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Recommended Resources

Civil Rights in Indianapolis

David Abdulrasheed to Mayor Hudnut Letter, October 1, 1987

Abdulrasheed, an African American citizen in Indianapolis, writes to Mayor Hudnut about the shooting of Michael Taylor. Abdulrasheed references unrest in other cities and the 1969 riots on Indiana Avenue and says that he hopes Hudnut will help to bring out the truth in this case.

Mayor Hudnut to Brady Williams Letter, October 12, 1987

Mayor Hudnut writes to Brady Williams, Acting U.S. District Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, to confirm his willingness to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting death of Michael Taylor through the FBI and the Justice Department.

Chronology of Rioting Near Indiana Avenue, June 6, 1969

This copy of a handwritten document from the Indianapolis Police Department provides a chronological list of unrest related to black power near Indiana Avenue.

Break On Through Flyer, c. August 15, 1969

This flyer, likely issued by the Black Panther Party, speaks out against the Vietnam War, big business, and the military draft among other issues.

Henry Richardson Jr. to John Walls Letter, October 11, 1971

Richardson writes to Deputy Mayor John Walls about race and the 1971 election, outlining questions raised by voters about the stance Mayor Lugar's administration would take on various issues if reelected.

Shortridge High School PTA to Indianapolis Board of School Commissioners Memo, July 16, 1973

The Shortridge High School PTA describes the racial makeup of the school and urges the Board of School Commissioners to do something to do something to help reintegrate the school.

Thomas E. Parker, Jr. Report on Racial Discrimination, April 30, 1974

In this report, Department of Administration Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Officer Thomas E. Parker, Jr. summarizes the details and results of a racial discrimination charge against the Department of Administration by Linda Triplett and Karen Meurer.

Herbert A. Gillen to Mayor Hudnut Letter, May 8, 1985

In the spring of 1985, Mayor Hudnut appeared on several television shows defending the city of Indianapolis' affirmative action policies against a suit filed by the Department of Justice. Hudnut received hundreds of letters like this one, both those in favor of and opposed to affirmative action, from citizens in Indiana and across the country.

"The Case of Michael Taylor" NAACP Statement, September 29, 1987

A statement from Indianapolis NAACP President A. D. Pinckney about the shooting of Michael Taylor, a 16-year old black teen who died while in police custody.

The Michael Taylor Shooting: Whose Problem Is It?

This statement from an unidentified group of citizens discusses the major concerns of the Michael Taylor shooting and insists that the incident poses a concern to all citizens, not just the African American community.

Request of African American Citizens Flyer, 1988

A request from the African American community of Indianapolis for Mayor Hudnut and IPD Chief Paul Annee to show how Michael Taylor died.

Citizens' Demands to Mayor Hudnut, Richard Blankenbaker & Paul Annee, October 3, 1987

This unsigned document addressed to Mayor Hudnut, Director of Public Safety Richard Blankenbaker, and IPD Chief Paul Annee provides a list of demands for changes in Indianapolis law enforcement following the Michael Taylor shooting.

Black Panther Rally to Combat Facism Flyer, August 1969

This flyer advertises a Black Panther rally at Military Park in Indianapolis on August 17, 1969 to combat what the party views as fascism in Indiana. The flyer invites all people concerned about oppressed people to attend the rally, although it has strong criticism for the Progressive Labor Party.

GIPC Policy Statement on Racial Integration, c. January 1970

Official policy statement of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee in support of racial integration.

Decision for the High Schools Editorial, January 28, 1970

This WFBM editorial discusses the plan approved by the Indianapolis School Board to integrate the city's high schools. The editorial board comes out in favor of the integration plan but also acknowledges some of the chief objections to the plan.

Reply to "Judge Dillin on School Desegregation #3," September 14, 1971

Former State Senator and chairman of "Citizens Against Busing," Dan Burton, argues against busing for desegregation and defends the Citizens Against Busing organization in response to a WFBM editorial.

Dr. A. D. Pinckney to Friend Letter, August 31, 1973

Pinckney writes that Indianapolis' reputation for being free from serious racial issues is being put to the test by the challenge of school desegregation. He asks for the recipient's support in ensuring the desegregation plan outlined by the courts is implemented in a peaceful manner.

Statement of Position and Solution of Public School Crisis

In this statement, prominent Indianapolis Civil Rights leader Henry J. Richardson discusses problems of racism and school desegregation in Indianapolis as well as proposing possible solutions.

Mayor Hudnut to Edwin Meese III Letter, September 18, 1985

In this letter, Mayor Hudnut writes to Attorney General Edwin Meese in defense of affirmative action policies in the Indianapolis Fire and Police Departments and urges the AG to reconsider the federal government's suit to end the program.

Mayor Hudnut to Sen. Richard G. Lugar Letter, November 19, 1985

Mayor Hudnut writes to Lugar lamenting the Justice Department's decision to file a lawsuit against Indianapolis and its affirmative action and equal opportunity goals.