“Phyllis Wheatley YWCA” State Historical Marker

To Be Dedicated in Indianapolis

A new Indiana state historical marker commemorating the Indianapolis Phyllis Wheatley YWCA will be dedicated on Saturday, April 26. The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony, which will take place in Indianapolis on the grounds of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 720 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, from 2 to 4 p.m. (ET). Parts of the ceremony will be held outside, so please plan accordingly. Parking is available in the church’s parking lot, located west of the marker.

The program will begin at 2 p.m. with an indoor screening of a documentary, “Abundant Life: Remembering the Phyllis Wheatley Young Women’s Christian Association,” presenting the history of the PW YWCA. At 3 p.m., the program will move outdoors for the dedication of the marker. The church will then host a reception (indoors) with light refreshments following the ceremony.

The text follows for the state marker entitled “Phyllis Wheatley YWCA.”

A group of prominent Black Indianapolis women began organizing a YWCA in 1914. Under the leadership of May Belcher, the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA officially organized in 1923, providing a safe space for Black women and girls. The women raised financial support from the larger community, including Black and white citizens, to dedicate a new YWCA building near here in 1929. The branch provided recreation (including a swimming pool), classes, housing, and meeting space for the Black community in the segregated city. The institution met spiritual, educational, and healthcare needs, promoted Black women’s leadership, and advocated for civil and labor rights. During WWII, it welcomed Black servicewomen. It closed in 1959 as YWCAs desegregated.

State historical markers commemorate significant individuals, organizations, places, and events in Indiana history. These markers help communities throughout the state promote, preserve, and present their history for the education and enjoyment of residents and tourists of all ages. For over 100 years, the Indiana Historical Bureau, a division of the Indiana State Library, has been marking Indiana history. Since 1946, the marker format has been the large roadside marker, which has the familiar dark blue background with gold lettering and the outline of the state of Indiana at the top. Over 750 of these markers have been installed over the years. This marker is one of the 100+ markers in Marion County. For a listing of all markers in Marion County and statewide, click here.

For more information about the Indiana Historical Marker Program, including details on this marker, a listing of other markers in the state, or other resources about Indiana history, visit the Indiana Historical Bureau’s website at http://www.IN.gov/history or call 317-232-2535. For more information on dedication-related events, contact Dr. Joseph Tucker Edmonds with the Research Team at [email protected] or call 317-274-7366.