African Americans in Business African Americans have engaged in business activity since the earliest days of Indianapolis. Early in the city’s history, Black entrepreneurs… Read More »African Americans in Business
Kay Debow Alford Kayanne DeBow Alford, known as “Kay,” was born on December 12, 1957 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Charles DeBow Jr. and… Read More »Kay Debow Alford
Ferguson Brothers Denver Darious (Feb.19, 1895-May 11, 1957) and Sea Harious (Dec. 22, 1899-Mar. 3. 1974). Denver Darious and Sea Harious Ferguson… Read More »Ferguson Brothers
Andrew “Bo” Foster (July 6, 1919-June 23, 1987). Andrew “Bo” Foster was born along an alley named Hudson near the apartment complex in… Read More »Andrew “Bo” Foster
Ada Harris (Aug. 15, 1866- Sept. 12, 1927). Ada Harris was born in Campbell, Kentucky, to Robert Harris and Anna Tolliver. At… Read More »Ada Harris
Herbert G. Hawkins Herbert Grigsby Hawkins was an entrepreneur who, after working as an authorized taxicab operator, became widely known for his operation… Read More »Herbert G. Hawkins
Indiana Avenue In the early 20th century Indiana Avenue became the focal point of the African American community, with segregated business places,… Read More »Indiana Avenue
Warner Jewell Warner Jewell was an Indianapolis businessman, Negro League baseball team owner, and Republican Party politician. Jewell was born on August 15, 1887 in… Read More »Warner Jewell
William George Ryder Jr. (Feb. 25, 1935-May 5, 2017). William George Ryder Jr. was born in Baskett, Kentucky, to William George Ryder Sr. and… Read More »William George Ryder Jr.
George L. Knox (Sept. 16, 1841-Aug. 24, 1927). African American publisher George L. Knox embodied Booker T. Washington’s values of economic uplift and… Read More »George L. Knox
