On Saturday, September 10, a contingent of alumni, IUAA and IU leaders, students, community members and descendants of Carrie Parker Taylor gathered in the Ruth N. Halls Theatre within the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center to witness the unveiling of the Carrie Parker Taylor commemorative portrait. Carrie was the first African-American woman who, in 1898, enrolled in Indiana University. It was this legacy as “a true exemplar – a pioneer for women of color at IU” that was honored during this year’s Black Alumni Weekend.
Mrs. Parker Taylor was represented by her son Leon, who just turned 100, along with dozens of her other descendants. This was Leon’s third visit to IU. Previously, he was an honored guest at the 2015 Neal-Marshall Alumni Club Reunion with numerous family members of Mrs. Parker Taylor. The portrait itself was commissioned by local Bloomington artist, Joel Washington, who was also present.
“All the years that came and went with this piece of IU history were buried in the University’s history, but remained close and dear to the Parker Taylor family”, says Dina Kellams, an IU Archivist. Kellams was the woman who discovered the headline from the Logansport Pharos Tribune, “First Negro Girl in Indiana University” that contained the legacy of Carrie during her research of an old athletics field at IU.
Artist Joel Washington next to Carrie Parker Taylor portrait
“It was part of the family oral history but as one grandson told me, ‘It’s not like we walked around with the news written on a sandwich board!’ But they should have” said Kellams during her speech this past Saturday during the dedication.
It was noted during the unveiling ceremony that this honor of IU and Neal-Marshall Alumni Club history arrived at a time that begins to set the stage for IU’s bicentennial in 2020 and Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center’s 50th anniversary. It was a time to reflect on and celebrate the history of African-Americans at IU, as well as the small, but important pieces of history that sometimes get lost along the way.
Indiana University Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs James Wimbush, left, IU Alumni Association Executive Director JT. Forbes, Leon Parker Taylor and artist Joel Washington pose for a group photo during a ceremony unveiling a portrait of Carrie Parker Taylor.
IUAA Chief Executive Officer JT. Forbes read from an 1897 Bedford Mail article which celebrated Carrie’s accomplishment as the first African-American woman to enroll at IU, saying “She has conquered the many and aggravating obstacles which confronted her during her unequal struggle in the Clinton schools, and her determination will make her a winner in the race for distinction which she now enters.” Mrs. Parker Taylor continues to serve as a symbol for hard work, unique character and community leaders at IU and within the Black Community.
For the “Glory of Old IU”
Katherine Lopez
Indiana University, 2017
Journalism, Media Scholar
IUAA Student Fellow, Diversity Programs