BLACK HISTORY IN MADISON COUNTY GATHERINGS MLK Day, Black Expo, Dixon Parade in photographs FIRST DETECTIVE Indiana man broke police color barriers LEGENDARY ATHLETES MEET FIVE WOMEN WHO BLAZED THE TRAIL OLDEST CHURCH History runs through Allen Chapel AME MOOTRY’S WORDS Book shares columnist’s sweeping observations
uring Black History Month, we find ourselves reflecting on the lives and legacies that have shaped not only Black culture but the very fabric of our nation. Among these figures, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stands as a towering icon of leadership, courage and vision. His principles — rooted in justice and a belief in the dignity of every individual — continue to resonate profoundly in our work at the Leadership Academy of Madison County exemplified by our “leadership is for everyone” efforts. Dr. King taught us that leadership is not about power or position but about service and sacrifice. He often spoke of the “drum major instinct,” a desire within us all to lead and to be recognized. Yet, he challenged us to redirect this instinct toward becoming drum majors for justice, peace and righteousness. This concept aligns seamlessly with the leadership principles I’ve championed throughout my career: purpose-driven leadership, servant-leadership action and unwavering commitment to making a difference. At the leadership academy, we aim to instill these ideals in every participant, from middle school students to high school students, and to adults exploring their potential as community leaders. Leadership, as we teach it, begins with understanding yourself — your values, your strengths and the unique contributions you can make to the world. Dr. King exemplified this self-awareness, guided by an unshakable faith and a commitment to nonviolence, even in the face of immense adversity. ENDURING LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP Connecting Dr. King’s teachings to modern principles One of Dr. King’s most profound lessons is the power of collective action. He often reminded us that, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” This principle is central to my approach to leadership. Whether facilitating generational dialogue sessions or organizing community service projects, I have seen firsthand how collaboration breaks barriers, bridges divides and builds stronger communities. Black history, for me, is not just a series of events in the past — it is a living, breathing testament to resilience and possibility. My own family’s history in Anderson is a microcosm of this narrative. Through decades of systemic challenges, we have seen how faith, determination and community support can create opportunities for the next generation. It is this legacy that fuels my passion for leadership development and reminds me that we stand on the shoulders of giants like Dr. King and even local legends like Amos Jackson, Rudy Pyle, Johnny Wilson, Marietta Wright, Joe Williams and Mac Reese, among many others. Dr. King’s vision for a “beloved community” is one we strive to realize at the leadership academy through programs that cultivate empathy, understanding and shared purpose. Leadership, as we see it, is not limited to those in high-profile positions but extends to anyone willing to lead with integrity, courage and compassion. As we honor Black History Month, let us remember that Dr. King’s dream is not static. It is a call to action — a reminder that each of us holds the power to create change. His words, his actions and his vision continue to guide us, proving that leadership is not confined by time, race or circumstance. It is, as he said, “a commitment to the unrelenting pursuit of excellence in human endeavor.” BY JESSE REYNOLDS Jesse Reynolds is an Anderson native and the executive director of the Leadership Academy of Madison County. BLACK HISTORY IN MADISON COUNTY 3
06 08 20 ‘COMING TO ANDERSON’ GATHERINGS TO REMEMBER FEMALE ALL-STARS New book features musings, essays of Primus Mootry Black Expo, MLK Day, Black History, Dixon Parade in photos 26 30 DEEPLY ROOTED Allen Chapel AME ingrained in Black community 34 ‘BE THE BEST YOU’ Brian Davis reflects on growing up in Anderson PUBLISHER / 2025 STANDING UP FOR THE LAW Indiana’s first Black detective honored 124 years after death Black athletes among the best in Madison County history Bev Joyce EDITOR ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE Scott Underwood The 2025 Heritage magazine celebrates Black History Month in the Madison County area. Photo by John P. Cleary (765) 648-4274 DESIGN ON THE COVER Ashlee Davis, two-time tennis state champion at Highland High School, delivers the keynote address at Anderson’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in 2016. Read about Davis’ tennis career on page 21. ADVERTISING 2025 Kaylee Stewart COPY EDITING BLACK HISTORY IN MADISON COUNTY Paula Bivens GATHERINGS MLK Day, Black Expo, Dixon Parade in photographs FIRST DETECTIVE Indiana man broke police color barriers LEGENDARY ATHLETES MEET FIVE WOMEN WHO BLAZED THE TRAIL OLDEST CHURCH History runs through Allen Chapel AME MOOTRY’S WORDS Book shares columnist’s sweeping observations CONTACT US 1133 Jackson St., Anderson, IN 46016 BLACK HISTORY IN MADISON COUNTY 5
