INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Prominent Indianapolis businessman and black community leader William Mays has died at age 69.

The Indianapolis Recorder newspaper that Mays owned says he died Thursday.

Mays was an Evansville native who graduated from Indiana University. He established Mays Chemical Co. in Indianapolis in 1980 and also owned radio and television stations and commercial and residential properties.

He was the first black person to be board chairman of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard says the city has lost a titan of industry and philanthropy. 

Indiana Black Expo president Tanya Bell says Mays was an advocate for the African-American community who mentored numerous small businesses.  

Funeral services haven't yet been announced.