How ‘65/70 Riff’ connects art, Black history and my journey in Indianapolis

Black Owned Newspapers And Blogs

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Julian Jamaal Jones Growing up on the north side of Indianapolis, I was surrounded by a loving family, a close-knit community and a sense of possibility. My childhood was beautiful, filled with family traditions and community gatherings that kept me grounded and proud of my roots. But as I grew older and began creating art, I realized I was missing something crucial: a true understanding of Black history, particularly here in my hometown. As an adult, I embarked on a journey to learn about the cultural fabric that has shaped Black life in Indianapolis for generations. This journey brought me face-to-face with histories I had not fully encountered — the stories of resilience, creativity and survival of Black communities in the face of systemic challenges. One of the most eye-opening lessons I uncovered was the history of Indiana Avenue, a thriving Black cultural and economic hub that rivaled the jazz scenes of Harlem and Chicago. The energy and innovation of Indiana Avenue were unparalleled, a beacon of Black excellence that lit up the city. However, I also learned how quickly that history was erased. The construction of I-65 and I-70 cut through these vibrant communities, displacing families and dismantling the...

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