The Near West is one of the three communities that DIP-IN has partnered with since the start of the project in 2018. What some might not know is that the Near West community is made up of four unique neighborhoods that each has its own history and identity as part of the larger Near West community. These unique neighborhoods include Haughville, Hawthorne, Stringtown, and We Care.
In January, the Stringtown community elected new leadership for the Stringtown Neighborhood Association including Frank Staples as president, Fatima Perry as vice president, Karla Romero as secretary, and Samantha Staples-Morgan as treasurer.
Please check out the piece below, written by Stringtown Neighborhood Association leadership, to learn more about Stringtown’s history and its newly elected leaders! And if you or someone you know lives in the Stringtown neighborhood and would like to learn more about joining, please reach out to their neighborhood email (stringtownneighborhoodassoc24@yahoo.com).
Stringtown: A historical and community overview
Stringtown is a historic westside neighborhood in Indianapolis, bordered by Michigan Street, White River Parkway, Washington Street, and Belmont Avenue. The neighborhood originated in 1833 when the National Road extended to the west bank of the White River, leading to a "string" of homes along the road, which inspired its name.
Initially an agricultural community, Stringtown saw significant transformation in the 1870s with the arrival of the railroads. German and Irish immigrants settled in the area, constructing modest Carpenter-Builder style homes while working in the railroad and industrial sectors. Indianapolis annexed the neighborhood in 1897.
Stringtown endured a devastating setback during the 1913 flood, when a levee broke, submerging homes and prompting demographic shifts. As German and Irish residents relocated, white Protestants from the American South moved in, taking up jobs in local industries like the Evans Flour Mill. However, by the 1960s, the neighborhood faced economic decline due to industrial closures, rising unemployment, and deteriorating housing.
The expansion of White River State Park and the Indianapolis Zoo in the 1980s further displaced residents and businesses. Despite these challenges, revitalization efforts have been ongoing, with redevelopment plans focusing on improving infrastructure and strengthening community ties.
Stringtown’s legacy of service and advocacy
A key part of Stringtown’s resilience is the commitment to service. One of the most significant community initiatives began with Lucious Newsom, who established "The Lord’s Pantry" in a small bait shop before expanding into a warehouse and eventually founding Anna’s House. The pantry continues to provide vital resources to the community, but the need remains.
Leading the charge in addressing these challenges are Stringtown’s newly elected Neighborhood Association leadership including Frank Staples (president), Fatima Perry (vice president), Karla Romero (secretary), and Samantha Staples-Morgan (treasurer).
Frank's life story is incredibly inspiring. Facing substantial challenges from birth with his hearing, he has shown remarkable strength and resilience. The moment he first experienced the sound of running water in his 40s must have been awe-inspiring, especially after years of surgeries and adjustments.
His journey also highlights the importance of family and community. Moving away in 1987 and returning in 2000, while maintaining strong connections through his granny and others in the neighborhood, speaks volumes about the lasting bonds he has nurtured. His transition from being the treasurer to the president of the association, following in his uncle Tim Ingram's footsteps, shows his dedication to his community and his desire to make a positive impact.
Frank's medical retirement after 17 years at UTC Carrier due to open-heart surgery didn't stop him from continuing to contribute meaningfully. His active role as the president of the association and his connections with leaders in the Near West collaboration further underscore his commitment to making a difference.
Frank's life is a testament to perseverance, community, and leadership. His journey is a reminder that even in the face of significant obstacles, one can achieve great things and make a lasting impact on the world around them.
Frank fought for UTC Carrier to try to keep their jobs from being taken away and was an activist for over 16 years after having gone to the University of Illinois for three years.
A former resident of Stringtown and a passionate advocate for the Near West, Fatima Perry’s dedication to community empowerment is deeply personal. She attended George Washington High School, where she volunteered alongside Lucious Newsom, and later graduated from Ben Davis High School in 2011. As a student, she was a recipient of a donated car from Anna’s House, which allowed her to commute to Ivy Tech, where she earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts.
Fatima then pursued further education at Ashford University, but after returning home for the summer, life took a new direction—she became a mother to her son, Bryant. Determined to continue her education, she pursued a path in special education, becoming a licensed special education teacher, particularly driven by the need to advocate for Hispanic children with special needs.
Now a mother of three, Fatima remains steadfast in her belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to be empowered to reach their true potential—and she is here to help. Under her leadership, she has already spearheaded several community initiatives, including:
- Near West Community Health Fair
- Near West Empowerment Youth Program
- Food Insecurity Awareness Event
- Near West High School Senior Fundraising Brunch
- Various community clean-ups and advocacy efforts
The Stringtown Neighborhood Association is proud to have Karla Romero as our secretary. Karla, who uses he/they pronouns, is an immigrant from Madrid and brings a wealth of cultural and linguistic diversity to our community. As a bilingual activist and editor, Karla is deeply committed to equity and belonging.
He works at the city as the language access program manager, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder access to essential services. Karla’s passion for helping others extends to both humans and cats, making him a beloved and integral part of our neighborhood. We are grateful for Karla’s efforts and the positive impact he has on our community.
Samantha Staples-Morgan’s story is truly inspiring, and she has a deep-rooted connection to Stringtown. Spending summers with her granny in the neighborhood created wonderful memories, and the family home on Elder Street is a testament to her family's longstanding presence in the community.
Her dedication to helping others started young when she began tutoring. While working at Mann's Grill, she met her husband, Stevie Morgan Jr., and together they share their lives with their beloved fur babies, Luna and Gypsy.
Samantha's passion for improving the neighborhood through the association is evident in her commitment to making Stringtown a safer and more vibrant place for all residents. She is actively working on improving street lighting in the neighborhood, a crucial effort that enhances safety and overall quality of life.
For those needing streetlight repairs or interested in supporting community initiatives, reaching out to the Stringtown Neighborhood Association or joining the Stringtown Neighborhood Association and Crime Watch on Facebook is a great way to get involved and assist Samantha in her efforts.
The Stringtown Neighborhood Association is committed to fostering neighbor empowerment, unity, and revitalization. By hosting town hall meetings, organizing community events, and providing a safe, inclusive space, the association aims to restore pride, ownership, and connection within Stringtown. With a focus on collaboration, engagement, and long-term sustainability, Stringtown is working to ensure that it remains a welcoming home for all its residents.