IPA History
IPA was founded in October, 1984 by six far-sighted attorneys and a judge who were members of the Marion County Bar Association, a legal professional organization, comprised of mostly African-American attorneys. The founding members were Judge Taylor Baker Jr., Attorneys Bernard Huff, Mae Jimison, Nora Peoples, Ted Wilson, Willard Ransom, and Coleman Moore. On January 26, 1985, the official name, structure, and mission were established. IPA was incorporated in February, 1985 and registered as a tax-exempt organization under both the State of Indiana and the US Internal Revenue Service 501 (c)(3).
Notable Dates in IPA History
November 1986 – IPA sponsored its first business card exchange. For the first several years, IPA either single or jointly, sponsored these events both in the fall and in the spring of each year. They were IPA’s major fund raisers as well as business expos. During the last few years since 2000 the fall networking events have replaced the fall business card exchanges and the IPA organizational networking luncheons replaced the ones formerly given in the spring.
April 1987 – IPA presented its first Achievement Awards Breakfast for ten Merit Finalist after Bernard Huff proposed this program to IPA board for adoption and later for submission to the Internal Revenue Service to help obtain IPA’s 501 (c)(3) status as an exempt nonprofit organization.
December 17, 1988 – IPA presented its first Youth Empowerment Breakfast with Career Beginnings as a partner at Clowes Hall on Butler University campus. There were about 250 persons in attendance. Charles Barker and Lynn Roper, IPA Board Members, created this program which was later adopted by IPA’s Board as a standing event.
March 2004 – IPA presented its first organizational networking luncheon with an attendance over 125 with over 25 different community organizations represented. This has become a standing event.
September 2005 – By resolution, IPA adopted the Willard B. Ransom Memorial Scholarship Fund to seek grants and other funds to help cover the expenses, including scholarships for IPA’s Achievement Awards Breakfast Program. Proposed by Bernard Huff to key National City Bank, the multiyear initiative provided IPA with $60,000 over three years. A jointly-sponsored reception with IPA and National City was held in January of 2006 announcing the grants.
May 2016 – With the loss of the National Merit Achievement Program, IPA with input from high school counselors, chose to honor two high ranking college bound seniors from each of the IPS high schools. To recognize and assist more minority students, IPA for the first time combined its Achievement Awards Breakfast with its Youth Empowerment Program.All youth recognized in the Youth Empowerment Program also received a $500 book award to assist them in their first year of college