African Americans in Indiana

African Americans in Indiana

Total population
10.6%
Regions with significant populations
Indianapolis and Gary

The earliest documentation of African Americans residing in the territory now known as Indiana originates from a report in 1746 concerning French settlements, which indicates that forty white men and five African American slaves were living in Vincennes along the Wabash River. French inhabitants of the region persisted in maintaining slaves throughout both the French and English periods of control. Following the American Revolution, the U.S. Congress enacted the Ordinance of 1787 to regulate the newly acquired western territory. This Ordinance explicitly forbade slavery and involuntary servitude within the Northwest Territory. Numerous early white settlers in Indiana transported their Black slaves from southern slave states.

Notable people

• Michael Jackson (1958–2006), singer dubbed the "King of Pop," born in Gary
• Mike Epps (born 1970), stand-up comedian and actor, born in Indianapolis
• Major Taylor (1878–1932), professional cyclist dubbed "the first Black American global sports superstar," born in Indiapolis

See also

• History of slavery in Indiana
• List of African American newspapers in Indiana