Dear Indy,
The city owns part of the former Greenlawn Cemetery, where it’s working to build a bridge crossing White River.
Now, though, city officials are entering a new phase of outreach — urging community members to submit their own research about the site.
Recordkeeping has been spotty for the historic Greenlawn Cemetery. But research continues, including into the history of African American burials.
“There is so much that has been undocumented and therefore unknown about Black life in Indianapolis and this cemetery is a treasure trove of this history,” said Eunice Trotter, director of Indiana Landmarks’ Black Heritage Preservation Program.
Anyone who is interested will want to check out the city’s upcoming event on June 24.
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In other news
- Juneteenth Foodways Festival, in its third year, is a free event happening Friday to celebrate Black chefs and food. To prepare, we turned to Jonathan Warren and Michael Barnett, co-owners of Market Square Popcorn, to learn how they got their start and to hear what the festival means to them.
- We previously told you about IPS Bus Stop Cafe, which visits several locations to give free lunch to students throughout the summer. Now we have a new video showing you how it works — so check it out on Instagram and share.
- The White River Paddle Days and Festival Races are happening this weekend in three cities, including Indy. No matter your skill level with a canoe or kayak, the three-day event is open to you. Get the details here.
What’s going on around the city
- Tomorrow, June 12: The 58th annual Strawberry Festival is back at Christ Church Cathedral, 125 Monument Circle, starting at 9 a.m. The event runs until 4 p.m., or until they run out of food. The specialty strawberry dish, “The Works,” costs $10, with proceeds going to several local charities.
- Saturday, June 15: Indiana Pride of Color and IndyPride host The BLQ+ Event, a celebration of the Black queer and transgender community. Starting at 9 p.m. at Cinderwood Event Center, 601 S. Meridian St., the event intertwines the celebration of Pride Month with a celebration of Juneteenth. $20.
- Saturday, June 15: The Bloombox Festival returns from noon to 8 p.m. at the Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St. Local musicians, including Shea Farmer and Saint Aubin will perform throughout the day in the courtyard, and local vendors and artists will set up shop in the Harrison Center. Free.
— Breanna Cooper, arts and culture reporter
Looking for other things to do? Check out Mirror Indy’s events calendar.
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What else we’re reading today
- Indianapolis Business Journal: Butler University’s new two-year college received a boost of support from philanthropist and alumna Marianne Glick and spouse Mike Woods. (Mirror Indy context: Dean of Butler’s 2-year college pledges support to students)
- Fox59: Since 2021, most Indianapolis homicides have gone unsolved. So IMPD recently implemented a new process to reexamine cases once they reach the two-year mark.
- Indiana Capital Chronicle: Former President Donald Trump said, if reelected, he would work “side by side” with an organization that is working to see abortion “eradicated entirely.” The Republican candidate delivered his support during recorded remarks played at an event in Indianapolis this week.
Notes from our Documenters
This week, Indy Documenter Franklin Bennett live-tweeted the Citizens’ Police Complaint Board meeting.
Bennett reported on a complaint by Arealia Williams.
Williams’ complaint detailed that Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer Brian Reed was called to the scene of a crash and didn’t make an official report.
Williams couldn’t make an insurance claim without a report. The board sustained the complaint.
— Ariana Beedie, community journalism director
Interested in being a Documenter? Here’s how.
Reflections
Mirror Indy will be holding a Chat and Chew from 12-30-2 p.m. today at the AMP at 16 Tech. Come say hi! And bring your questions and story ideas for Community Journalism Director Ariana Beedie and Documenters Assignment Editor Sharlene Birdsong.
Ryan
P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at ryan.martin@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.
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