In the far reaches of southwestern Indiana lies the community of Lyles Station. Settled by free black farmers in 1813, Lyles Station and its citizens have fought many legal battles in a persistent quest for equality and justice. On Friday, February 2, 2018, federal agencies in Indianapolis will sponsor a Black History Month event celebrating the many contributions and legal achievements of the people of Lyles Station. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana will host the free event at 2:00 pm in the Sarah Evans Barker Courtroom (courtroom 216) at the Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 46 East Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.
 
Stanley Madison, historian and chairman of the Lyles Station Historic Preservation Corporation, will provide an overview of the history of Lyles Station, then speak about The State ex rel. James Roundtree v. the Board of Commissioners of Gibson County, Indiana, an 1880s case filed by Lyles Station native James Roundtree to replace and maintain a bridge over the Patoka River. Mr. Roundtree initially lost his case at the county level but successfully appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court, a notable achievement for an African American farmer at that time. The presentation will be moderated by Doria Lynch, court historian. The history of Lyles Station is of such significance that it is featured in a prominent exhibit at the new National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
 
Musical entertainment will be provided by the Golden Singers of Broad Ripple Magnet High School for the Arts and Humanities.
 
This program will last one hour and approval of one hour of Continuing Legal Education credit is pending. Pre-registration is NOT required.
 
The program is free and open to the public. Photography will be permitted during the program. If you would like to send a photographer and/or reporter to cover the program, or if you have other questions, please contact Doria Lynch at 317-229-3729 or Doria_Lynch@insd.uscourts.gov.