INDIANAPOLIS — On Friday, the Indianapolis Department of Transportation renamed a section of Interstate 465 after the Indiana Black Expo Inc. founder.
There is now a memorial mile to honor long-time Indiana resident, James C. Cummings, Jr.
The Indiana Senate Concurrent Resolution 11 was passed earlier this year and it urged for the memorial mile to honor Cummings in recognition for all he did.
According to INDOT, Cummings was a celebrated civic leader, a sergeant in the Korean War, a journalist for the Indianapolis Recorder, a founder of the National Black Republican Council and a deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Cummings was also named one of Indiana's most influential leaders of the 20th century.
He founded the Indiana Black Expo in 1970. They hosted their first expedition in 1971 and from there it has grown into the largest African American event in the nation with about 300,000 visitors each year.
INDOT said that the mile between the 44.5 and 45.5 mile markers were specifically chosen because it is south of East Washington Rd and north toward I-70, which is near the offices of the Indiana Black Expo, Inc. on North Shortridge Rd.
-
Coffee, Donuts & Love event returns on Christmas Day
A popular Christmas Day event is returning to Indianapolis this year with the goal of bringing holiday cheer to those who may be spending the season alone
Warm holiday memories on a warm 2025 Christmas in Indianapolis
If you're still hoping for a White Christmas in 2025, you'll be disappointed. Instead, this year we'll have a warm Christmas, with highs climbing above the 50-degree mark.
Revamped Bloomington trail crossing opens ahead of warm holiday weather
The Bloomington Rail Trail now approaches South Rogers Street at a right angle instead of following the former train right-of-way.
Traveling "Indy Big Band" brings caroling to those struggling this Christmas
The Indy Big Band Christmas Caroling group is like typical caroling, but amplified, spreading Christmas cheer to hurting families with joyful music at no cost.
