Entrepreneurial Communities on Indiana Avenue: Then and Now

The 2021-2022 Marilyn K. Glick Women’s Enrichment Series kicks off on October 14th via a virtual Zoom presentation.

A’Lelia Bundles and Judith Thomas will be our first speakers. A’Lelia Bundles is the author of “On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker,” about her entrepreneurial great-great grandmother and the inspiration for “Self Made,” the fictional Netflix series starring Octavia Spencer. Judith Thomas was appointed by Mayor Hogsett as the Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement in January 2021.

Before coming to work for the city, Thomas ran Judith & Co., a consulting firm focused on celebrating the rich diversity of arts, culture & tourism.

Inspired by their own connections to Indiana Avenue and the Propylaeum’s Historic Neighborhoods of Indianapolis Series on Indy’s Lost African American Architecture and Neighborhoods, Bundles and Thomas will be discussing the importance of small businesses on Indiana Avenue, both as a function of financial opportunity for the area, as well as their vital role in creating community. They will also talk about current rejuvenation efforts on the Avenue, and the importance of maintaining entrepreneurial efforts in communities of color. The virtual program will take place via Zoom and feature special musical interludes by Theresa Reynolds, accompanied by Rob Dixon. Reynolds, the great-great granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker’s secretary, will be performing several original works.

Pending no Covid-19 restrictions, there will be an intimate reception with the speakers and musical guests in person at the Propylaeum on October 6th at 7:00p.m.. This reception is limited to sponsors and VIP Series Ticket holders, so be sure to purchase your series tickets soon. Both General Admission Series Tickets and VIP Series Tickets are available online at www.thepropylaeum.org/programs. We hope you’ll join us for this incredible program.