A Georgian born Baptist minister, Martin Luther King Jr. became nationally known as a proponent of civil rights and equality for all human beings.

King’s fight for racial equality through non-violent demonstrations included the civil rights march on Washington in 1963, many speeches, and conferences with national and international leaders concerning civil rights.

King’s efforts led to the establishment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. On April 4th, 1968, King was tragically shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee. He will always be remembered for his impact on civil rights.

Bertha Ross the teams by raising money to furnish bats, mitts, uniforms, and coaches. Baseballs were provided by the Parks Department.

Anyone within the age limits could play in this league, but Ross set up one condition: any child playing in her league could not get into any trouble.

As president of School #41’s PTO, Bertha Ross organized a baseball league for children between the ages of seven to 15. Each year, Ross and her husband would raise money to outfit 12 teams. Other groups and businesses helped to sponsor

missioned as officers and created a path that changed the armed forces. Martin served four years in the Navy as a ship commander with the rank Lt. Junior Grade.

Upon his return to Indianapolis, he coached varsity football and baseball at Crispus Attucks from 1947-1982.

Martin graduated from Crispus Attucks High School, Indiana University, and Howard University before enlisting in the Navy. In 1944, the Navy chose Martin as one of the first 13 African-American men to train to become officers. They were com-

read music, won every important honor possible for a jazz musician during his career.

At the height of his music career and at only 45 years of age, Montgomery suffered an unexpected fatal heart attack which left the jazz world shocked at its loss.

national and international acclaim.

In fact, Taylor was the first black athlete to achieve championship status in any competitive sport. After a 16 year racing career, Taylor retired with three U.S. championships and two world championships to his credit.

A native of Indianapolis, Marshall Walter Taylor began his bicycle racing career in Indiana, but was unable to train in the area because of racial prejudice.

Major Taylor moved to Worcester, Massachusetts and made it his home and training grounds.

He trained vigorously and won

Graham Edward Martin

Wes Montgomery Jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery launched his music career from Indianapolis to become nationally and internationally recognized as one of the world’s great jazz guitarists. Montgomery, a selftaught musician who could not

Marshall Walter Taylor

Rev. Charles Williams Rev. Charles Williams was instrumental in the development of Indiana Black Expo where he served as president from 1938 to 2004. Ordained in 1979, Williams helped shape many Indianapolis organizations including the Indiana Sports Corporation,

Pride of the Parks

Indianapolis Downtown Promotion Council, Indiana Convention and Visitor’s Association, Indianapolis White River State Park Development Commission, and the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee. He also served as Special Assistant to the Mayor from 1976 to 1983.

Frank Young Frank F. Young was born in Indianapolis in 1873, the last child in a family of six children. Young began his ministry in 1892, serving at both Olivet and Garfield Baptist Churches. In 1907, he began the pastorate of the First Baptist Church North Indianapolis where he remained for the next 60 years. During that time, the church relocated twice as its membership steadily grew.

Young lived to be 94 years old. The longevity of his life was enhanced by his love for people both young and old. He served in many leadership capacities and his social concern for and contributions to the betterment of his community were innumerable.

Freeman B. Ransom An influential lawyer, businessman, and civic activist, Freeman Bailey Ransom came to Indianapolis in 1910 after completing his law degree.

He was an integral force behind the success of the Madame C.J. Walker Company.

He served as the company’s attorney and general manager.

Ransom was a member of the city county council as well as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

indy.gov/parkpride

Oscar

Charleston

An esteemed baseball player, Oscar Charleston was born and raised in Indianapolis along with his 10 brothers and sisters and was one of the most influential contributors to the Negro League baseball teams here in Indianapolis.

Charleston spent 33 seasons playing for and managing the Indianapolis ABCs, the Chicago American Giants as well as other Negro League Teams. He retired from baseball in 1945 and went to work as a baggage handler for the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1976, Charleston’s contributions to baseball were recognized through his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Al E. Polin A resident of the Mapleton Fall Creek area his entire life, Al E. Polin is a community activist that helped keep this Indianapolis neighborhood thriving. Before retiring, Polin worked as the coordinator for the Quality of Life Human Relations at Allison Division of General Motors.

He continues to stay actively involved in his community and serves on the Indianapolis Community Policing Board, Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, and Drug Free Indiana Commission. Polin is also active in promoting parks to youth.

Rev. Mozel Sanders A minister and community leader, Rev. Mozel Sanders began his life in Indianapolis in 1945 where he worked at a foundry during the day and preached at a local church at night. In 1959 he became the pastor of the Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church and served there until his death in 1988.

Sanders hosted a daily radio program and was the founder of a national job training program as well as a special Thanksgiving dinner to feed less fortunate families. The Mozel Sanders Thanksgiving Day Dinner continues to live on, bringing together hundreds of volunteers and serving thousands of meals each Thanksgiving Day.

Charles T.H. Watkins Pastor of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church for eight years and minister of St. Paul AME Church before that, Rev. Charles T.H. Watkins was deeply involved in Indianapolis community affairs.

Watkins was a member of the Metropolitan Park Board for five

years and president for two years. A member of the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights, Watkins was also the president of the Indianapolis Social Workers Club and very active in the YMCA. Watkins spent a lot of time abroad representing various local, state, and national church organizations in his lifetime.

James Foster Gaines Indianapolis Police Dpt. veteran James Foster “Bruiser” Gaines served 27 years and devoted much of his time, energy and resources to mentoring youth and assisting people in need in the City of Indi-

anapolis. Gaines was born and raised in Indianapolis and attended Crispus Attucks High School where he played football and basketball, served in the Navy 1944-46, and managed the PAL project.

