Alpha Blackburn

A Lynchburg, Va., native and Distinguished Graduate of Howard University, Alpha Coles Blackburn has been a Hoosier for [over] 58 years and believes Indiana is her true home. She strives to set an example that creativity is joyful and exciting — and that giving is its own reward.

Alpha has served on more than 60 boards, commissions and civic committees. While she doesn’t consider herself a “natural joiner,” she considers board and committee service to be a strategy to effect change, to be a part of something bigger than oneself and to serve the greater good. The setting allows her to amplify her impact, using her skills and talents in a collaborative effort to address issues and formulate policies.

Some of her most lauded work includes leadership of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and the opportunity to lead the design team of The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati with her late husband Walter. Alpha served in the selection of the teams of architects to design the next five projects for The National Mall.

Alpha was the first Black woman to serve on the Board of Regents of The Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union the first since its founding in 1858. Due to her involvement, there is now greater emphasis on telling the American story of enslaved Blacks to the millions who visit the home of the nations first president.

Alpha also supports education through the Walter and Alpha Blackburn Scholarship Fund, which is supported by an annual fundraising gala and fashion show. It provides scholarships for students to study architecture and the arts.