Black History Month is a time to recognize the people, stories, and contributions that shape our communities. This year, that recognition feels especially meaningful to our team. Our corporate office recently moved into the Downtown Indianapolis Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, and as we get to know the area, we continue to draw inspiration from the leadership, legacy, and lived history across the community. Especially through the Greatriarchs of Martindale-Brightwood portrait series.
The Greatriarchs project is a public art and storytelling initiative that honors long term residents who helped shape the neighborhood through service, leadership, and care for others. Their influence continues to be felt across generations and throughout the community today.
The Story Behind the Greatriarchs Project
The Greatriarchs project began with Harrison Center artist Abi Ogle. She spent time visiting with neighborhood elders on their porches, listening to their stories and sketching their portraits while they talked. Through conversation and relationship building, she captured not only likeness, but lived experience and personal history.
Over three years, she created eighteen large scale paintings inspired by themes found in African American art history. These works were installed along the 16th Street corridor in the Hillside area of Martindale Brightwood. The central location makes the neighborhood history visible and accessible in everyday spaces.
The project was designed to celebrate those whose steady presence and leadership helped anchor the community across decades. The artist was able to turn their personal legacy into public tribute through art and storytelling.
A Living, Growing Community Tribute
The project has continued to grow beyond the original series. Additional artists, including Danielle Harrell, Cierra Johnson, and current Greatriarch artist Tashema Davis, have expanded the body of work. Today, artists have created and displayed dozens of Greatriarch portraits throughout the neighborhood and in civic and community spaces across Indianapolis.
These portraits have appeared in locations such as the Mayor’s Office, Edna Martin Christian Center, Black Expo, the Indiana State Fair, Polklore Micro Museum, and the Harrison Center. Each piece reflects both an individual story and a shared cultural heritage rooted in the Martindale Brightwood community.
Art Rooted in Listening and Relationship
What makes the Greatriarchs of Martindale Brightwood series especially meaningful is the process behind it. The artists did not simply paint portraits. They built relationships, listened closely, and translated real stories into visual tributes.
This relationship centered approach reflects the deeper purpose of the project. The Greatriarchs themselves have also served as advisors and connectors in neighborhood initiatives, helping guide efforts and strengthen community ties. Their impact extends beyond the canvas and into the ongoing life of the neighborhood.
Connecting Community Legacy to Our Mission
Our mission at Morales Group is to Build Better Futures, One Story at a Time. That mission connects naturally with what the Greatriarchs project represents. Strong futures are built when stories are heard, people are valued, and community knowledge is honored.
As a people focused organization, we believe every individual brings a story that matters. We see that same belief reflected in the murals and in the lives they celebrate. Recognizing and learning from community leaders is one way we continue to live out our values of being humble, being a light, being courageous, and being gritty.
Experiencing the Greatriarchs of Martindale Brightwood
Throughout Black History Month, we will be highlighting some of the Greatriarchs and sharing more about their lives and contributions on our Instagram + Facebook pages. We are grateful to be part of a neighborhood with deep roots and dedicated leaders, and we are committed to continuing to learn from and support the community around us.
Community members and visitors can experience the Greatriarchs portraits at the Polklore Micro Museum in Martindale-Brightwood and along the 16th Street corridor mural installations. These works stand as lasting reminders that community impact is built over time through service, leadership, and care for others.