Our City Our Voice
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Easter season marks one of the busiest, and, by some accounts, the best times to visit countries like Spain or Mexico. There is an abundance of festivities, religious traditions, and cultural cuisine. Schools and businesses have closed and will remain closed for two weeks as celebrations in those countries stretch from Palm Sunday to Easter. With more on Easter celebrations in the Latino community, WISH-TV contributor Gloria Jimenez joined News 8 anchor Dakarai Turner to talk about the importance of the holiday in the Latino culture. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
News 8 wrapped up a three-week series examining Black talent development in Indiana, that stretch from getting a K-12 education to landing higher-wage jobs. Emil Ekiyor, a WISH-TV contributor and the chief executive officer of InnoPower Indy Inc. https://innopowerindy.com/, took viewers through barriers that people can face. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Indianapolis Public Schools will break up its newcomer program for English language learners who are new to the country https://www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2016/4/20/21100219/indianapolis-public-schools-plans-school-for-kids-new-to-the-country/. The move to pull the newcomer program out of Northwest Middle School will help reduce transportation costs, make the best use of physical space, and help students engage more with their peers who are native English speakers, officials said in a presentation to the school board on Thursday. It also mirrors a district-wide push to more fully integrate English language learners with their English-speaking peers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Asian American Alliance https://www.aaalliance.org/ on February 28 hosted a fireside chat with Ting Gootee. The president and chief executive officer of the TechPoint https://techpoint.org/, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit created to advance Indiana’s tech economy, hoped to inspire young women. Organizers of the chat say the event was part of their A Seat at the Table speaker series. The Asian American Alliance has hosted the series for seven years to help connect members with corporate suite executives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Indiana Avenue was one of the few safe havens for African-Americans in Indiana during the days of segregation. Tour guide, Sampson Levingston, walked and talked with our team on the history of Indiana Avenue. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
For the past 20 years Eskenazi Health and the Center for Leadership Development have partnered up to promote careers in health care among minority students in Central Indiana. The Rawles Scholars Medicine Initiative is a six week program created to provide students the opportunity to closely interact with medical professionals. The program is named after one of the first African-Americans to practice surgery in Indianapolis, Dr. George H. Rawles. Dr. Rawles saw a need for greater representation in the field of medicine and worked tirelessly to raise awareness. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Madam Walker Legacy Center stands in downtown Indianapolis as a testament to Madam C J Walker’s pioneering efforts as an entrepreneur. Recently, the city of Indianapolis dedicated a portion of Indiana Avenue as Madam Walker Memorial Way. We spoke with Madam Walker Legacy Center president Kristian Little Strickland about how the center is uplifting not only Walker’s legacy but also the building’s surrounding area. She also discussed how the center is supporting local entrepreneurs and celebrating Black history. Learn more about the Madam Walker Legacy Center here https://madamwalkerlegacycenter.com/. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Father Harry Smith and daughter Mya Smith Edmonds are both McDonald’s franchise owners, and we spoke to them to celebrate Black History month. They discussed the lack of African American franchise owners throughout Harry’s career, and how Mya has followed in her father’s footsteps. The duo also has a family foundation called the Smith Foundation that helps our community. Additionally, McDonald’s Owner/Operators in Indiana and Southwest Michigan are honoring Black History Makers of Tomorrow, who are high school seniors making a positive impact in their communities. You can see the entire 2024 list here. https://www.wishtv.com/partner-content/mcdonalds-salutes-the-next-generation-of-black-excellence-with-its-black-history-makers-of-tomorrow-scholarship-program/ This content is made possible by McDonald’s. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Indianapolis Public Library’s Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) is dedicated to celebrating the vibrant and resilient heritage and triumphs of those born of African roots. We spoke to Bryanna Barnes from the CBLC to learn more about the center. Located in the R.B. Annis West Reading Room at Central Library https://www.indypl.org/locations/central-library, the Center for Black Literature & Culture is home to a 10,000+ item collection of books, CDs, magazines, movies and research tools, all of which showcase black history and culture. This space is for ALL who are interested in exploring the rich heritage that has influenced nations across the globe. Visit the center to browse its collections, join the IPL for one of the signature programs, or explore the digital collections and website online https://www.indypl.org/locations/central-library/center-for-black-literature-and-culture. