KOKOMO – Kokomo residents will soon honor a local military icon if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000 by Nov. 17, 2023. If successful, the project led by the Howard County Memorial Corporation (HCMC) will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program.
“An understanding of and respect for the past is the centerpiece of any thriving community, and Opha May Johnson’s story is a terrific piece of Kokomo’s past,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “CreatINg Places has allowed communities across the state to culturally engage their citizens, and this proposed addition to the courthouse ensures residents of all abilities can better understand our city’s unique place in history.”
Funds from this campaign will be used to build a memorial on the northwest corner of the Howard County Courthouse celebrating the legacy of America’s first female Marine, Opha May Johnson. Johnson was born in Kokomo in 1878.
“Over the last 18 years, we have become more than just a memorial park dedicated to those who have served and died for their country. We have become a social movement that highlights the contribution of women in the military, women of color, and women who work,” said HCMC President Jerry Paul. “Celebrating Hoosier daughter and first female Marine Opha May Johnson underscores our efforts to inspire a future legacy of excellence in our community, by creating programs that teach and promote Johnson’s historic contributions.”
Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $9.3 million in public funds and an additional $7.7 million in matching IHCDA funds. The program is available to projects located in Indiana communities. Non-profit entities (with 501c3 or 501c4 status) and local units of government are eligible to apply. Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds should it successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.
