A century of tradition

Roberts Settlement descendants gather to celebrate 100^th Homecoming

After months of preparation, the 100th Homecoming of the descendants of Roberts Settlement filled this past weekend with both reminiscing of days past and looking toward an exciting and vibrant future.

Photo provided

In addition to marking 100 consecutive reunions, family and friends also celebrated the completion of a fundraising campaign, “IMAGINE! Black Pioneers!” that raised more than $440,000 to create “The Legacy Walk at Roberts Settlement.” The interactive installation provides the means for a self-guided journey through Roberts Settlement’s Black pioneer history as well as a peaceful place for reflection. Construction is expected to begin later this fall with completion in mid-2024.

(From left) David Heighway, Lezlie Davis, and La Vella Hyter. (Photo provided)

The celebration kicked off last Thursday evening with a panel discussion, “We the Free? People of Color – Movements and Identity.” Nearly 100 attendees enjoyed the panel including Charlene Fletcher Ph.D, the Curatorial Director at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Warren Milteer Ph.D., Assistant Professor at George Washington University in Washington D.C., and Stephen Vincent Ph.D. retired associate professor at University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, an Independent Scholar and native son of Noblesville. The panel was moderated by Celeste Williams, a former journalist. The program was made possible through a grant from Indiana Humanities in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities and a grant from the Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission.

Last Friday evening was spent reconnecting over hot dogs while enjoying a hayride and fireworks.

Last Saturday’s festivities included a proclamation of the Hamilton County Council delivered by county historian David Heighway. In addition to the traditional activities of any family reunion, the 100^th Homecoming program honored the legacy of Roberts Settlement, including a special commemoration of members of the family who served in the military.

Hamilton County Historian David Heighway delivered a proclamation of the County Council recognizing the legacy of Roberts Settlement on its 100th Homecoming. (Photo provided)

Located on 276^th Street just east of U.S. 31 in northern Hamilton County, Roberts Settlement was founded in 1835 by free Blacks of mixed racial heritage who migrated mostly from North Carolina and Virginia to escape deteriorating racial conditions in the South. Their goals were the pursuit of economic, educational, and religious aspirations with greater freedom and fewer racial barriers. Today, set on a gently rolling landscape, visitors will find a chapel and cemetery, representing a once thriving community that continued to grow through the late 1800s.

A’Lelia Bundles and Maizie Glover. (Photo provided)

Since 1924, the family has gathered to commemorate founding of the settlement and the perseverance of the original families. Historian and Noblesville native Stephen A. Vincent, Ph.D. notes:

“In the mid-1920s, growing self-awareness of Roberts Settlement’s special heritage led former residents to organize annual homecoming reunions, establishing a Fourth of July tradition that has continued to the present day. At the first gathering, Cyrus Roberts, who grew up in the neighborhood during its most prosperous days, proclaimed to the assembled celebrants that:

Our religious and educational facilities and opportunities have not been excelled in the past, [and] our religious influence and intellectual ability … are known far and wide … [Today] our talent is sought, and the name “Roberts Settlement” has become a synonym, not only for greatness, but also for honesty and uprightedness wherever spoken.

“The themes of Roberts’ address – the community’s exceptional place in African-American history and its enduring legacy for its descendants – struck responsive chords for those in attendance. They helped define the community’s special character; affirmed their own success as Black Americans in moving beyond the farm neighborhood and offered hope and promise for those following in their own footsteps.”

Photos provided