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Mission

Mission

The mission of the Black Legacy Project of Wayne
County is to provide dedicated exhibits to document the contributions of African Americans in Wayne County – which will in turn be available as research materials for students and historians in Wayne County and beyond.
 
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Who we are

Black Legacy Project (BLP) is the inspiration of Marlene Lindsey. Lindsey, a native of Richmond, who realized a need for the unique history of the black community in Richmond to be researched and made available to the public. In 2021, the project was initiated – and has grown ever since, into the BLP you see today. The mission of BLP is to inform, educate, and make this presence in the community accessible to everyone. BLP is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization, that partners with other organizations to demonstrate the impact of the past, present, and future of the black community in Wayne County.

Why you’re here

You are visiting our site because of your interest in what BLP has to share, promote, and educate within our community. You will discover the substance of those who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to the fabric of the black community.

What you will find

This website will allow you to navigate through our database of people, events, and artifacts – as well as the opportunity to hear oral histories of those who have their own stories to share. The menu for the database will take you to the many and varied contributions – community leaders, sports figures, religious presence, healthcare, and more.
Board Members

Our goals within the community

We encourage students to utilize our research for school projects, to learn about and share the legacy of the black community. We appreciate making this research accessible to residents of Wayne County (and beyond), to know and remember the contributions to what made (and makes) our community what it is.

What can you do to contribute to our Legacy?

We invite you to become a member of the BLP, to support this very fluid and significant mission into the future. Membership information is included in the Menu.

We also welcome any contributions of family history that we can add to our already significant collection – just contact us.

Executive Committee

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Marlene Lindsey

President/Founder and Fundraising Committee

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Yvette Baker

Treasure, Fundraising and Finance

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Vice President

Open Position
Secretary

Open Position

Board

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Clayton Bennett

Finance and Marketing

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Angela L. Coffey

Marketing and Education

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Mary Jo Flood

Education and Fundraising

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Joe Green

Finance and Fundraising

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Beth Harrick

Education and Finance

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Nathan Hogg

Marketing

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Ashley Holston

Marketing

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Patty Kelley img

Patty Kelley

Education and Finance

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Yemi Mahoney

Marketing and Education

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Kelly Cruse-Nicholson

Education and Fundraising

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                                                                        Past Board Members

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Dianna Kirksey

Vice President, Fundraising and Finance

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Tiffany Walker

Secretary, Fundraising and Education

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Contact Us

  • (765) 969-0673
  • info@blpwc.org
  • 1801 S G St Richmond, Indiana 47374 United States
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Marlene Lindsey – founder of Black Legacy Project of Wayne County IN in 2020. Her passion is to tell the stories and make known the contributions that the black citizens of Richmond have made to this community and beyond. I am most excited regarding the response I have received from the community and realizing the need for this type of project.
Yvette Baker is a member of several committes of the Black Legacy Project of Wayne County Indiana. She is employed at Indiana American Water where she has worked for 38 years She became involved with the Black Legacy Project a helpmate to my Sister, Marlene. Yvette is also passionate about finding the history and contributions of the black people of Richmond and Wayne County.
Hello. My name is Clayton Bennett, and I was born and raised in Richmond Indiana. I am a member of the 2008 Richmond High School graduating class. Upon graduating from RHS I went on to Indiana State University where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2012. I began my professional career at Wernle Youth and Family Treatment center as a direct care staff, case manager, and began working in the field of Quality Improvement. In 2021 I transitioned to Centerstone where I currently work as a Quality Improvement Specialist. I am a lifelong member of The Church of God and Saints of Christ where I currently serve as a Deacon. My greatest accomplishment is becoming a father, and specifically a girl dad. It is my goal to be a role model to the young men and women of this community, to make my mother proud, and be the best father that I can be. I am also an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan. GO BIRDS!

Angela Coffey really is a model of involvement and advocacy for those who live in her community. Her contributions to many, varied organizations and initiatives has led her down many pathways – all for the good of her community. Her contributions include mental health education, Girls’ Program Manager at Wernle Youth and Family Treatment Center, Team Lead of Centerstone children’s and family department, Gleaners of Indiana, City of Richmond Safe Community Leader, and Black Legacy Project Marketing Chair. As a business owner, she created Legacy Seamoss, promoting good mental health and wellness through natural herbs and remedies. Angela is also the director of The Crystal Dreams Foundation Richmond, an organization that provides support and guidance for youth wanting to continue their education or entrepreneurialaspirations. These are made possible through scholarships and the Step Up Program, teaching about interning with and owning a business. Angela believes in the strength of family, volunteering, and the future of rising stars – who will see what is possible with knowledge and support of those who believe in them.

Mary Jo Flood is a Co-Treasurer of the Black Legacy Project of Wayne County Indiana. She was a former Bank employee and currently retired. She is proud to be a part of this Black Legacy Project to help to tell the stories of our contributions to Richmond and Wayne County.

