INDIANAPOLIS - Baseball historian and famous author Phil S. Dixon of Belton, Missouri will highlight an event titled "The Kansas City Monarchs in our home town" Friday, August 22, 2014 at Martin University's Gathertorium. The event, which starts at 10:00 am and is free and open to the public, will provide an intriguing look back at local Negro League Baseball in Indianapolis.
"We are very excited to host Mr. Dixon for this event and to have him attend our Third Annual Civil Rights Game later that evening," said Jamal L. Smith, Executive Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. "His expertise and knowledge will add a lot to the day's festivities."
In honoring the Kansas City Monarchs 90th Anniversary of their first World's Championship in 1924, Mr. Dixon is returning to all 90 cities where they played games to present their unique history. One of these cities is Indianapolis where the Monarchs battled the Indianapolis Clowns.
In addition to Mr. Dixon's presentation, the event will include a special viewing of the documentary "Black Baseball in Indiana". The 30 minute, Emmy nominated film developed by Ball State students in 2011 highlights Negro League baseball in Indiana. Geri Strecker, Assistant Professor of English at Ball State will provide additional insight about how the film was developed.
Click here to view the event flyer.
Click here to view a video recording of the program.
In addition to this program, Mr. Dixon will also attend the Third Annual Civil Rights Game hosted by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission at Victory Field beginning at 7:15 pm on Friday, August 22nd. Additional partners for both events include: Martin University, the Indianapolis Recorder, La Voz De Indiana, Indiana Black Expo and the Indianapolis Indians.
The Indiana Civil Rights Commission enforces the Indiana civil rights laws and provides education and services to the public in an effort to ensure equal opportunity for all Hoosiers and visitors to the State of Indiana.