Partnership to Preserve African American Landmarks

Standiford Cox was the first African American chemist to work for Eli Lilly. (photo courtesy: Indiana Landmarks)

Indiana Landmarks and the Central Indiana Community Foundation say a partnership between the organizations will help to preserve significant African American landmarks in Indiana.

Together the nonprofits will oversee two funds that honor the legacy of Eli Lilly and Co. scientist Standiford Cox, the first African American chemist to work for the pharmaceutical company.

Cox passed away last month. During his life, he established two funds: The Standiford H. Cox Fund supports the restoration, preservation, operation and ongoing maintenance of African American historic sites in Indiana. The Dovie Stewart Cox & Chester A. Cox Sr. Memorial Fund provides support for Lost Creek Community Grove near Terre Haute, one of the state’s earliest settlements of free people of color.

“Through this partnership with Indiana Landmarks, CICF is able to fulfill the legacy of Stan Cox and his commitment to preserve and honor the African American history and contributions made throughout our communities,” said Tamara Winfrey-Harris, vice president of community leadership and effective philanthropy at CICF.

Indiana Landmarks says it will serve as a key preservation advisor to the funds. With support from the African American Landmarks Committee, they will identify significant places and evaluate projects that the program could assist.

Those recommendations will go to CICF to see if the sites meet the criteria for funding.

Cox joined Eli Lilly & Co. in 1957 and worked for the company for 32 years.