Dear Indy,
When I joined the staff at Mirror Indy after a 20-plus year career in journalism here, one of the things I was most excited about was our commitment to neighborhood journalism.
And, six months later, Mirror Indy reporter Enrique Saenz continues to find wonderful stories about life on the west side. Monday, he reported about his visit with local Eritrean Americans. He found their lives revolve around the D.G. Kidane Mhret Cathedral Eritrean Orthodox Church, where services often have more people than seats.
Here’s how his story starts:
The Eritrean community on the west side is tightknit and revolves around the D.G. Kidane Mhret Cathedral Eritrean Orthodox Church, where hundreds of people gather for prayer on Sundays.
“You know everyone here,” said church member Salma Foto. “Even if you don’t really know them, they’re somehow related to you in the end.”
The east African country of Eritrea has only existed for about 30 years. It’s located on the Horn of Africa and used to be a part of Ethiopia before separating in 1991. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 500 Eritrean-born persons have made Marion County their home, and many Hoosiers of Eritrean descent have been born since then.
The close relationship among community members lets them share in one another’s success, especially when it involves the next generation of Eritreans. … “It’s not just your family that wants to help you succeed,” Foto said. “Literally everyone here wants to help each other however they can.”
Know someone who might like this newsletter?
Click here to forward this email to them.
In other news
- The Indiana Justice Project, a nonprofit legal advocacy organization, will host a clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 19 to help you learn how to get an eviction case off your record. Learn more here.
- The University of Indianapolis will launch a new hub called UIndy Online that will offer online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. The university hopes to target adults who want to continue their education.
- Purdue University has announced it will launch a shuttle service for students and staff to commute between Indianapolis and West Lafayette in August. Here’s what you need to know.
Today’s weather from WTHR
Wet and windy early today with gusts over 40 mph at times. Brighter to finish as Beryl’s remnants head to the east.
What’s going on around the city
- Saturday, July 13: The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 W. Washington St., brings Duniya Dance and Drum Company, which blends Sikh and Hispanic culture through dance, at 1 p.m. An interactive workshop will follow the performance. The event is included with the regular cost of admission.
- Saturday, July 13: BLACK: A Festival of Joy will be held from 3-9 p.m. at Taggart Memorial Amphitheatre at Riverside Park, 1856 Burdsal Parkway. Live music, vendors and food trucks will be on hand to celebrate Black culture, community and joy. Free.
- Sunday, July 14: Eskenazi Health hosts the 2024 Indy VegFest at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., from noon-5 p.m. Local and national vendors will offer up healthy dishes, and cooking demonstrations will give visitors the tips and tricks they need to make their own healthy meals at home. Free.
— Breanna Cooper, arts and culture reporter
Looking for other things to do? Check out Mirror Indy’s events calendar.
Support Journalism
Be part of a local initiative to increase coverage of the
diverse needs of people living in our community.
What else we’re reading today
- Making Contact: The show discusses how to prevent suicide rates among Black trans youth and a program to help parents learn how to support their LGBTQ+ children.
- Chalkbeat Indiana: Indianapolis Public Schools plans to hire Elizabeth Krutz, former principal of La Porte Middle School in northwest Indiana, to lead George Washington Carver School 87. The move, which the school board will vote on later this month, comes after an outcry over allegations that a former teacher encouraged abuse of a student.
- WISH-TV: Ever wonder what’s the most efficient way to use air conditioning to cool your car on hot summer days? Here’s some tips.
Reflections
I’ve ridden my bike all over Indianapolis and its trails. If you haven’t already, check out the White River trail.
My wife, Stephanie, and I like to take it from the Central Canal Towpath to the White River State Park. It crosses the river on an old railroad bridge and has cool views of the river, the Riverside neighborhood, the IU Indianapolis campus and the zoo.
Chris
P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at chris.sikich@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
