Indiana Black Expo Founder Dies
(photo courtesy of Claudia Cummings)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA founder of one of Indiana’s most prominent events has died. James Cummings Jr., who helped established Indiana Black Expo in 1970, was also the founder the National Black Republican Council. He was 90.
After founding the council in the late 1970s, Cummings served as the organization’s director at the Republican National Committee. He also consulted with President Ronald Reagan on his cabinet picks and other matters.
IBE released the following statement on its website over the weekend:
“It is with a heavy heart that we at Indiana Black Expo mourn the passing of Indiana Black Expo founder James C. Cummings. He was instrumental in the founding of Indiana Black Expo. He led and served in various leadership capacities with IBE, including chairman of its board of directors. Jim also traveled the state of Indiana to help build IBE’s membership, infrastructure, and supporter base. He dedicated his life to service, activism, and shaping IBE into a statewide organization that provides year-round programs and initiatives across the state. His legacy will continue on in the work that we do to serve as a voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African Americans throughout the state of Indiana. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this time.”
Services for Cummings are pending.