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Firefighting is a field dominated by men, but as Women’s History Month comes to a close, the women of the Carmel Fire Department are showing they’ve broken barriers and can do the job, too. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Theatre innovators in Indianapolis are building on the foundation of the arts, hoping to expand access for Black and other artists of color. One of these institutes on the frontline of this artistic expansion is the Asante Art Institute. The Asante name holds a lot of weight in the theatre world, and it’s because of Deborah Asante. Deborah Asante is a vanguard in the field, helping lay the foundation for what is now the Asante Art Institute. The current generation is backing up Asante’s work and helping carry the torch. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Indiana University women’s basketball team’s historic season is done.However, for the program, the momentum made this year in women’s sports is just the start. And it all starts with the head coach, Teri Moren. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Colette Pierce Burnette took over as the President and CEO of Newfields in August. She has worked as an engineer and educator in the past. Burnette says she fully believes in the museum's mission: to use the arts to enrich people's lives - and says that's what drew her to Newfields.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the world’s most well-known opera stars is an Indianapolis native.Indy-born soprano Angela Brown’s multigenre career spans six continents. Brown has graced the world’s leading opera and symphonic stages. Brown’s passion and purpose are leading others to the tune of their own life’s music. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Colombian-American woman is taking education to new heights at Marian University.Manuela Salazar is leading Marian University’s Latino Initiative that is helping Hispanic students succeed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In October, Taylor Schaffer became the youngest president and chief executive officer of Downtown Indy Inc., an organization focusing on the economic success of downtown Indianapolis. But, her journey started over a decade ago in Terre Haute where Schaffer grew up. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Hispanic organization is pushing to get more Spanish-speaking students and professionals to shape Indiana communities. The woman leading this effort is the president and chief executive officer of the Indiana Latino Institute. Marlene Dotson, a Latina, is passionate about serving her community. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Free Black people were some of the first to settle the wilderness of Hamilton County in 1835.Escaping the growing risk of enslavement down South, three men set off on a journey to establish a new home. Some parts remain today. Several of the founders are laid to rest on this land known as Roberts Settlement. When they came here in the 1830s, all of this area was the wilderness, but descendants say their bravery helped turn this place into a home that would eventually grow into a community of several hundred. The Roberts Settlement church meeting house hasn’t changed much since the mid-1800s, so it gives you a literal look at some of the history developed here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Of Indiana Avenue and the communities that stemmed from it, many were created out of literal slums.Over time, the area grew into the historic gem that allowed Black entrepreneurs and families to thrive. Today, a lot of that shine has been lost to time, but there’s a renewed focus to bring back the luster. Black communities historically have been the first on the chopping block when it comes to making room for development and highways, with the impact of Indy’s near-west side still very much obvious. But, descendants and city representatives are working to commemorate and hold on to what’s still standing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The first Black person to lead the Indianapolis Airport Fire department is inspiring anyone who wants to make a difference. He lives by the mantra, “anything is possible.” Chief Fred Pervine grew up in an Indianapolis neighborhood where few firefighters looked like him, but he says that didn’t discourage him from pursuing his dream. Instead, the lack of representation was one motivating factor that inspired him to pursue a career in firefighting and make a change. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As part of our month-long celebration of Black history, WISH-TV presents our Celebrating Black History special! The show celebrates the contributions and important achievements by African Americans in U.S. history, and those striving for a better future. Special thanks to The Jazz Kitchen for being our host. THE CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY SPECIAL IS MADE POSSIBLE BY ESKENAZI HEALTH, MCDONALD’S, THE RICHARD M. FAIRBANKS FOUNDATION, AND BOSE McKINNEY & EVANS LLP. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Martindale-Brightwood, a historically African-American neighborhood on the east side of Indianapolis, has undergone significant changes in recent years. The neighborhood’s history dates to the early 1900s when many Black people left the Jim Crow South for better opportunities and, along with a mixture of white immigrants, settled there. It was a blue-collar neighborhood, with mainly industrial workers, and was one of the few neighborhoods in Indianapolis where Black people could own homes. Clete Ladd is a long-time resident and college professor. After serving in the military, he returned to the area and began creating his historical archive and collecting records of the beloved neighborhood. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The legacy of Indiana’s first Freetown founded by Black Civil War veterans, Norwood remains intact as a testament to its founders’ tenacity. Black Civil War veterans and freedmen founded Norwood in the 1860s, carving out a safe haven in the city that neighbored Fountain Square, and the area remained a self-maintaining town into the 1970s. Today, descendants remain and share their history, holding onto its legacy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As WISH-TV celebrates Black History Month we talk to Susan Hall-Dotson is the curator of African-American collections with the Indiana Historical Society. They are hosting a special event highlighting Frederick Douglass. She discussed what attendees can expect to see at the event. Reservations are required. Those interested in attending can find out more information on Indianahistory.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Flanner House opened its doors 125 years ago this year with the focus of support the needs of a growing Black community.The Great Migration sent thousands of African Americans north in the years after slavery, and many settled in Indianapolis. The Flanner House started as a tool to moral, social and community, providing education, training and pathways to homeownership. In the 1940s, the nonprofit started building what would be known as Flanner Homes. The first of those homes built near Crispus Attucks High School. With many Black soldiers unable to cash in on the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the GI Bill, of those who did, many found their homes around Indianapolis. The Flanner Houses were built on more than just wood. It’s a foundation laid with pride, welcoming in a group of people who made a lot of a little. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Broadway-bound musical is premiering Friday at the historic Walker Theatre inside the Madam Walker Legacy Center. “Five Points“ the musical concert is a story inspired by the confluence of African American and Irish cultures and the birth of American tap dance. It follows an African American performer named Willie Lane and Irish immigrant John Diamond as they risk everything to achieve the American Dream in New York City during the Civil War. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lockefield Gardens is located in the heart of downtown, just across from IUPUI. It now serves as apartments, but at one point it was a vibrant community for African Americans in the city. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This November, we’re celebrating heroes. These are veterans, active military and their families who serve our country and our communities. In this episode we take a look into the history of Toys for Tots celebrating their 75th year of being holiday heroes for kids in need. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This November, we’re celebrating heroes. These are veterans, active military and their families who serve our country and our communities. In this episode we'll meet a business that is helping veterans make their dream of owning a business a reality. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.