Joe Green, Ed.D., is a distinguished education professional currently serving as the Director of the McNair Scholars Program at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. With a Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Bowling Green State University, Joe has dedicated his career to empowering first-generation college students. Over the past decade, he has developed and delivered comprehensive workshops, courses, and programs designed to equip students with the skills necessary for academic and professional success.

Joe’s career spans over 20 years at Earlham College, where he has played key roles in coordinating with the U.S. Department of Education, hiring faculty to manage research projects, and managing payroll for seasonal employees. In addition to his role at Earlham, Joe actively participates in community service, holding board positions with organizations such as The Black Legacy Project of Wayne County and the Restoration Outreach Center.

Joe is highly skilled in non-profit organization management, social networking, and analytical skills, and has contributed extensively to academic publications focused on supporting first-generation college students. His career is marked by a commitment to educational excellence and community engagement, making him a vital contributor to both academic and local communities.

Beth Harrick joined the Board of Directors in 2023. Beth has worked for various local nonprofits, including Girls Inc., Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Wayne County Foundation, and the now defunct Conflict Resolution Center. She enjoys her service to BLP and the Women’s Fund of the Wayne County Foundation. Outside of her community service she can be found enjoying time with her partner Scott and their teenageer, Xander.
Nathan Hogg is a student at Indiana University East. Nathan is an intern at Reid Health Community Benefit/Engagement and a very active community leader. Nathan serves on multiple other non-profit boards and committees in the Wayne County Community. Nathan serves as a board member and communications committee, Nathan is most passionate about getting younger adults involved with the Black Legacy Project and showcase the impact of the organization.
Ashley Holston is an Accounts Payable Senior Accountant at The AES Corporation with over 8 years of experience working in finance and accounting. To expand her horizons, she chose to pursue a Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Policy and Change from Indiana Wesleyan University, graduating in May of 2021. She desires to give back to her community by feeding those in need, spotlighting accomplishments of African Americans (past and present) and participating in her local church. In her free time Ashley enjoys watching movies, sports, volunteering and playing games with her children. Richmond has been Ashley’s home for the past 11years and she has grown to love the Rose City.
Patty Kelley believes History and heritage have always been an interest to Patty. Her family has roots on both sides in this area back to the 1800’s. When the opportunity to participate in BLPOWC was presented to her, she was happy to share what she could to bring this important part of history to everyone. Patty has a background in education and customer service, and has lived in FL, TX, MO, and AL before returning to Richmond. She enjoys writing and plans to make the most of that as a member of BLPOWC.
Yemi Mahoney

I am a dedicated professional in Human Services with a passion for networking, community engagement and family

I serve as a Commissioner for the Housing Authority of Indiana and the Black Legacy Project of Wayne Co.

I am a committed volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association and Richmond Civic Theatre along with being the Executive Director of her Life Skills facilitation service

Sources Unlimited LLC.

As a radio personality at 101.7 The Point, Brewer Brodcasting, I earned recognition including the prestigious award for the Best Morning Show Duo in a small market. I was also the recipient of the Pillar of the Party award from the Wayne County Democrats. As a member of Richmond City Council, 14 years, I continue to work on making a positive impact in the community.

I was born and raised in Richmond, Indiana, and graduated from Richmond High School in 1991. After high school, I attended Indiana University, and later earned a Master’s degree in Leadership Development from Saint Mary of the Woods College, which strengthened my commitment to community service and leadership.

 

For the past six years, I have had the privilege of serving as the Executive Director of Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Center, a nonprofit that empowers individuals through equine-assisted activities. I’m also honored to serve on the board of directors for the Wayne County Historical Museum, where I contribute to preserving and sharing our local history.

 

I’ve been happily married to my husband, Darrell, for 15 years, and we’re blessed with five boys. Outside of work and family, I enjoy exploring auctions and yard sales, always on the lookout for unique finds, and I love to travel, seeking out new experiences and perspectives.

Tiffany Walker is the Secretary for The Black Legacy Project. She was born in Gary, In and raised in East Chicago, In. Tiffany attended Purdue University and graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology in 2004. This degree helped her to be hired by Belden Wire and Cable bringing her to Richmond, In. After being laid off from Belden in 2008, Tiffany returned to school to obtain an Associates Degree in Medical Assisting from Ivy Tech Community College Richmond in 2011. Tiffany was employed as a Medical Assistant at the Wayne County Health Department for 7 yrs, which gave her the inspiration to return to nursing school in 2018. Tiffany graduated with an Associates in Nursing (ASN)from Ivy Tech Richmond in 2020, obtain her RN nursing license in July 2020, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) from Indiana University East in 2022. Tiffany is currently a Surgical Circulator Nurse at the Whitewater Surgery Center assisting surgeons performing cataract surgery and laser eye surgery. Tiffany has been married to Carlo Walker for 14 years and is a mother of 2 girls, Carlee and Candace. Tiffany is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and a faithful member of Restoration Outreach Center.

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