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Hurley Goodall was one of the first two African American firefighters in Muncie and became the first Black person elected to the Muncie Community Schools Board of Education.
Courtesy of Ball State University LibrariesFormer Indiana state legislator and civil rights trailblazer Hurley Goodall died recently at his Muncie home at age 93.
Lawmakers hailed the legacy of the man who helped found the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus.
Breaking barriers was a regular part of Hurley Goodall’s life. He was one of the first two African American firefighters in Muncie. He became the first Black person elected to the Muncie Community Schools Board of Education.
And after his election to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1978, he helped create the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus and sponsored the legislation recognizing Jan. 20 as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
In a statement, Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) called Goodall a “real champion for Indiana.” And Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), a member of the Black Caucus, said Goodall was a “true public servant” whose legacy is “awe-inspiring.”
Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.
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