Dear Indy,
What does Juneteenth mean to you?
We posed that question to a few people ahead of tomorrow’s holiday.
Keesha Dixon, 70: “Historical truth, cultural pride, an opportunity to teach and share stories with younger people so that they understand the landscape that they have to live in.”
Jamaal Nelson, 26, who goes by Brother Jamaal: “It reminds us of the importance of not just celebrating Black history, but also incorporating what happened in the past to the present, so we don’t fall victim to the same things that took us away from our greatness.”
Sibeko Jywanza, 41: “It’s a reminder that there was a time when our labor was valued, but our humanity was not, and that I will fight to make sure that that is not something that the next generation has to deal with.”
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In other news
- We at Mirror Indy had a lot of fun walking in the Juneteenth parade on Saturday — and these new photos show that we weren’t the only ones having a great time. Look through the photos and see if you spot anyone you know.
- More than 112,000 Indiana residents will see their medical debts wiped out thanks to the work of nonprofits and an anonymous donor. Altogether, they expect to erase nearly $240 million in debt — some life changing numbers. “For countless neighbors, a visit to a doctor or a hospital stay can result in debt that haunts them for years,” said Peggy Frame, the executive director for Southeast Community Services.
- A new pedestrian bridge over Keystone Avenue near 49th Street is among eight new infrastructure projects announced by city officials last week. Another project aims to remove a lane of traffic along Madison Avenue while adding a sidewalk.
Today’s weather from WTHR
Turning and burning the remainder of the week. Miserably muggy air and highs in the 90s push heat indices to near/above 100 degrees with only hit and miss heavy afternoon storms.
— Sean Ash, WTHR meteorologist
What’s going on around the city
- Tomorrow, June 19: Grab some friends and put your “Golden Girls” knowledge to the test at Ash & Elm Cider Co., 1301 E. Washington St. The family-friendly trivia night will include food, prizes and a lot of glamorous 80s ensembles. Free.
- Saturday, June 22: Creative Energy Arts hosts a Foraging Pop Up Class from 11 a.m. to noon at Juan Soloman Park, 6199 Grandview Drive. The event includes a hike and samples of food you can grow in your backyard. $15.
- Saturday, June 22: The White Rabbit Cabaret, 1113 E. Prospect St., hosts a night of live music featuring Fern Murphy, Jennasen and Bullet Points starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10, 21+
— 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
- WFYI: Micah Beckwith, a far right pastor in Hamilton County, has become the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.
- Indiana Capital Chronicle: Count me among those who initially had trouble with Indiana’s written driving test. As it turns out, I’m not alone.
Resources
With so much misinformation out there, we spoke to the Immigrant Welcome Center to outline the steps to citizenship.
Jorge Luis Woods, who moved to the U.S. from Guatemala, initially tried to figure out these steps on his own — but then he started getting help from the Immigrant Welcome Center.
It’s the latest update to Mirror Indy’s resources guides.
We have more resources on our website. Find them here.
Reflections
We won’t have a newsletter tomorrow in observance of Juneteenth.
See you Thursday.
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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