Anderson-Merriweather Alumni Society, most notably known as AMAS, was named for Zachariah M. Anderson and Evangeline Harris Merriweather, pioneers whose shoulders all African Americans who have attended Indiana State University stand.
When I first discovered Ambassador Cynthia Shepard Perry, I was awestruck by her remarkable achievements and profound impact. Driven to learn more about this extraordinary woman and perhaps one of the greatest Sycamores, I read her book All Things Being Equal, which details her 25-year journey to becoming an ambassador and her first appointment to Sierra Leone. The book left me with not only a deep sense of admiration but also genuine inspiration.
Disappointed that Indiana State University had no public acknowledgment of her, I felt compelled to take action. I sent a letter to Ambassador Perry at her home in Houston, seeking her permission to move forward with a campaign for a street name change in her honor. After waiting for a response, I was thrilled to receive a call about two months later from a Houston area code, with the caller ID reading “Ambassador Perry.” In her late 80s, she was as gracious and formidable as ever, reminiscent of my grandmother. Our conversation was heartwarming and filled with laughter when I shared my excitement about the street name project. Ambassador Perry said yes and apologized for the oversight of my letter, revealing that it had been misplaced, and suggested I could have called her directly. I still smile when I think about that moment.
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Cynthia Shepard Perry
Honoring a Legacy (contd...)
We spoke only a few times after that, but I had the incredible opportunity to meet her in person when her granddaughter, Pam Ross—an ISU alum—invited me to celebrate her 93rd birthday.
It was truly an honor to unite with fellow Black Sycamores, her family, and friends to petition Indiana State University and the Board of Trustees to rename 5th Street as Ambassador Cynthia Shepard Perry Way. This recognition was something she got to enjoy before her passing. I encourage everyone to visit the Charles E. Brown Cultural Center to view the mural celebrating Ambassador Perry’s enduring legacy.
Author - Darrell Morton, Jr.
MarQus Williams Champion of Safety Engineering
A Safety Engineer III at United States Steel, MarQus Williams has dedicated over 15 years to hazard and risk analysis for manufacturing institutions. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Health and Safety Management from Indiana State University, where he also became a member
of the Zeta Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He furthered his education with a Master of Science in Occupational Health and Safety Management from Indiana University Bloomington. He is pursuing a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership at Marian University in Indianapolis.
Throughout his career, MarQus has been credited with reducing workplace injuries by an impressive 40% on average across the U.S. Steel Gary Works Complex, Tube City IMS at Gary Works Site, and Caterpillar in East Peoria Track Type Tractors Division. His efforts have resulted in significant direct and indirect cost savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars. MarQus takes great pride in ensuring that his team members return
home safely, maintaining their quality of life despite the fastpaced, hazardous nature of the steel industry.
To achieve these remarkable results, MarQus has implemented various safety measures. These include behavior-based safety programs, safety management systems, risk rating of job tasks, root cause analysis on all incidents, fatality prevention audits, workplace redesigns, and compliance audits across his facilities. His comprehensive approach has set new standards in workplace safety.
Beyond his professional achievements, MarQus is a dedicated family man. He is married to Omoayena Williams and is a father of four children, including a set of girl/
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MarQus Williams
MarQus Williams: Champion of Safety Engineering (contd...)
boy twins. His commitment to his family is as strong as his dedication to his work. Recently, he ventured into real estate development and is excited about designing a cross-generational estate.
One of MarQus’s childhood dreams is to become Dr. MarQus Williams and teach
at a university before retiring to a cozy house on the beach in Jamaica. His passion for safety, education, and family exemplifies the values and aspirations that make him an outstanding Sycamore alum. His dreams for the future are as big as his achievements in the past.
Chenel Darby A Leader in Health and Wellness
Chenel Darby, a trailblazer in the field of health and wellness, was born in New York City. Her family later moved to Indiana, where she completed her primary education before earning a bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Performance from Indiana State University.
Chenel is the Founder and CEO of Choice Wellness Company (CWCHealth), a
firm dedicated to designing organizational wellness initiatives that promote improved health outcomes for business owners, individuals, and small to medium-sized companies. Under her visionary leadership, CWCHealth has become a beacon of wellness, fostering healthier and more productive environments.
With a diverse skill set, Chenel is an ACE-certified Health Coach, yoga instructor, public speaker, workplace wellness consultant, and youth golf coach. Her expertise enables her to connect with a wide range of audiences and effectively address various wellness needs. She enjoys networking, tackling home
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Kelah McKee
Known as ThePolishedLady, Kelah McKee is a dedicated Media Specialist focused on bringing positive brand awareness to Black Owned Businesses through journalism and storytelling. As a host, content creator, and brand ambassador, she collaborates with several notable Black Owned brands to elevate their presence and reach.
Kelah is also an active member of @CreateConnectCollab, @TheBossBabeNetwork, and @GirlGang.Indy. Her involvement in these organizations highlights her commitment to professional growth and community support. Through her work, Kelah aims to create impactful stories that celebrate and promote the achievements of Black entrepreneurs.
Kelah McKee
Chenel Darby
Chenel Darby: A Leader in Health and Wellness (contd...)
DIY projects, and managing her Airbnb properties in her free time.
Chenel’s commitment to her community is evident through her active involvement as a board member of several organizations, including the Montgomery County Leadership Academy, Second Baptist Church, Humans
United for Equality, and NXG Motorsports. She is passionate about mentoring youth and young adults, aiming to inspire and guide the next generation.
On a personal note, Chenel is a devoted mother who cherishes every moment with her son, a talented YouTuber named @DkPlayz. Her support and encouragement are a
testament to her dedication to family and community.
Known for her quiet strength and determination, Chenel Darby embraces every opportunity and challenge, making a lasting impact on everyone she encounters. Her unwavering commitment to health, wellness, and community service inspires all.
“Her expertise enables her to connect with a wide range of audiences and effectively address various wellness needs. She enjoys networking, tackling home DIY projects, and managing her Airbnb properties in her free time.”
Around The Forest
Hasaan
Rashid Outside Sales Utility Pipe Sales Company
Trinere Richie Assistant Principal at KIPP Indy Public Schools
Noral Parham III Copywriter, Journalist, and Content Developer
Chris Hicks and Vincent Allen are organizing the ISU 1970s Football Teams’ Reunion scheduled for Homecoming Weekend—more details coming soon.
ISU Explores Ghana
A group of 20 students and three faculty members from Indiana State University traveled to Ghana to immerse themselves in African history and culture. This trip provided an opportunity to explore the historical ties between the United States and African nations, focusing on the African diaspora’s impact during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Students examined Ghanaian culture, including the significance of kente cloth and the country’s exports like chocolate and shea butter, which resonate with Black communities in the U.S. The visit, led by Dr. Tiffany Reed, Dr. Andrea Arrington-Sirois and Professor Azizi Arrington Slocum, is part of an annual collaboration between the Charles E. Brown African American Cultural Center, the African and African American Studies program, and the Aya Centre in Ghana, supported by various grants and scholarships.
