Here at The Kokomo Post, we’re celebrating Black History Month all February long by shining a spotlight on some of the incredible Black leaders who have shaped our community and beyond. History is more than just dates and names—it’s a living, breathing story of resilience, leadership, and progress. To help us tell these stories, we’ve teamed up with local historian Gil Porter to highlight five influential Black Hoosiers whose legacies continue to inspire us today.

Meet Gil Porter: The Storyteller Behind the History

Gil Porter, a historian with the Howard County Historical Society, works tirelessly to uncover and share the stories of our past. His research has been featured in Traces magazine, on local television, and across various Indiana publications. A U.S. Navy veteran and an Indiana University Kokomo graduate, Gil has spent over four decades in the world of communications—both as a practitioner and a teacher. With his expertise, we’re diving deep into the history of some remarkable individuals who left their mark right here in Indiana.

The Bassett Family: Pioneers in Faith and Leadership

There were two notable Richard Bassetts in Howard County history—an uncle and his nephew—both of whom played vital roles in shaping the African American community here.

Uncle Richard Bassett, born in 1809 in North Carolina, led several families to Howard County in 1855, establishing the Bassett Settlement. He became a respected landowner and a leader within the farming community. His nephew, Richard Bassett, grew up in the settlement and followed in his uncle’s footsteps. Both men were Baptist ministers, and the younger Richard made history as the third African American elected to the Indiana General Assembly’s House of Representatives. Today, their contributions live on in the Bassett Cemetery, where they rest.

Richard A. Brown: A Trailblazer in Education and Business

Born on February 12, 1864, in Paoli, Indiana, Richard A. Brown moved to Kokomo as a child and quickly made history. He became the first Black graduate of Kokomo High School in 1883, breaking barriers in education. Brown’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a barbershop on North Buckeye Street, where he served the community for over three decades. His home, located in Brown’s Alley, eventually became the site of today’s Central Middle International School. A firm negotiator, he was the last property owner to sell when the city purchased land for the new high school in 1914—securing a higher payment for his property in the process.

Joseph and Martha Cunningham: Breaking Barriers in Higher Education

Joseph and Martha ‘Mattie’ Cunningham were ahead of their time. As siblings from New London, Indiana, they became the first Black students admitted to Manchester College in 1900. Mattie graduated in 1903 with dual degrees in English and the Bible, later making history as the first woman to be installed as a minister in the Church of the Brethren in 1911. Her brother Joseph pursued medicine, becoming a physician in Chicago. Their contributions were honored in 2022 when Manchester University renamed its academic center the Cunningham Academic Center, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Aliff Henley: A Matriarch of Howard County’s Early Black Community

Not much is known about Aliff Henley’s early life, but her name appears on a Virginia tax record in 1779 as enslaved property. After gaining her freedom in 1801, she and her family moved to Indiana in 1835. In 1844, she made history as the first recorded African American landowner in Howard County. Her farm became the foundation of the Rush Settlement, named for her son-in-law, Rev. David Rush. Always committed to her faith and her people, she donated land to establish the first AME church in the county. When she passed in 1861, she was laid to rest in Rush Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of strength and perseverance.

Rev. Henry A. Perry: A Leader in Faith, Education, and Community

Born in Alabama in 1886, Rev. Henry A. Perry was a transformative figure in Kokomo. As pastor of Wayman Chapel AME Church and principal of Douglass School, he shaped the minds and spirits of many in the community. Inspired by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s surprise visit to Douglass School in 1940, Rev. Perry spearheaded the effort to build Carver Community Center, a hub for education and culture. Though he later moved to serve churches in Indianapolis and Anderson, Indiana, his impact on Kokomo remains undeniable. His leadership and vision continue to inspire generations.

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

These five individuals remind us of the resilience, innovation, and leadership that Black Hoosiers have contributed to our community. Their stories are not just history—they are powerful legacies that continue to shape Kokomo today.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we encourage you to dive deeper into these stories, visit the sites connected to these figures, and share their legacies with others. Thank you to Gil Porter and the Howard County Historical Society for helping us bring these incredible stories to light!

Who are some influential figures from Kokomo’s Black history that have inspired you? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring Influential Hoosiers