In June 1970, a 36-year old Black woman walked into American Fletcher National Bank seeking a loan to buy a house in the Butler Tarkington neighborhood on the northside of Indianapolis, Indiana. She was preparing for her impending nuptials and new life with her fiancé, who was recently widowed, and his four children. These two would later become my parents and the house they purchased would become our family ancestral home. Much like her parents’ home, it would become the midway stop and pass-through for those traveling cross-country - a sort of Green Book stop. It was safe and warm. It was home.
For the past 52 years, this home has been the seat of family gatherings for many occasions, Christmases, Thanksgivings, Easters, bridal and baby showers, weddings and wedding receptions, funeral gatherings and repasses, music rehearsals. It has housed exchange students, “the saints” from out of town, friends - local and abroad. It’s the place that first nurtured me. Here, I learned Love.
In October of 2020 my mother transitioned, leaving our family home for me to look after. Building and expanding on the legacy my parents cultivated fifty years ago. As for many older homes, this one being built in 1932; however strong their structures, over time they begin to deteriorate. Recently, it has been discovered that the house needs to have the whole sewer system replaced. This will mean that the plumbing arteries will be clear and flow with ease, preventing structural damage to the house. The estimate is $23,000. Thankfully, my homeowners’ insurance will cover $10,000 of the cost leaving a balance of $13,000. I am reaching out to my communities for help in defraying the costs of the sewer replacement. If you are able to contribute and help, I would be ever grateful. Thank you for helping me preserve the legacy of my ancestral home.
