Urban League kicks off Black History Month with annual ‘Race Card Project’, honoring local trailblazer

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - The Fort Wayne Urban League is honoring a local trailblazer this Black History Month.

Monday marked the kick-off of the third annual “Race Card Project,” an initiative that challenges people to share their personal experiences in just a few words.

The Fort Wayne Urban League opened with a tribute to a man who helped change the course of the city’s history: former city councilman John Nuckols, who served the city of Fort Wayne for 23 years from 1959 to 1982.

In honor of his legacy, Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker proclaimed Feb. 2 as John Nuckols Day, recognizing him as the first Black person to serve on Fort Wayne’s city council.

Aisha Arrington, President and CEO of the Fort Wayne Urban League, says a bust was gifted to the organization by the family of artist Hector Garcia.

Arrington says it serves as a reminder of Nuckols' dedication to service and civil rights.

She says the Race Card Project continues to be successful.

Arrington says honoring leaders like John Nuckols reinforces the importance of community voices and ongoing conversations about race and equality.

The Race Card Project runs now through the end of February. To learn more, click here.