Downtown in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Phyllis Wheatley YWCA

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 2, 2025

1. Phyllis Wheatley YWCA Marker, Side One

Inscription. A group of prominent Black Indianapolis women began organizing a YWCA in 1914. Under the leadership of May Belcher. the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA officially organized in 1923, providing a safe space for Black women and girls. The women raised financial support from the larger community, including Black and white citizens, to dedicate a new YWCA building near here in 1929.

The branch provided recreation (including a swimming pool), classes, housing, and meeting space for the Black community in the segregated city. The institution met spiritual, educational, and healthcare needs, promoted Black women's leadership, and advocated for civil and labor rights. During WWII, it welcomed Black servicewomen. It closed in 1959 as YWCAs desegregated.

Erected 2024 by Indiana Historical Bureau • William G. Pomeroy Foundation • Indiana Humanities • UPUI Arts & Humanities Institute • ASALH-Joseph Taylor Branch • St. Philip's Episcopal Church.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Women. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers, and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.

Location. 39°

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46.655′ N, 86° 10.052′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Downtown. It is on Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Street south of St. Clair Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is at St. Philip's Episcopal Church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 718 Doctor M.L.K Jr St, Indianapolis IN 46202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Black Lives Matter Mural (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Madam C.J. Walker (about 500 feet away); Madam C.J. Walker Building (about 500 feet away); Madame C.J. Walker Timeline (about 500 feet away); Sigma Theta Tau International (about 600 feet away); Ransom Place Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); USS Indianapolis CA-35 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic Ransom Place (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.

Regarding Phyllis Wheatley YWCA. Phillis Wheatley (1753–1784) is regarded as the first African American woman professional poet and writer in the United States.

Also see . . . Phyllis Wheatley YWCA. The YWCA established a branch in Indianapolis in 1895, but African Americans could not attend or belong. Minnie Whitaker sought to change that. (Etta Russell and Michele Fenton, The Encyclopedia

Phyllis Wheatley YWCA Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 2, 2025

2. Phyllis Wheatley YWCA Marker, Side Two

of Indianapolis) (Submitted on December 6, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Phyllis Wheatley YWCA Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 2, 2025

3. Phyllis Wheatley YWCA Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 24, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 24, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.