Zola Lamothe Author Talk Presented by the Center for Black Literature & Culture

Unveiling a Forgotten Legacy

Zola Lamothe will join us to talk about her new book "Unveiling a Forgotten Legacy". It’s a heartfelt narrative that sheds light on the Black community once thriving in Indianapolis’s near-west side, before being disrupted by IUPUI’s expansion.

Unveiling a Forgotten Legacy is more than a photo book; it’s a heartfelt narrative that sheds light on the Black communities once thriving in Indianapolis’s near-west side, before being disrupted by IUPUI’s expansion. These neighborhoods were vibrant hubs of culture, family, and opportunity, but their demolition in the name of progress resulted in profound and lasting consequences. This book explores what was lost and asks a critical question: What could have been if these communities had been allowed to flourish?

The displacement of these neighborhoods was not just a physical relocation—it was the erasure of shared history, cultural identity, and generational opportunities. The cost of this disruption reverberates today, reminding us that the price of progress is often borne disproportionately by marginalized communities. Unveiling a Forgotten Legacy invites readers to confront this reality and challenges the assumption that time alone heals injustices. Instead, it emphasizes that meaningful change requires intentional effort, advocacy, and accountability. Through its photographs and stories, this book preserves the resilience and strength of those who lived in these communities.

Their voices, often silenced, are given space to be heard, ensuring their legacy endures. At the same time, it draws attention to the broader issue of gentrification and systemic inequality, which continue to displace communities across the country. The book serves as a mirror, reflecting on the past while urging us to consider how similar injustices can be prevented in the future. Creating Unveiling a Forgotten Legacy has been a transformative journey. Engaging with those who experienced displacement firsthand has deepened my understanding of the importance of preserving and uplifting community histories. I’ve learned that documenting these stories is not enough—we must also use them to advocate for change. This book is as much a call to action as it is a resource for understanding the consequences of erasure.

This project challenges readers to imagine a different kind of progress—one that doesn’t come at the expense of displacing the most vulnerable. It underscores the value of equity and justice, reminding us that every community deserves the opportunity to thrive. By preserving these forgotten legacies, Unveiling a Forgotten Legacy aims to inspire action and a renewed commitment to protecting the cultural and historical fabric of our cities. This book is both a tribute to what was lost and a vision for what could still be reclaimed. It encourages reflection, accountability, and advocacy to ensure that no community is erased in the name of progress again.

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