KATHERINE (FLOSSIE) BAILEY (1895-1952)Katherine Harvey was born in Kokomo, Indiana in 1895. Soon she was known to everyone as Flossie. A spirited girl, Flossie was well-liked in her church and school. Her intelligence and kind heart made her a natural leader among her friends.

During the years of World War I Flossie frequently visited friends in Marion. During one of her visits, she was introduced to a new doctor who had just set up practice in Marion. Flossie’s high spirits won his heart. Soon Miss Flossie Harvey and Dr. Walter T. Bailey were husband and wife. A couple of years later Flossie gave birth to Walter Charles, the light of their lives.

Although Marion and Grant County had long been home to African-Americans and had a reputation for racial tolerance, equality had yet to be achieved. Flossie wanted more for her son and other African-Americans. She first started working to develop a Marion chapter of the NAACP in 1918. Only a few people joined in the early days but Flossie continued her efforts for racial equality.

Flossie was active in the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church where she led the Missionary Society for many years.

The Bailey home was a hub for out of town visitors. Since the Spencer Hotel refused black guests, Flossie often opened her home to state NAACP leaders. Flossie was soon recognized as a community leader at the state and national level.

In 1930, in early August, word spread through the city that 3 teen-age black boys were arrested for robbery and rape. When the robbery victim died, the atmosphere turned violent. A mob formed and milled around the jail. Flossie made phone calls and sent telegrams to the governor’s office requesting additional police protection. It was to no avail; 2 of the young men were lynched.

Flossie’s life was threatened for her efforts. She stayed true to the cause of racial equality and became more outspoken. She traveled throughout Indiana to speak to every NAACP chapter; she addressed clubs and legislative committees as well as individual members of the state legislature. Her efforts resulted in a tough new anti-lynching bill that was signed into law in March 1931 by Governor Leslie. Flossie’s efforts on behalf of racial equality were tireless. Flossie is renowned as one of the most influential civil rights leaders in Indiana.

In the early 1940s Dr. Bailey’s health began to fail after suffering a stroke. The Baileys moved to Indianapolis to live out their last years. Flossie was widowed in 1950 when Dr. Bailey died. She lived just two more years.

Flossie left a legacy of courage and determination to achieve racial equality through peaceful means.