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dr. Martin Luther King Park, located at 1702 Broadway St. in the city, has a very rich history in the community. When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy was scheduled to hold a campaign rally in the inner city. As Kennedy received word that King had been shot, city officials and policy urged him to cancel his appearance. He refused. Kennedy arrived to a gathered crowd at 17th and Broadway, very close to where the memorial sits today, and addressed the crowd. Instead of a campaign speech, Kennedy delivered a passionate statement informing the crowd of King’s death and urging racial reconciliation. His words were so moving that the crowd erupted in applause instead of anger. The heart of Kennedy’s message is still on display in the park along with monuments (which include the Landmark for Peace sculpture) that serve as a reminder of King’s fight for peace, justice, and unity. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
All month long, WISH-TV is highlighting people and places where you can celebrate Black History Month.A group of African American leaders came together back in 1900 and formed the Young Men’s Prayer Band. It merged into a colored YMCA by 1910, and by 1913, it would be known as the Senate Avenue YMCA. The Senate Avenue YMCA, 420 N. Senate Ave., was the center of community through activism and education. For many years, it sponsored what became known as “monster meetings https://blog.history.in.gov/monster-meetings-at-the-senate-avenue-ymca/” that attracted leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., W.E.B. DuBois, George Washington Carver and Eleanor Roosevelt. The Senate Avenue Y also offered various cultural, religious, cultural and exercise classes. By the 1950s, the Senate Avenue YMCA was one of the largest Black YMCAs in the United States. The center would close and move to Fall Creek in 1959. A state historical marker https://www.in.gov/history/state-historical-markers/find-a-marker/find-historical-markers-by-county/indiana-historical-markers-by-county/senate-avenue-ymca/ for the Senate Avenue Y is at the corner of Michigan Street and Senate Avenue in downtown Indianapolis. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Flanner House is well known in the Circle City for its goal of supporting and advocating for community members who need a hand-up. That mission started 125 years ago as many enslaved black people migrated North from Southern states. In the 1940s, the nonprofit started building what would be known as Flanner Homes. The project created a lot of opportunities for low-income African-American families. During this time period, many black soldiers were unable to cash in on the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944. Flanner Homes allowed families to build houses, and receive sweat equity, and low-income loans for the work. Many of the Flanner House Homes still stand today while the concept of “sweat equity” has been adopted by other organizations like ‘Habitat for Humanity’. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
All month long, WISH-TV is highlighting people and places where you can celebrate Black History Month. In 1946, Crispus Attucks High School https://www.wishtv.com/celebrating/celebrating-black-history/celebrating-black-history-crispus-attucks-museum-2/ alum Ruth McArthur opened the McArthur Conservatory at 808-810 Indiana Avenue in downtown Indianapolis. The McArthur Conservatory was the first school in Indiana to offer a formal jazz program. The conservatory had over a dozen departments, most of which offered two to three year programs. Departments included voice, choral workshop, piano, guitar, drama, instrumental studies, dance, church music. The school was a training ground for jazz greats like Dr. Larry Ridley https://youtu.be/67_ipiJorKc and Slide Hampton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2_b2d5tJQM. Many of the students would perform in jazz clubs around Indiana Avenue and for various community groups and events. Desegregation in the 1950s and 1960s resulted in more opportunities for African-Americans to study at other institutions. This caused a decline in enrollment at McArthur Conservatory. By 1963, the school would close. Indiana University purchased the building in 1967. