Part one: 'A Local Look at Black History'

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - February 1 is the start of Black History Month. But News 18 is looking at year-round ways to celebrate Black History.

Join us now to take an unprecedented local look at black history, from the past, to professionals of color to, finally, the black church.

We first explore the early life of blacks in Tippecanoe County, including their struggles, their success, and their impact.

The greater Lafayette area serves as the heartland of Indiana, an area rich in African-American history that tells the story of a people brought together by historic injustices and united by a common goal.

Here is a fellowship that we try to maintain that says we're all God's family and you're welcomed here.

Prior to the civil war, Lafayette was home to free blacks who migrated from the northeast.

These early settlers were successful business owners in their own right working to establish better lives.

“When you look at the early records of African-Americans here, there's opportunity here, because in the first years of 1830s to 1850, it's a growing community and there's economic opportunities,” said Mary Anthrop, Lafayette historian.

The foundation of the community was the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. It served as the religious capitol of the black community and also housed the first school for children of color. The current pastor is Reverend Douglas Banks.

“This is such a wonderful congregation and I think as we talk about the message going forward for black history month. I think Bethel really exemplifies that as a congregation,” said Reverend Banks.

“It continued in that little church until the population changed, because we had a very small African-American community, up to the civil war, probably less than 200 people after the civil war. And the migration of former slaves from the south and the population grows and the church is too small,” said Anthrop.

As time marched on, so did life for African-Americans in the area.

In 1922, the historic Lincoln School opened to provide education opportunities for the growing population.

There is a photo of black Hoosiers from Jefferson High School's class of 1946 in the video above. Jefferson had always been integrated in the classroom and athletics. However, extra curricular activities were segregated.

“You know, there is tension. I's not being talked about a lot,” said Anthrop.

An example that life for blacks hasn't always been easy.

The decades following show a time of improvement and some acceptance in Lafayette culture and as the chapters in history are written, it is the hope of many in the community that the importance of black heritage here in the heartland is never forgotten.

“It lends a diversity to the community that enriches the community. You have so many people coming from so many different experiences,” said Anthrop.

Wednesday morning, we meet black professionals in Greater Lafayette.