CARMEL, Ind. (WTHR) — James C. Cummings, Jr., the founder of Indiana Black Expo and the National Black Republican Council, died Thursday at age 90.
He suffered a heart attack at the nursing home he was at in Carmel.
Cummings was a celebrated civic and political leader who helped shape Indiana’s cultural life, economic development and political landscape and played a prominent role on the national political stage.
Cummings helped with the election of President Ronald Reagan, consulted on the President's cabinet picks and was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1985.
Cummings vision to showcase Indiana’s African-American history and accomplishments led to the first Indiana Black Expo in 1971. He then worked to develop it into the major annual convention it is today.
Cummings also distinguished himself in the military as a sergeant during the Korean War and was active with the local VFW for several decades.
He also created Cummings Real Estate, which specialized in buying and selling residential and commercial properties throughout the city.
Cummings was married to Norma L. Cummings until her death in 2014. Survivors include his children and their spouses: Cynthia Elaine Cummings (Mary Hunsche), James Cornelius Cummings III (Karlotta Cummings), Cecilia Eileen Cummings (Stephen Glynn), Ronald Lee Cummings (Lisa Cummings) and Claudia Elissa Cummings (Michael Rains). Also surviving are seven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
"He believed in equity and equality and civil rights and I think that Indiana Black Expo was his way of ensuring that the citizens and particularly the black citizens of Indiana would be exposed to those issues," said Cynthia Cummings.
Services are pending. Donations may be sent to Indiana Black Expo, 601 N. Shortridge Road, Indianapolis, IN 46219.