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today, if you stop by the area of West Vermont Street along the Canal Walk, you’ll see a Hampton Inn by Hilton, but long before the building was a hotel called Bethel A.M.E., the oldest African American church in Indianapolis. Built-in 1869, Bethel A.M.E. was situated in the heart of the African American community. Notable members include Madam C.J. Walker, Doctor Joseph Ward, Reverend Willis Revels, and Mercer Mance. In addition to being a place of worship for members, the church served as a refuge for freedom seekers during slavery. In the years before the American Civil War, the congregation also played a role in helping freedom seekers find refuge. In the early 1900s, key organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Indiana State Federation of Colored Women’s clubs gathered at the church. By the end of the 20th century, the church was a historical landmark, but membership was in decline. The building was sold in 2016 and turned into the hotel that’s there today. Many of the church’s distinctive features have been preserved from the pendant lights and stained glass to the historic staircase. There are even artifacts throughout the years that will soon be on display. As for the congregation, it erected a new church known as ‘Bethel A.M.E. Cathedral https://www.bethelcathedral.org/get-to-know-us/our-history‘ on Zionsville Road in 2018 after the historic building was sold. If you would like more information on the church’s history, click here https://www.bethelcathedral.org/get-to-know-us/our-history. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A civil rights activist is using her voice to share how her experiences growing up in the South and West Coast inspired her activism and empowered her to write a children’s book and address issues facing the African American community. Nekima Levy Armstrong, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nekima_Levy_Armstrong a lawyer and activist, recently shared her thoughts on Black History Month and the fight for fairness, especially regarding race, poverty, and police violence across the U.S. Armstrong grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, where she saw the effects of racism and poverty firsthand. When she was eight, her family moved to South Central Los Angeles, where she experienced the challenges of inner-city life. She says her eyes were wide open after the beating of Rodney King by the Los Angeles Police Department, resulting in protests. As a mom, Armstrong believes kids can understand and speak out against injustice. She wrote a children’s book called “J is for Justice https://www.amazon.com/Justice-Social-Book-Kids/dp/1634895932” to teach young people about activism and the Civil Rights Movement. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
More than 90 years after his death, Marshall “Major” Taylor is still known by many as one of the greatest cyclists of all time. Today, many places honor his legacy outside the Major Taylor Velodrome, including murals and historical markers that you can find on Meridian Street and the Monon Trail. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
All month long, WISH-TV is highlighting people and places where you can celebrate Black History Month. Created back in 1998 by Gilbert Taylor and housed inside Crispus Attucks High School, Indianapolis’ first segregated black high school, the Crispus Attucks Museum took eight years to put together. At the time, it was more of a collection and it fit in a room not much larger than a closet. Today, it’s known by many as the premier history museum in the Midwest. From the achievements of basketball legends like Oscar Robertson to jazz greats like Wes Montgomery, you’ll find a number of exhibits. The most recent new edition is The Anti-lynching Exhibits of 1935. The exhibit, a partnership with IU Bloomington and the city of Indianapolis, shows how much America has overcome and the varying layers of resilience it’s taken to get here. If you would like to check out the museum, it is located at 1140 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. You can make an appointment between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday or 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A new Indiana House bill would replace instances of the word “gender” with the phrase “biological sex” in some state statutes. House Bill 1291 https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2024/bills/house/1291/details aims to remove the word “in certain statutes in which the term is used to describe the condition of being physically male or female.” Advocates against the legislation https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/123/2024/house/bills/HB1291/HB1291.01.INTR.pdf said it would dangerous for members of the LGBTQ+ community. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It goes without saying that Martin Luther King Jr. played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement, but so many more were involved.That message came during the holiday event Monday inside the Madam Walker Legacy Center https://madamwalkerlegacycenter.com/. People who attended the center’s event say they want to continue King’s message of equality, justice and love. The center’s event was the 42nd annual MLK Day of Celebration at the Madam Walker Legacy Center to celebrate his life. Journalist and political commentator Roland Martin, host of “Roland Martin Unfiltered,” was the guest speaker. He says there needs to be calls for action. “We must remind that King was a radical figure who was one of the most hated men in America when he was assassinated, so we need to remind folks of that King.” Martin also says the holiday is more than just a celebration. “One of the mistakes that we make is that we only focus on him. We don’t focus on the thousands of others who were involved in this movement. There were countless men and women and names we don’t talk about, things we don’t know who played a vital role.