Michigan City Black History Month Committee

03/24/2026

Members of the Michigan City Black History Month Committee came together for a wrap-up meeting reflecting on Black History Month 2026. The committee discussed the events and activities that were presented to the community and celebrated 13 years of collaboration in planning meaningful and impactful programming. Thank you to Up N Smoke for providing a delicious meal!!

03/02/2026

The winners of the 2026 Human Rights Commission black history month art and essay contest.

4th grade
DeAnna Taylor-1st place
Aubrey Nelson-2nd place
Jariah Coleman-3rd place

7th grade
Sharlotte Russell-1st place
Chase Roberts-2nd place
Mariyha Spears-3rd place

11th grade
Sophia Vaughn-1st Place. Also in picture is Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, City councilman Don Przyblynkski, Commission Chair Derald Borton, Commission vice chairs Mary Ellen Quinn, Commission secretary Kamessa Williams, commissioner Albertin Allen and Commissioner Marty Corley.

02/27/2026

Tonight’s Black Cinema Night was more than just a movie — it was a moment. The Great Debaters inspired powerful dialogue about advocacy, confronting and healing trauma, and the importance of standing together as one community.

The conversations shared tonight reminded us that when adults and youth come together with open hearts and open minds, real growth happens. This final Black Cinema Night may have marked the end of a series, but it also planted seeds for something even greater.

The work of building a stronger, more united community continues — and we’re just getting started. Stay tuned!! Thank you to the Roses By The Lake AKA Interest Group for providing snacks.

02/26/2026

The Michigan City Black History Month Committee was happy to see that Congressman Frank Mrvan for Congress came to fellowship with his constituents at the kickoff event to Black History Month in Michigan City.

02/23/2026

2026 Black History Month Contest.

02/17/2026

Shirley Chisholm was a groundbreaking American leader, educator, and activist whose legacy continues to shape U.S. politics.
• In 1968, she became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress, representing New York’s 12th District.
• In 1972, she made history again as the first Black woman—and the first woman from a major party—to seek the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.
• Chisholm was known for her fearless advocacy for civil rights, women’s rights, education, and economic justice, famously declaring herself “unbought and unbossed.”

Her courage, independence, and commitment to representation opened doors for generations of leaders and remain a powerful symbol of progress during Black History Month and beyond.

02/16/2026

02/15/2026

Can help us honor the life of Mother Floretha Kelly Corley over fellowship and food.

02/14/2026

Today the Michigan City Black History Month Committtee had a Black History Month Quiz Bowl at the Michigan City YMCA. Five teams competed for cash prizes and their was giveaways for crowd participation along with music provided by DJ D. Congratulations to the following teams that placed:

1st Place: MC Soulsteppers
2nd Place: Care
3rd Place: The Future

Many more events and opportunities to fellowship and celebrate Black History Month in Michigan City.

02/14/2026

The Buffalo Soldiers were African American soldiers who served in the United States Army beginning in 1866, shortly after the Civil War. They played a crucial role in westward expansion and the defense of the American frontier.

Origin of the Name
• The nickname “Buffalo Soldiers” was given by Native American tribes.
• It is widely believed to reference the soldiers’ curly hair, dark skin, and fierce fighting spirit, likened to the buffalo.

Who They Were

The Buffalo Soldiers primarily served in segregated Army units, including:
• 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments
• 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments

These units were among the first permanent Black regiments in U.S. military history.

What They Did

Buffalo Soldiers were tasked with some of the most difficult and dangerous assignments, including:
• Protecting settlers and stagecoach routes
• Guarding railroads and supply lines
• Engaging in conflicts during the Indian Wars
• Capturing outlaws and enforcing federal law
• Serving as some of the first park rangers in national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia

Challenges They Faced
• Endured systemic racism and segregation
• Often given inferior equipment and supplies
• Served under white officers with limited opportunities for promotion
• Despite this, they maintained exceptional discipline and professionalism

Honors and Recognition
• 18 Buffalo Soldiers received the Medal of Honor
• Many were recognized for bravery in the Spanish-American War
• Their conduct helped challenge racist stereotypes and laid groundwork for the eventual desegregation of the U.S. military in 1948

Legacy
• The Buffalo Soldiers represent service, sacrifice, and resilience
• They are honored at historic sites such as Fort Leavenworth
• Their legacy lives on in military history, civil rights progress, and American identity

02/14/2026

Bass Reeves (1838–1910) was one of the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshals west of the Mississippi River and is considered one of the most legendary lawmen of the American Old West.

Early Life
• Born into slavery in 1838 in Arkansas.
• Escaped during the Civil War after an altercation with his enslaver.
• Lived for years among Native American tribes in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), where he learned multiple Native languages and became an expert tracker and marksman.

Career as a Lawman
• In 1875, he was commissioned as a Deputy U.S. Marshal by Judge Isaac C. Parker, known as the “Hanging Judge,” in Fort Smith.
• Reeves primarily worked in Indian Territory (modern-day Oklahoma), one of the most dangerous regions at the time.
• Over his 30+ year career, he:
• Arrested more than 3,000 fugitives
• Killed 14 outlaws in the line of duty (all ruled self-defense)
• Known for his:
• Mastery of disguises
• Sharp shooting skills
• Integrity and fairness

Notable Facts
• He once arrested his own son after a murder warrant was issued — showing his commitment to the law.
• Some historians believe Reeves may have inspired the fictional character The Lone Ranger, though this remains debated.

Legacy

Bass Reeves is now recognized as a trailblazing figure in American law enforcement history and a symbol of courage, resilience, and justice during a turbulent