The roar and excitement of cars racing around the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was alluring to many.

But Black Americans were barred from participating. After being told no by the American Automobile Association - the sport’s governing body - multiple times, they created their own auto racing event.

Though it was a free state, Indiana condoned slavery and it was practiced by the most influential people in the state, including elected officials, lawyers, religious, business and civic leaders.

A catalyst in ending the practice was Mary Bateman Clark.

If not for an ordinance proposed by one of the first African American city councilmen in Indianapolis, Capitol Avenue would be Tennessee Street and Senate Avenue would be Mississippi Street.