The Carnegie Center is still open to the public-come see inspiring art and learn about local history. However, out of an abundance of caution, we have made the decision to suspend programs and events that we organize. As a branch of the Floyd County Library, the Carnegie’s programming options will transition to digital format. We hope to still provide outstanding, informative, and engaging programs for our community. Check our webpage to see what exciting things are planned and what delivery platform will be used. We want to assure that the Library services you have come to value and treasure will still be available digitally even if in person is not possible.

Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867 to formerly enslaved parents, Madam C.J. Walker became an entrepreneur, suffragist, philanthropist, arts supporter, and activist. Her hugely successful hair and beauty product industry, based in Indiana, paved the way to financial independence for African American women across the nation. Learn more about her remarkable life and legacy in this talk and theatrical performance held in conjunction with Permanent and Natural, an art exhibition that features hair as personal expression, cultural identity, and artistic medium.

Susan L. Hall Dotson is the Coordinator of African American History at the Indiana Historical Society. She is a member of the Indiana Landmarks Commission’s African American Landmarks Committee, the Indiana Women’s Suffrage Centennial Celebration Committee, Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Indianapolis NAACP, The Links Incorporated and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Susan was formerly the Director of Community Relations and Curator at the Cleveland History Center and Senior Coordinator of Public Programs for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. As the president of Hall Creative Productions, she created six historic markers installed along the Mt. Pleasant Historic Trail. Susan holds an M.A. in History and a B.A. in Communication from Cleveland State University. She is a Brooklyn, New York native who currently resides in Indianapolis with her husband Prof. Olon F. Dotson.

Tracey Wynn studied Speech Communications and Theatre at Tennessee State University. During her time with the Thomas E. Poag Player Guild, she starred in several productions, including A Raisin in the Sun and The River Niger. While living in Brooklyn, New York, Wynn produced and directed a weekly television show for the Brooklyn Community Access Station, as well. Her love of theatre and history led to her current position as actor/facilitator at the Indiana Historical Society. Wynn plans to continue expressing herself through artist and portraying historical characters at the Indiana Historical Society.

Portrait of Madam C.J. Walker courtesy NMAH Archives Center