Mike Wolanin | The Republic Paulette Roberts, shown here in The Commons, put together the new local black history exhibit with Brenda Pitts.
Longtime Columbus resident Brenda Pitts need not go far back in time to find elements of local black history shrouded in shame.
In their childhood, blacks were forced to sit on the balcony of local structures like The Crump Theatre. He was banned from eating at many restaurants.
And several black residents still say African-Americans have a harder time getting approved in south central Indiana for business and related loans.
Pitts understands that highlighting some of those fights for equality in the midst of strong segregation can be unsettling.
“It’s still important to remind people that blacks have been in Columbus almost since its founding,” Pitts said. “And we have deserved to be here as much as anyone else.”
That direct perspective is part of the first event of the local Black History Month celebration, the free exhibit: “And Still We Rise: A Story of Resilience, Perseverance, Faith, and Love” on view through February 28 at The Commons, 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus.
An informal opening reception with Mayor Jim Lienhoop reading a special proclamation is scheduled for 4 pm today.
The 15-panel exhibit, which dates to 1809, includes mention of what originally brought black residents here: better farmland, better lumber and better waterways from their earlier settlements, according to Pitts and Paulette Roberts. Pitts is a retired Cummins executive who has dedicated the past few years to area black history along with Roberts, a retired teacher long dedicated to local and national black heritage.
Both have been panel speakers on the black experience in Indiana and related topics.
“The exhibition takes us on a journey to reshape life events over the decades,” said Roberts. “This is a powerful tool in the search for a bigger, more conscious story.”
Pitts mentioned that the exhibit references black-owned businesses and more.
“I want people in this community to understand that all of our stories are connected,” Pitts said, “and that we generally want the same things. And in the declaration of independence of the United States constitution, blacks were guaranteed the same rights as whites.
“So all we’ve been asking for (over the years) is to be able to enjoy all our rights like everyone else.”
That history includes some ties to the national racial scene, including the Underground Railroad and abolitionist Frederick Douglass’s Columbus conference in 1873.
In bringing Bartholomew County’s racial issues into the modern era, Pitts recognized substantial progress.
“The situation for blacks in Columbus has improved considerably,” Pitts said. “But there is always room for improvement. And that’s not just true for blacks, but for all local ethnic groups.”
And the exhibit will evolve in the future.
“The exhibit is a beginning, not an end,” Pitts said. “Paullette and I will continue to expand the exhibit to include more of the black history of our communities. There are many rich stories yet to be told.”
About screen
What: The Black History Month exhibit “And Still We Rise: A Story of Perseverance, Resilience, Faith and Love,” which highlights local African-American history dating back to 1809.
When: until February 28
Where: The Commons, 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus
Information: www.blackhistorycolumbus.com
