Exploring Hamilton County’s Black history: a fresh perspective from writer Jason Gordon

By JEREMY JENKINS
WISH-TV | wishtv.com

Just in time for Black History Month, Hamilton County’s rich history soon will take center stage in a national spotlight.

From cultural exhibitions to culinary experiences, writer and TV-film producer Jason Gordon is highlighting the area in an upcoming feature for New York-based Uptown Magazine.

Gordon, fresh from his trip to Indiana, joined Daybreak to share his perspective on the experience.

“A friend kept telling me I needed to visit Indiana, and honestly, it’s always been a flyover state for me,” Gordon said. “But to actually come here and experience what the destination has to offer, especially from an African American perspective, was really eye-opening.”

One of his major stops was Conner Prairie, where he explored the stories and struggles of African Americans over 500 years of history.

“To me, this is like the next step after visiting the Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee,” Gordon said. “What Conner Prairie and the Preserving Local Black History grant are doing to bring these stories to life is amazing.”

Beyond history, Gordon’s article will also focus on food, culture, and the vibrant Noblesville community.

“I’m a foodie,” he said, with a laugh. “And what really blew me away was learning that, at one point, this area was considered a Black Wall Street. Seeing how African Americans flourished here told such a powerful story.”

Gordon hopes his article will change perceptions of Indiana, especially for African Americans looking to connect with history in a new way. “Before coming here, I thought of Indiana as just the Indy 500, cornfields, and Michael Jackson, but there’s so much more-rich history, great experiences, incredible food, and welcoming people.”

His Uptown Magazine article will go live soon, and he encourages everyone to explore Hamilton County for themselves.

This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/news/multicultural-news/exploring-hamilton-county-indiana-black-history.