Lionel Artis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lionel Artis
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| Born | December 3, 1895 |
| Died | September 1, 1971 (aged 75) Indianapolis, Indiana, Indiana, United States
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Administrator |
Lionel F. Artis (born 1895, died 1971) was an important leader and public servant in the United States. He worked as an administrator, helping to manage public services. Lionel Artis made history in Indianapolis by becoming the first Black person to join a major city decision-making group. He was appointed to the Indianapolis Board of Health and Hospitals.
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Lionel Artis's Early Life and Education
Lionel Artis was born in Paris, Illinois. His family moved to Indianapolis when he was a child. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I. While in Europe, he studied in Beaune, France.
After the war, he attended Butler University. Later, he transferred to the University of Chicago, earning his bachelor's degree in 1933. In 1941, he earned his master's degree from Indiana University.
Artis married Sue Chambers, and they had four children together.
Public Service and Community Work
Working for the Community
Lionel Artis was a dedicated administrator focused on affordable housing. In the 1920s, he spoke out against segregation. He opposed the idea of building a separate high school just for Black students, working alongside Robert Brokenburr. Even with their efforts, the Indianapolis school board approved the school in 1922. This school became Crispus Attucks High School.
From 1937 to 1969, he managed Lockefield Gardens. This was the first community housing complex built in Indianapolis. He also helped organize the Flanner House Homes. These were single and duplex family homes built in the 1950s for Black families.
Helping Others Through Volunteering
Artis was a very active volunteer in Indianapolis. He served on the boards of 23 different organizations. He volunteered for groups like the Community Health Association and the Community Service Council. He also helped the Indianapolis Urban League, the YMCA, and Meals on Wheels. He even volunteered for the Girl Scouts.
As a board member of the historic Senate Avenue YMCA, he started the first Boy Scouts troop there. While working as an assistant secretary at the YMCA, he talked with James Weldon Johnson. They discussed the possibility of King Nana Amoah III of Africa visiting Black communities in the city. Artis was also an African American art collector. He organized art exhibitions at the YMCA.
He became the first Black person appointed to a major city policy-making group. This happened when he joined the Indianapolis Board of Health and Hospitals.
Artis was an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi, a fraternity. He was the first editor of the fraternity's quarterly magazine, The Journal. In the 1920s, Artis wrote to W.E.B. Du Bois. He sent articles about his fraternity for Du Bois's magazine, The Crisis.
Later Years and Lasting Impact
In 1967, Lionel Artis received several honors. He was named "Man of the Year" by the B'nai B'rith Lodge 58. The Community Service Council also called him "Most Wanted Man." He was honored by the Indianapolis Urban League, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and the Fall Creek YMCA.
Lionel Artis passed away on September 1, 1971. His funeral service was led by Bishop John Craine at Christ Church Cathedral. Cleo W. Blackburn attended the funeral. Artis is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery.
His important papers and records are kept at the Indiana Historical Society. An apartment complex in Indianapolis is named after Artis, honoring his contributions to the city.
