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.
-
Energy bills rise over holidays as Indianapolis families seek help
Winter weather is driving up energy costs, but local programs and assistance funds can help families stay warm and keep the lights on.
Person shot and killed in Camby; Suspect in custody
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers have arrested a suspect after one person was shot and killed Tuesday in Camby.
Report finds Indiana tourism reached record, pre-pandemic highs in 2024
Indiana's tourism industry reached new heights in 2024, with visitor spending climbing to $16.9 billion and supporting more than 210,000 jobs statewide, according to a Rockport Analytics report.
Brock Purdy throws career high 5 TD passes, beat Colts 48-27
Rivers opened the scoring with a 20-yard TD pass to Alec Pierce, who had four receptions for 86 yards and two scores. Purdy countered with a 22-yard scoring pass to Demarcus Robinson.