Center for Black Literature & Culture

Center for Black Literature & Culture

Central Library

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The Indianapolis Public Library's Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) is dedicated to celebrating the vibrant and resilient heritage and triumphs of those born of African roots. This space is for ALL who are interested in exploring the rich heritage that has influenced nations across the globe.

Murals for Justice Collection

Local artists of color were commissioned to create the murals in June, 2020. The artworks were originally created on the wood that was used to cover downtown windows amid protests of the police-involved killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Dreasjon Reed.

The Indianapolis Public Library’s Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) at Central Library partnered with artist, equity practitioner, and design researcher Danicia Monét and the Arts Council of Indianapolis to ensure that the murals were archived as a part of Indianapolis history. The murals were replicated on 3-by-5-foot vinyl banners and as high resolution images in the online collection Digital Indy: Murals for Justice, which includes information about the contributing artists. The murals will be available in the IndyPL online catalog indefinitely. This community-engagement initiative was funded through the generosity of Glick Philanthropies.

How to Borrow the Vinyl Banners

  • View the collection in the library's online catalog and place a hold by logging into your account.
  • The banners are housed at Central Library in the Center for Black Literature & Culture, but can be placed on hold and picked up from any IndyPL location.
  • The banners have a 42-day checkout duration and are not eligible for renewals.
  • Patrons can check out up to eight banners at once.

The Murals for Racial Justice project was initially organized by the Arts Council, Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc., PATTERN, St’ArtUp 317, and cultural entrepreneur Malina Simone Jeffers. This community-engagement initiative is funded through the generosity of Glick Philanthropies, and is a partnership between the Indianapolis Public Library's Center for Black Literature & Culture and the Arts Council of Indianapolis.

I Can't Breathe
Unity
For George
James Baldwin Speaks / Audrey Lorde Speaks
Truth Seekers
BLKKK Lives Don't Matter
His Life Matters / Justice for Black Lives
BLM
Soul Exhalation
Do the Right Thing
Endangered
New Nation
No More Guns
Outlined In Black and White
Red Face / Blue Face
Rejoice
Silenced
The Future is Now
Tribute to Black Lives that Mattered
We the People
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Amenities & Services

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Special collection
  • Tours by request
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The creation of the Center for Black Literature & Culture is made possible thanks to a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

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