Downtown Black History Month Banner Project
Honoring Terre Haute’s Legacy, One Story at a Time
The City of Terre Haute Human Relations Commission invites you to be part of an exciting initiative to celebrate and preserve the rich history of our Black community. Since the early 2000s, our Downtown Black History Month banners have highlighted individuals whose contributions have shaped our city. Now, we’re refreshing this beloved tradition to honor even more impactful stories and ensure their legacy continues for generations.
About the Banner Project
Every February, these banners are displayed in Downtown Terre Haute as a tribute to Black History Month. Over the years, they’ve become a cherished part of our city’s cultural fabric. To preserve this tradition, we are:
- Digitizing History: Retiring and creating an online archive of the original banners for future generations to explore and learn.
- Seeking New Stories: Each year, a selection committee will highlight new honorees through an open nomination process.
- Creating New Banners: High-quality vinyl banners will feature both past and newly selected individuals, ensuring the display remains vibrant and enduring.
Submit Your Nomination
Do you know someone whose story deserves to be recognized? We want to hear from you! The nomination process is open from December 9, 2024, to January 3, 2025.
We’re looking for individuals who:
- Have made significant contributions to Terre Haute’s Black community.
- Represent values of leadership, resilience, and service.
Click below to learn more about eligibility and submit your nomination.
Selection Process
The Human Relations Commission is committed to recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Terre Haute’s Black community. To ensure a fair and thoughtful selection, we have established the following process for choosing honorees for the Downtown Black History Month banners:
Open Nominations
All nominations submitted by the public will be carefully reviewed. The Commission encourages nominations for individuals who have shown leadership, dedication, and a lasting positive impact on our community.
Selection Committee
A diverse selection committee has been formed to review the nominations. This committee will consist of community leaders, educators, and other individuals who represent Terre Haute’s values and history. Below are the members of the committee for the 2024-2025 cycle.
- Nichelle Campbell-Miller, Social Worker and Public School Dean of Students, Member of the Terre Haute Human Relations Commission
- Arielle Craig, Special Collection and Archives Assistant Librarian
- Suzy Dunning, County Historian
- Uzziah Hutchinson, Student and Educator, Member of the Terre Haute Human Relations Committee
- Dee Reed, Retired Marketing and DEI Executive, Member of the Terre Haute Human Relations Committee
Use of a Rubric
The committee will utilize a detailed rubric to evaluate the nominations. This rubric will assess criteria such as:
- The nominee's contributions to the community.
- Their positive impact on Terre Haute.
- Their lasting legacy and influence in shaping the city’s history.
Annual Selection
Each year, the committee will select up to 10 new honorees to be featured on the Downtown Black History Month banners. This will be an ongoing effort to celebrate and recognize the continued contributions of individuals in our community.
Learn More About Past Honorees
Explore the inspiring stories of individuals featured in past years. Our soon-to-be-launched digital archive will provide a comprehensive look at the lives and legacies of those who helped shape Terre Haute’s history.
List of Original Banner Honorees
Full Archive Coming Soon!
Get Involved
This project is only possible with the support of our community. Help us celebrate our history and make it accessible for future generations. Whether by submitting a nomination or sharing this initiative, your participation matters.
For questions or additional information, contact the Human Relations Commission at 812-244-5611 or email us at HumanRelations@TerreHaute.IN.Gov.
Together, let’s honor Terre Haute’s vibrant history and the individuals who made it extraordinary.