House District 94 update for the week of Feb. 23
Dear neighbor,
Black History Month: remembering the legacy of Rep. Bill Crawford
As we head into the final week of Black History Month, I want to take a moment to honor a pivotal figure for civil rights in Indiana’s history — my friend and former colleague, the late Representative William (Bill) A. Crawford.
Rep. Crawford served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1978-2012 as one of the most influential leaders this state has ever known. All Hoosiers, no matter their race, religion, gender, ethnicity, national origin, or political beliefs benefitted from his work. He was a giant among men, always willing to stand up for what is right and just, no matter the personal cost.
Some of Rep. Crawford’s achievements include: helping create the Indiana Black Expo, helping boost the reputation of Indianapolis as a sports destination, chairing the House Ways and Means committee in charge of writing the state’s budget, and fiercely advocating for affordable housing and social justice. He was a trailblazer far ahead of his time, and a true drum major for justice akin to America’s top civil rights leaders.
Among his most important roles in Indiana was serving as a mentor for other legislators and community leaders. I had the honor of learning from him myself, and I am proud to say that it was Rep. Crawford himself who convinced me to run for office. Almost 9 years after his death, his legacy lives on, and his contributions to the state will continue to shape Indiana for generations to come.
Meeting my constituents and local groups
It was great to meet more of my constituents this week at the Statehouse! Getting to chat with folks from House District 94 brightens up my week every time.
Additionally, my colleagues in the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus and I had the pleasure of meeting with the local chapter of Jack & Jill Indianapolis. Jack & Jill is a wonderful organization that helps foster the next generation of African-American leaders by supporting mothers and their children.
NASW Day at the Statehouse
I had the honor of speaking at the National Association of Social Workers event at the Statehouse. Social workers are essential to the health and wellbeing of all Hoosiers, especially Hoosier children. It was great to see so many talented professionals gather at the Statehouse. I will continue advocating for the interests of social workers and all of the important work they do.
Pike Township Referendum Hour
Saturday, March 23, community leader Robin Winston is hosting The Pike Township Voter Registration and Referendum Hour. The event will take place at the Olivet Missionary Baptist Church located at 4141 N. High School Road, 46254. Voter registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. with musical guests MEN in the FIRE starting at 7:00 p.m. Voting is the building block of our society, and our most sacred civic duty. Don’t miss out on this community event to help get registered!
2024 All-Star Experience Art Exhibition Gala
The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee is hosting 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) this 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.
SNAP offering mobile delivery
For the first time, Indianapolis residents receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be able to access online grocery shopping options. Many members on SNAP benefits live in areas considered “food deserts,” meaning they are not located near a grocery store. This new program through Thrive Market will allow those relying on the SNAP program to order fresh food directly to their doors. For more information on this, check out this article from Axios Indianapolis.
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!
VITA Tax Prep Services
Additionally, Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood center is offering Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) preparation services. See the below portion off their monthly newsletter for more information.
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/.