How many know about the Robert Settlement? It was a group of African-American farmers that ran out of land in Rush County and headed to the frontier of northern Hamilton County during the first part of the 19th Century. They settled in an area just outside of the present-day Town of Atlanta. A building from that era is being preserved for a remembrance of that settlement.
That was one thing I learned when visiting the 16th Annual Black Heritage Celebration at Fishers High School Thursday night. It was sponsored by the Future Black Leaders.
A booth from the Hamilton East Library spotlighted an African-American auto racing series held at a number of Indiana race tracks, including the legendary Winchester Speedway. African Americans were not welcome in the racing of the early 20th Century, but there was a very popular series featuring some famous black drivers and racing teams.
There were many booths where one could learn more about local Black Heritage. There were also booths featuring Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), along with black fraternities and sororities.
And, of course, there was music. There was a good and diverse crowd on hand for the celebration.
Here are a few photos:
