House District 94 update for the week of 5/9/25
Denouncing the Recent Rhetoric Surrounding the 3/5 Compromise
On the last day of Session, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith shared a video to his social media pages including incorrect information on the 3/5 Compromise following a member of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) mentioning the language on the Senate floor. Beckwith praised the 3/5 Compromise as a “great move” and incorrectly assumes it led to ending slavery.
I issued the following statement in response:
“The 3/5 Compromise was used to legitimize slavery and justify the mistreatment of Black Americans, as is proven by the Fugitive Slave Clause, the 1857 Dred Scott U.S. Supreme Court decision that ruled Blacks were not citizens, selling slaves, raping slave women and so much more. It was not a ‘great move’ by the North to eradicate slavery. It was 78 years from the US Constitution signing to the Thirteenth Amendment ratification, which made slavery illegal. The best, humane and Christian option was to ban slavery…not embrace it as a 'great move.'
"Impacts from slavery are still felt today in our courts, neighborhoods, doctor’s offices, jobs and ballot boxes. For someone to celebrate it, especially someone in a position of power, is deeply troubling.
“To make matters worse, the Lt. Governor's response has been to attack 'inner city' clergy for speaking against his embrace of the constitutional provisions that treated Blacks as property. This attack on inner city clergy, who are Democrats and Republican, is not grounded in scripture, and is disheartening. These faith leaders are true public servants that advocate on behalf of the least of thee. From feeding the hungry, helping pay bills, providing childcare and helping resolve school challenges, clergy play a significant role in our communities and are responsible for helping to bring up the next generation of God-fearing leaders in Indiana.
“I pray that Lt. Gov. Beckwith will move to focus on making life better for Hoosiers, not dividing us. While this topic brings with it the weight of hundreds of years of oppression and suffering for Black Americans, I ask for us all to do the difficult thing and pray for those that embrace racism, ignorance, greed and power. It must be difficult to live with that much hate in your heart.”
Legislative Town Hall Last Night
Last night, I moderated a town hall with State Rep. Renee Pack and State Sen. J.D. Ford. I want to thank everyone who came to listen to our updates on the 2025 legislative session and share their thoughts, questions and concerns. In particular, I want to thank Wayne Township Trustee and former legislator, Jeb Bardon, for attending and allowing us to conduct the event at the Wayne Township Government Center.
Community Update and Resource Event
Thank you to all who attended the Community Update and Resource Event last Saturday! It was wonderful to be out in the community with fellow elected officials to give the people an update on changes that might impact them and spread awareness about what resources are available. I also want to give a special thanks to Pike Township Board members Demetrice Hicks and Kenya Perkins for putting the event together.
Call It What It Was Press Conference
Last week, I took part in a press conference with community leaders, religious leaders, scholars and some of my colleagues and staff in the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus. This event was focused on denouncing the Lt. Governor for his false statements and dehumanizing rhetoric regarding the 3/5 Compromise.
CenterWell May Activity Calendar
AES Community Office Hours
AES Indiana will be holding two Community Office Hour meetings. Customers can attend one or both of these events if they have any questions or concerns about billing or need energy assistance. These sessions will focus on how to reduce energy during the summer months to lower your utility bills.
Saturday, May 10 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Frederick Douglass Park Community Center (1616 E. 25th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205)
Saturday, May 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Municipal Gardens Family Center (1831 Lafayette Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46222)
Thank you for your hard work. I know things are not politically kind these days. Please keep on top of things as you have been doing.