Tom Binford

One of Indianapolis' most influential men, Thomas W. Binford, was a pioneer, visionary, and civil rights leader.

He participated in civic, philanthropic, cultural, and political aspects of the city and state and was valued for his sensitivity, wise counsel, personal and financial support, and sincerity.

In addition to his many personal interests, Binford spearheaded a group to buy the Indiana Pacers basketball team in 1975 and served as its president and general manager for one year.

[citation needed] Binford attended Princeton University, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

His greatest contribution was creating an environment in the city of Indianapolis where issues of civil rights and race could be discussed productively and without rancor.