House District 94 update for the week of Feb. 8
AKA day at the Statehouse
This week, I was happy to welcome Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) to the Statehouse. As the oldest African American sorority in the nation, AKA has produced some of the finest leaders of our time. It was great to see the Mayor of Lawrence, Deborah Whitfield, and the Marion County Coroner, Lee Sloan. Also, I was able to meet some AKA women from my district. I am always astounded by the impact these women have on the world.
Voter mobilization panel
I also had the privilege of speaking on a panel for an AKA event about the importance of voter mobilization. Participating in elections is effectively using your voice to bring about positive change to this nation. Forfeiting your vote by staying home on election day is forfeiting your power.
2024 Meet the Artists - All-Star Experience Art Exhibition
The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee is hosing the 36th annual Meet the Artists event. The Art Exhibit will be displayed from Wednesday, Jan. 31 until Saturday, March 23. The opening gala reception will take place at Central Library (40 East St. Clair Street) on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 5:15 - 10 p.m., during the NBA All-Star weekend, which inspired the theme of this years exhibition.
I cannot wait to see the work of our talented local artists this year. All events are free and open to the public! Click the link here for more information.
DCS Black History Month Program and Celebration
The Department of Child Services' (DCS) is hosting a Black History Month event and celebration will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10 am to 1 pm at Flanner House's Ujamaa Community Bookstore in Indianapolis, located at 2424 Martin Luther King Jr. St. Everyone in the community is invited to attend the event. This event is held to recognize and pay tribute to members of the Black community who have inspired others with their work. Maurice Broaddus, an Indianapolis native, Purdue graduate, will present and author of Unfadeable and The Usual Suspects. He will also hold a question-and-answer session and book-signing.
Warm Winter Gear Drive
Now through Feb. 9, Ascension Living St. Vincent PACE is collecting winter gear such as new or like-new hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters, socks and coats to help seniors who are unable to secure these necessities on their own. With the bitter cold we have seen so far this winter, our vulnerable populations such as seniors need winter gear to keep warm. Drop off is available Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Ascension Living St. Vincent PACE located at 5435 W. Pike Plaza Road, Indianapolis, IN 46254.
Blood Cancer in the Black Community education dinner
Mark your calendars! On Thursday, February 22 the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will be holding a free dinner to educate people in Indianapolis about blood cancer in the black community. The event will take place from 6 to 8 pm at Maggiano’s Little Italy located at 3550 E 86th St.
This program is intended to spread awareness about what types of blood cancers members of the black community are most likely to be diagnosed with and how to reduce risk factors. Additionally, the presenters will provide information what to do if you or a loved one is diagnosed with blood cancer, how to find quality care and methods to communicate effectively throughout the process.
Registration for this event will be opening soon. If you have questions or would like early access, please contact Lauren Fryzel at lauren.fryzel@lls.org or 248-581-3891. For more information about blood cancer now, you can visit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website at LLS.org.
IMPD 31st Recruit Class
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is looking for recruits! If you or someone you know is interested in applying, the application deadline is Apr. 17, 2024 and classes start Dec. 9, 2024. Salaries start at $72,000 with a range of competitive benefits. IMPD is critical in protecting and serving all of Indianapolis’ diverse communities. Click here to view open positions to see which one is right for you. For more information on how to apply, click the link here.
Indy Free Tax Prep
Tax season is almost upon us. There is no way around it, taxes are complicated. Compiling documents, completing forms, spending hours waiting and even forking over large sums of money for help. For households that make $66,000 or less in 2023, United Way of Central Indiana has a free tax prep program for taxpayers to get assistance and file for free. This program runs through mid-April. Keep more of your hard earned money and take advantage of the Indy Free Tax Prep!
United Way is joined by the IRS, corporate partners, dozens of community organizations and hundreds of volunteers to conduct this program. Since 2015, volunteers have prepared more than 44,000 tax returns, helping people get more than $40 million in federal refunds!
Resources Available at the Marion County Public Health Department
The Marion County Public Health Department is a health and hospital corporation that serves all residents and visitors of Marion County. MCPH offers a range of mental, emotional and physical health services.
Some of the services offered at each clinic include immunizations, TB testing, blood pressure screening, general health counseling or a referral for community services. The MCPHD also offers prenatal care coordination for women who are pregnant. Children who are under 18 must have a parent or guardian with them to receive services. You should also bring a copy of your shot record, a Medicaid or insurance card and your ID.
MCHPD has four clinic locations: the Northeast District clinic, the South District clinic, the Action Health Center and the Eagledale Plaza. All four clinics are open Mon., Wed. and Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tues. and Thurs. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To find a certain clinic’s contact information, please visit
https://marionhealth.org/.