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Senior Thesis Results In Recognition For Trailblazer Harriette Bailey Conn

Karlee Taylor expected to participate in the installment of a historical marker for Harriette Bailey Conn, but the installation was put on hold.
Courtesy of Karlee Taylor
Karlee Taylor expected to participate in the installment of a historical marker for Harriette Bailey Conn, but the installation was put on hold.

Before the "Stay-at-Home" order, Karlee Taylor expected to participate in the installment of a historical marker for Harriette Bailey Conn, who was Indiana's first woman and first African American to be appointed state public defender -- one of many leadership roles she held, including that of state lawmaker.

The marker is an outcome of Taylor's senior thesis at the University of Indianapolis. It was planned to be installed May 1, but that is now postponed. From our Arts and Culture Desk, Jill Ditmire spoke with Taylor by phone about her work to educate people about Bailey Conn.

Taylor will attend graduate school at the University of Georgia this fall, for a doctorate degree in political science.

Jill Ditmire was no stranger to the broadcast world. Her face and voice were a daily part of the lives of viewers and listeners in the Midwest for 25 years. She was the local news anchor during "All Things Considered" and a contributor to "Morning Edition," "Sound Medicine," "Art of the Matter “Curious Mix” and "Wednesday Live at 5:44." Jill's broadcast experience included anchoring and reporting news at television stations in Indianapolis, Detroit and Lafayette, including WTTV, WRTV, WLFI, WJBK, WTHR, WISH and the Ford Motor Company News Network. She produced her own television series on Indiana Public Television for eight years called “The Good Life” which showcased independent chefs, restaurants and local wineries.
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