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SEEDS OF CARING https://www.seedsofcaring.org/indianapolis is an organization that collaborates with over 15 local non-profit partners to empower kids and families to actively engage in community betterment. Unlike a typical volunteer network, Seeds of Caring goes above and beyond by crafting age-appropriate programs that include guided discussions, opportunities for empathetic reflection, and meaningful activities centered around service, social action, and community building. Whether it’s packing food for a local shelter or assembling welcome kits for new American families, children involved with Seeds of Caring are not only making an impact in their community today but also developing a sense of responsibility and compassion that will shape their ability to effect change in the future. We are thrilled to have Brandy Jemczura, the Founder and Executive Director of Seeds of Caring, to share more about their inspiring work. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, one woman in Indianapolis, Holly Loos, has taken it upon herself to offer a glimmer of hope to Afghan families https://givebutter.com/AWsmdt facing unprecedented challenges. Loos, motivated by a personal mission beyond organizational affiliations, highlighted the perilous situations many Afghan families find themselves in after escaping to other countries. Despite facing paperwork hurdles and encountering uncertain paths, Loos remains resilient. Over the span of two years, she filed 51 applications with a pro bono law firm, navigating through numerous roadblocks. However, her perseverance bore fruit as the first family arrived in Indianapolis this past November. Now, Loos is reaching out to the community for support, urging donations to Shepard Community to assist these families in acclimating to their new lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
he Umoja Village Celebration took place Tuesday afternoon for the first day of Kwanzaa at The Amp 16 Tech. Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday that celebrates seven principles: Umoja — meaning unity in Swahili, Kujichagulia or self-determination, Ujima translated as “collective work and responsibility,” Ujamaa principle refers to uplifting your community economically, Nia means purpose, Kuumba meaning “creativity,” and Imani the final principle translates to “faith.” The Indianapolis Kwanzaa Committee kicked off the celebration with the holiday’s first principle, Umoja. The Kwanzaa committee has been doing these celebrations for over 50 years with hopes of bringing the community together through local vendors and celebrations. The committee also says the occasion is for anyone curious about Kwanzaa and wanting to learn more about it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
“I’m really excited about this!”With his first words in News 8 Daybreak’s “Morning Checkup,” WISH-TV medical expert and former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams made clear his enthusiasm about two new gene therapies for sickle cell disease https://www.wishtv.com/news/health-spotlight/two-gene-therapies-for-sickle-cell-disease-approved-in-us/. The FDA just approved https://www.wishtv.com/news/health-spotlight/two-gene-therapies-for-sickle-cell-disease-approved-in-us/ the treatments for people with severe forms of the disease https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/facts.html, offering them the possibility of improved symptoms and potentially a cure for the inherited blood disorder. Dr. Adams estimates sickle cell impacts about 100,000 people in the United States, most of them Black. When asked about possible downsides to the therapies, Adams agreed they are significant, but says the the pain of sickle cell will make it an easy choice for those who suffer. For those in our community who have sickle cell trait or know they have the disease, Adams says to have a discussion with their doctor and to reach out to Indy-based Martin Center, Inc. for resources https://themartincenter.org/sickle-cell/. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Multicultural Media Producing Program is the first of its kind, a 16-week course to help teach students from all backgrounds the ins and outs of producing the news. The program, created by WISH-TV owner and chief executive officer DuJuan McCoy, just graduated its first class Tuesday night. “We want to increase diversity in the newsroom in helping create content and influence the message going out to viewers,” McCoy said. The program brought in students from across central Indiana to learn every aspect of TV news and what it takes to put on a broadcast. Students ranged from high school to college with some coming directly from program partner Ivy Tech Community College https://www.ivytech.edu/locations/indianapolis/partnerships-special-programs/multicultural-media-producing-program-mmpp/ and others coming from universities in Indiana. Students in the program said it was important to them that there was a program ready to highlight and celebrate diversity. The program has already creating success stories. Danielle Moore, a senior at IUPUI, has already secured a job at WISH-TV as an associate producer, all before graduating college. “It’s really exciting for me, especially since I haven’t graduated college. It makes me feel really secure that I will have a job outside of college.” The next class will be welcomed to WISH-TV early next year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Tuesday marked the beginning of an extraordinary venture in journalism in central Indiana. Mirror Indy https://mirrorindy.org/, the first newsroom launched in the state by Free Press Indiana, was created to be a reflection of Indianapolis, nodding to the past with an eye toward the future, and WISH-TV and its parent company Circle City Broadcasting are proud to be documenting partners with Mirror Indy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