Frederick Douglass Born a slave in 1817 in Tuckahoe, Maryland, Frederick Douglass escaped to freedom to become one of the leading abolitionists of the time. After relocating to Massachusetts, Douglass attended anti-slavery meetings where he began giving speeches on the topic. Douglass was widely

recognized for his eloquent speaking ability.

He was soon appointed to the position of agent for the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society and spoke extensively throughout New England and middle states. He also produced an anti-slavery weekly newspaper known as the North Star.

Juan Solomon Son of a Methodist minister and schoolteacher, Juan Solomon was highly involved in civic activities within the Indianapolis African-American Community.

Some of Solomon’s civic posts included serving as director of the Community Service Council, Indianapolis Urban League, and

was a board member of the Indianapolis Department of Parks and Recreation. Solomon was employed for 32 years by Eli Lilly and led the mayor’s task force on employment.

Andrew William Ramsey After moving from Tennessee to Indianapolis with his family in 1919, Ramsey went on to get his high school diploma from Manual High School in 1925, his B.A. in Romance Languages from Butler, and an M.A. in French from Indiana University.

During his professional years, Ramsey was an instructor in Romance Languages at the University

John Ed

Washington An Indianapolis resident and student at the University of Evansville, John Ed Washington was a member of the University of Evansville basketball team that perished in a plane crash in December, 1977. Washington was a dedicated basketball player who graduated from Arsenal Technical High School where he was co-captain of the basketball team in his senior year and carried an 18.5 point per game average.

His dedication to the sport won him honors including AllCity player, All-Sectional player, and a chance to play for the 1974 Indianapolis City Championship basketball team.

of Louisville’s Municipal College. Not only did he devote his life to teaching, Ramsey was highly involved with NAACP, Indianapolis Urban League, Indianapolis Museum of Art, and as a columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder.

JTV Hill

Born in 1855 in the town of Chillicothe, Ohio, James T.V. Hill moved to Indianapolis in his early years.

Hill was first employed in Indianapolis as a postal clerk and later as a barber.

Eventually he went on to attend the Central Law School and graduated in 1882. As a lawyer, Hill

was one of the first black attorneys admitted to the bar in Indianapolis.

This made his emergence into Indianapolis law very difficult.

Active in the Indianapolis community, Hill served four years as a deputy prosecuting attorney for Marion County.

Mary & Elwood Black

A public servant, community activist and advocate for union labor and civil rights issues, Elwood Black in 1991 was elected City-County Councilman for District 6, serving on the Community Affairs and Metropolitan Devel-

opment committees.

He worked as a basketball coach, maintenance worker, and delivery driver, and he served as president of United Auto Workers Union Local 550.

Frank Beckwith A native of Indianapolis, Frank R. Beckwith was born in 1904 to former slaves. He became a successful attorney and was an industrious civil rights activist. He was instrumental in the naming of Douglass Park in honor of Frederick Douglass, and the paving of Martindale Avenue.

Beckwith was the first African-American to run as a candidate for President of the United States. He believed in breaking down psychological barriers so that people might successfully develop in their endeavors.

Beckwith Memorial Park is located at 3091 N. Baltimore. It was dedicated in 1970 and was formerly named Salem Village Park.

Doris Cowherd Doris Cowherd was born in 1899, the daughter of share croppers who moved often in her childhood. As a young woman in 1923, she moved to Indianapolis where she married, raised a family and began her career.

She worked for the Flanner House for 25 years as a cook.

She also taught canning and gardening there as a means toward the self-sufficiency she believed in.

Cowherd was a role model to the young people who lived in her neighborhood. She was instrumental in establishing the concept of neighborhood participation and cooperation.

She encouraged her community to get involved with the parks, especially the one named for her at 41st and Irvington.

Honor Black History CORNE

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African-Americans that have impacted the city in a positive way. They are located in all parts of Indianapolis and offer a variety of activities.

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9. Oscar Charleston Park 14. Ransom Place Park 20. Wes Montgomery 4. Major Taylor Velo- 2800 E. 70th St 801 N. Indiana Ave. Park drome Park 15. Martin Luther King 3400 N. Hawthorne 3700 Cold Springs Rd. 10. Al E. Polin Park Park Ln. 300 E. Fall Creek Pkwy. 1702 Broadway St. 5. Bertha Ross Park 21. Beckwith Memo3700 N. Clifton St. 11. Rev. Charles R. Wil- 16. J.T.V. Hill Park rial Park liams Park 1806 N. Columbia Ave. 2302 30th St. 6. Frank Young Park 3252 Sutherland Ave. 1000 Udell St. 17. Douglass Park 12. Rev. Mozel Sanders 1425 E. 25th St. 7. James Foster Gaines Park Park 1300 N. Belmont Ave. 18. John Ed Park 2100 N. Tibbs Ave. 2000 Roosevelt Ave. 13. Graham E. Martin 8. Watkins Park Park 19. Doris Cowherd 2360 Dr. Martin Luther 1500 Fall Creek Pkwy.

Park King St. East Dr. 4050 N. Irvington Ave. Call (317) 327-PARK for more information about these or other Indy Parks

Indy Parks and Recreation 200 E. Washington St. Suite 2301 Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-327-PARK http://www.indy.gov/parks @indyparksandrec All programs of the Department of Parks and Recreation are equal opportunity programs, and discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, handicap condition, age or sex is strictly prohibited by federal law.