Our City Our Voice

Theatre innovators in Indianapolis are building on the foundation of the arts, hoping to expand access for Black and other artists of color. One of these institutes on the frontline of this artistic expansion is the Asante Art Institute. The Asante name holds a lot of weight in the theatre world, and it’s because of Deborah Asante. Deborah Asante is a vanguard in the field, helping lay the foundation for what is now the Asante Art Institute. The current generation is backing up Asante’s work and helping carry the torch.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Indiana University women’s basketball team’s historic season is done.However, for the program, the momentum made this year in women’s sports is just the start. And it all starts with the head coach, Teri Moren.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Colette Pierce Burnette took over as the President and CEO of Newfields in August. She has worked as an engineer and educator in the past. Burnette says she fully believes in the museum's mission: to use the arts to enrich people's lives - and says that's what drew her to Newfields. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the world’s most well-known opera stars is an Indianapolis native.Indy-born soprano Angela Brown’s multigenre career spans six continents. Brown has graced the world’s leading opera and symphonic stages. Brown’s passion and purpose are leading others to the tune of their own life’s music.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Colombian-American woman is taking education to new heights at Marian University.Manuela Salazar is leading Marian University’s Latino Initiative that is helping Hispanic students succeed.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In October, Taylor Schaffer became the youngest president and chief executive officer of Downtown Indy Inc., an organization focusing on the economic success of downtown Indianapolis. But, her journey started over a decade ago in Terre Haute where Schaffer grew up.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Hispanic organization is pushing to get more Spanish-speaking students and professionals to shape Indiana communities. The woman leading this effort is the president and chief executive officer of the Indiana Latino Institute. Marlene Dotson, a Latina, is passionate about serving her community.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Free Black people were some of the first to settle the wilderness of Hamilton County in 1835.Escaping the growing risk of enslavement down South, three men set off on a journey to establish a new home. Some parts remain today.

Several of the founders are laid to rest on this land known as Roberts Settlement. When they came here in the 1830s, all of this area was the wilderness, but descendants say their bravery helped turn this place into a home that would eventually grow into a community of several hundred.

The Roberts Settlement church meeting house hasn’t changed much since the mid-1800s, so it gives you a literal look at some of the history developed here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Of Indiana Avenue and the communities that stemmed from it, many were created out of literal slums.Over time, the area grew into the historic gem that allowed Black entrepreneurs and families to thrive.

Today, a lot of that shine has been lost to time, but there’s a renewed focus to bring back the luster.

Black communities historically have been the first on the chopping block when it comes to making room for development and highways, with the impact of Indy’s near-west side still very much obvious. But, descendants and city representatives are working to commemorate and hold on to what’s still standing.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The first Black person to lead the Indianapolis Airport Fire department is inspiring anyone who wants to make a difference. He lives by the mantra, “anything is possible.” Chief Fred Pervine grew up in an Indianapolis neighborhood where few firefighters looked like him, but he says that didn’t discourage him from pursuing his dream. Instead, the lack of representation was one motivating factor that inspired him to pursue a career in firefighting and make a change.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.