WISH-TV is proud to honor and recognize our veterans.Some come from across the Midwest to get a second chance at life thanks to some help from a Puerto Rican veteran. When Jesse Camacho isn’t at work, he’s helping countless veterans in need through a nonprofit that’s making a positive impact on the community. “We try to help everyone that we go and talk to,” he said. Camacho is a disciplined Army veteran. Before the crack of dawn, he and his wife, Shirley, also a veteran, have started seeking ways to bless others because they’re blessed. To help bring change, Jesse supports the nonprofit Helping Veterans and Families https://www.hvafofindiana.org/ as a board member, focusing on providing housing and job opportunities to veterans. The group also known as HVAF offers veterans a shopping experience with free food, hygiene items, and clothing in their points-system pantries. He says these resources are vital and that it takes a village. Camacho says he wants others to help spread the word about the services that the organization offers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A 98-year-old Plainfield man is on a mission to educate and advocate for others about the issues Native Americans face in the United States.Jim Collins has spent the last few years researching and highlighting the disparities facing Native veterans and their communities. The World War II Navy veteran is equipped with only a pen and phone. He spends most of his time writing letters, making calls, and still fighting for others. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dr. Chris Williams is an Army veteran who serves as the performance and improvement consultant at Eskenazi Health. Dr. Williams retired from the military after serving twenty one years; most of his time in the military was spent in the active Indiana National Guard. Dr. Williams expressed how the transition from a service member to civilian life is not the easiest task. Even though many employers are happy to hire a veteran because of their leadership experience, punctual behavior, and ethical qualities, starting at a company with military knowledge is not the same as starting with educational company knowledge. To manage this difficult transition there are a lot of programs that will help companies bring in veterans. “Specifically for Eskenazi, they started an ERG for Veterans, which is a group specialized for Veterans and people who support Veterans.” Dr. Williams expressed how it is okay for Veterans to take a step back and relearn civilian skills and a new area of expertise that is not Military related. To learn more about the services Eskenazi Health provides, click here. https://www.eskenazihealth.edu/health-services For more information about veteran services from the state of Indiana click here https://www.in.gov/dva/. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Kevin Lloyd is a paramedic working at the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center. Before starting his career at Eskenazi, Kevin spent years as a combat medic and Military police officer. Kevin is happy to be in a position to help when veterans come seeking for help after going through trauma or facing a particular situation in life. After letting several veterans know that he is a vet, Kevin is able to see the deep breath of relief coming from those seeking help. Building relationships is important to Kevin. He is able to see people come in at their worst state and leave stable which is such a joy, and makes Kevin love the position he is in to help others. To learn more about the services Eskenazi Health provides, click here. https://www.eskenazihealth.edu/health-services For more information about veteran services from the state of Indiana click here https://www.in.gov/dva/. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Heading home from active service can be a difficult task for many veterans. Emmy Hildebrand, CEO of HVAF which stands for “Helping Veterans and Families,” started her organization on a goal to help veterans and their families receive the best possible quality of life. A lot of Indianapolis businesses offer help to HVAF, which makes it possible for them to continue provide services. HVAF has been serving the veteran community for thirty years now, which has been a great help to those in need. HVAF is grateful for the opportunity to keep expanding. They started off helping 5 veterans in their first year to now helping over 1,300 a year. HVAF is here to help veterans create a stable life. Learn more on HVAF’S website. https://www.hvafofindiana.org/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
