Freeman Ransom facts for kids

Freeman Briley Ransom (born 1880, died 1947) was an important lawyer and businessman. He lived in Indianapolis, Indiana. Freeman was born on his family's farm in Grenada, Mississippi. He was one of eleven children.

He became a lawyer and a businessman. He was also a civic activist, meaning he worked to improve his community. From 1910 until he passed away, he was the main lawyer for Madam C. J. Walker. He also worked for her company, the Madame C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. Freeman Ransom is buried in West Ridge Park Cemetery in Indianapolis. His law partner was Robert Brokenburr.

Freeman Ransom's Education

Freeman Ransom worked hard in school. He graduated from the black high school in Grenada. Then, he went to Walden University in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1908, he earned two degrees from Walden University. He studied both divinity (religion) and law. He was the top student in both of his classes. After that, he continued his law studies. He did more advanced work at Columbia University's School of Law.

Working with Madam C.J. Walker

After moving to Indianapolis, Ransom quickly became very important to Madam C.J. Walker. He was not just her lawyer. He also became the general manager for the Madame C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company.

Under his strong leadership, the company grew a lot. It became a great example of how to run a successful business. This was true for African-American businesses and many others across the United States and even in other countries.

Helping Indianapolis Businesses and Community

As the Walker Company became bigger, so did Freeman Ransom's reputation. He became a well-known figure in Indianapolis. He worked as a lawyer for many other businesses in the city. He also helped many community groups.

Ransom held several important positions. Some of these were:

• Indianapolis City Councilman (meaning he helped make decisions for the city)
• President of Flanner House (a community center)
• Trustee for the State School for the Blind (helping guide the school)
• Alternate Delegate for the Democratic National Convention (a political role)
• Trustee for Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
• Legal consultant for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which works for civil rights.

Building the Walker Theatre

In 1924, land was bought for $58,000 to build a special place. Ransom worked with A'Lelia Walker, Madam Walker's daughter, on this project. They wanted to build a building to honor Madam Walker.

The Walker Theatre was created to be a "social and cultural center of Indianapolis." It was a place for people to gather and enjoy arts and culture. The theatre first opened its doors on December 26, 1927.

Ransom's Legacy in Indianapolis

Freeman Ransom and his family lived most of their lives in Indianapolis. Their home was near Indiana Avenue. This area is now known as the Ransom Place Historic District.

The district was named after him and his family in 1992. It was the first African-American neighborhood in Indiana to get such an honor. This neighborhood was home to many important African American business leaders. It is still the most complete 19th-century neighborhood linked to African Americans in Indianapolis.

Today, there is also an apartment complex on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. It is named after the Ransom family.

In Popular Culture

Freeman Ransom was shown in a Netflix mini-series from 2020. The show was called Self Made. It told the story of Madam C.J. Walker. In the series, Kevin Carroll played the role of Freeman Ransom.

See also

• A'Lelia Walker