And his basic good nature added a flourish of optimism and hope to his writing. He ended each column with his signature sign-off: Have a nice day. Mootry was 78 years old when he died in a fire in April 2022 at the Anderson residence he shared with his wife, Carolyn. But he had a young and nimble mind and spirit, seasoned by a wealth of experiences and a lifetime of learning. ‘COMING TO ANDERSON’ New book an ode to Primus Mootry’s sweeping intellect BY SCOTT UNDERWOOD Primus Mootry always had a story to tell. Readers of The Herald Bulletin had the privilege of getting to know him a little better week by week. Each time his columns published in The Herald Bulletin, he revealed a little more about himself. He was a gentleman with old-school values. And he was a fierce opponent of discrimination in any and all forms. As a Black man who grew up in the South and then in Chicago in the 1950s, Mootry lived the fight. It wasn’t just something he read about in history books. But he did a lot of that, a lot of reading. His knowledge of history, philosophy, literature, sociology, economics and culture armed him with the skills to dissect a range of issues and topics. His humility and empathy enabled him to communicate to all 6 2025 HERITAGE MAGAZINE A new book of Mootry’s writings, compiled by family, was published in 2024. It’s titled “Coming to Anderson,” a name taken from a series of 20 essays Mootry wrote about his move from Chicago to Anderson to take a job as director of the West Side Community Center. Many of the essays focus on Mootry’s campaign to rehabilitate the image PRIMUS MOOTRY of the center, which was rundown and underused, by cleaning it up, improving it and changing the name of the facility to the James W. Geater Memorial Center, in honor of a well-known and well-respected local businessman and member of the Black community. In the second section of “Coming to Anderson” – which is devoted to poems, essays and letters Mootry wrote for himself and family – his wit and keen eye of observation show through, as well as his love for his family, friends and, in a broader sense, his fellow man. The third and final section of the book offers a selection of 16 columns – taken from among the hundreds he wrote for The Herald Bulletin – ranging in subject matter from politics to education to history to social justice and family.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S IMMIGRATION POLICIES. The 225-page book demonstrates both the breadth of Mootry’s experiences and the broad scope of his intellect. He was a husband, a teacher, a writer and many other positive things to those who knew him. Above all, his voice was a clarion call for truth and equality, as shown in this passage from a column he wrote about Donald Trump included near the end of “Coming to Anderson:” “Through all evidence of this profound incompetence, the president’s acolytes and large swaths of the general public have remained silent. There is no public outcry, no kicking and screaming, cursing, gnashing of teeth, and foaming at the mouth. In fact, the sound of the silence thunders so loudly, it is difficult to bear.” BLACK HISTORY IN MADISON COUNTY 7
BLACK EXPO, PLACES A TIARA ON HATTIE FOWLKES, 102 YEARS OLD IN 2023. DENISE SAWYER CHAMBERLAIN SPEAKS AT THE 2019 BLACK EXPO LUNCHEON. BRANDON BUSTER DRIBBLES AGAINST QUMAR FAIRER DURING THE 2023 BLACK EXPO. GATHERINGS TO remember Photographs depict the joy and gravity of local community event Each year, the community comes together for various events to celebrate Black culture and unity. The Anderson Black Expo’s Summer Celebration provides entertainment, basketball, other recreation, food and a parade. Also in July, the Ollie H. Dixon Back-to-School Parade and Picnic unites the community to help local children get off to a good start in the coming school year. And, of course, in January, the City of Anderson’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration pays homage to the legacy of the civil rights movement leader. February, Black History Month, brings events and speakers to schools, churches and other organizations across Madison County. The photos on the following pages help tell the stories of these annual events and observations. 8 2025 HERITAGE MAGAZINE
IN ANDERSON IN 2017. MICHAEL JOHNSON FLASHES A GRIN AT THE 2014 BLACK EXPO. DALREY TROTTER (IN ORANGE SHIRT) LEADS A PRAYER AT JACKSON PARK AHEAD OF BLACK EXPO IN 2024. BLACK HISTORY IN MADISON COUNTY 9
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