House District 94 update for the week of 5/23/25
IUI O’Neill Distinguished Alumni Award
I am truly humbled to share that last week, I was presented with the 2025 Indiana University Indianapolis O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs Distinguished Alumni Award.
My time at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs laid the foundation for my career of speaking up for the voiceless and serving my community. While I had the value of service instilled in me growing up, my education and this institution gave me the skills and opportunities I needed to succeed in making a difference.
While it was incredibly meaningful to be honored at Monday’s ceremony, I am also glad I had the opportunity to speak to the graduating class of 2025. My call to action to all the graduates in that room was to SERVE: Support others who are in need; Engage with those who share your vision to help those less fortunate; Reward those who make sacrifices so that others can reach their potential; Value the contributions of those working alongside you; Encourage those who may feel lost or are tempted to give up.
I am as proud as ever to be an alumni of the O’Neill School. I look forward to seeing all the wonderful achievements of the class of 2025!
This is the highest honor bestowed by the school and honors those who have not only distinguished themselves in their fields but also set an example of what it means to live a life of service. I earned a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs from the O’Neill School in 2005. I was nominated for the award by my college friend Robbin Grimes Sally.
IBLC at the Mecum Auto Auction
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Mecum Auto Auction at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and getting a behind the scenes tour. Indiana brings in $10M in sales tax with the partnership. Thank you to our Mecum tour guide, Dan, and LeRoy Lewis III with the State Fair for hosting the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus.
IMPD Listening Session
On Monday, June 16 from 6 - 7:30 p.m., the Northwest District of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department will be holding listening sessions. This is part of an effort to inform their strategy for keeping our community safe. I hope you will be able to join this critical conversation about how law enforcement can best serve you and your family. This will take place at the International District Community Center, 3540 Commercial Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46222.
FBGNC Summer Camp 2025
Get ready for 9 weeks of fun, friendships, and unforgettable memories! The Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center summer camp is packed with exciting adventures designed to help kids grow, learn, and play in a safe, supportive environment. We welcome children ages 5–12, Monday through Friday from 7AM–6PM, June 2 to July 31. Scholarships are available! For more information, click the link here.
Marion County Prosecutor’s Office Youth Soccer Clinic
The Marion County Prosecutor's Office is hosting two youth soccer clinics on Thursday, June 5th to teach the fundamentals of soccer, while spending time with the Prosecutor and staff. The event will take place at Northwestway Park (5253 W. 62nd St. Indianapolis, IN 46268). The clinic for youth ages 8 - 9 will be from 10am - 12pm
and the clinic for youth ages 10 - 12 will be from 1pm - 3pm.
This opportunity builds on the continued efforts by the Prosecutor’s Office to garner trust with the community. It is important that young people’s first introduction to the Prosecutor’s Office is not inside a courtroom but in a welcoming and encouraging space. MCPO believes in investing time and resources in our youth to ensure they have an outlet to express themselves and in turn prevent their involvement in the criminal justice system.
The event is free, but space is limited, and registration is required to attend. Parents or guardians can sign-up their athlete for the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office 3rd Annual Youth Soccer Clinics at: https://bit.ly/4kf4JdC.
Project DeterMAN Father's Day Brunch
On Saturday, June 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Project DeterMAN is holding a Father’s Day Brunch. The event will take place at the Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center Family Pavilion (2990 West 71st Street Indianapolis, IN, 46268). Join Project DeterMAN for a heartwarming celebration of fatherhood at the Fathers RISE: Father's Day Brunch—a special gathering to uplift, honor, and empower the fathers in our community.
This event is more than just brunch. It’s a moment to reflect on the power of fatherhood, the importance of community, and the legacy being built every day by fathers and father figures. This event is exclusively for fathers only—no children or partners will be permitted. For more information or to register, click the link here.
Community Concert and Picnic
On Saturday, June 14 from 3 - 7 p.m., there will be a community concert and picnic hosted by Mirror Indy and the Indianapolis Recorder. This event will be located Belmont Beach at the intersection of Belmont Ave. and White River Parkway N. Drive.
This event will have fun for the whole family, including games, food, back-to-school giveaways, storytelling, live performances from local artists and community resource booths. Please plan to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Online registration is required to attend this free event. Click the link here to register.
The picnic brings pack a tradition started in 1926 by the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, the fourth oldest Black newspaper in the nation, in honor of the newspapers 130th anniversary.
For more information, contact Free Press Indiana Market Director Ebony Chappel at 317- 413-1239 or by email or Indianapolis Recorder Editor-in-Chief Camike Jones at 317-924-5143.
Indy Summer Learning Labs
Indy Summer Learning Labs is a free or low-cost program for students entering grades 1–9. This is five weeks of fun, high-quality academic and enrichment programming designed to support student growth, prevent summer learning loss, and keep students on track for the upcoming school year. Sessions run June 16–July 18 at various sites across Marion County, including the Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center in our district. Learn more and register at indysummerlearninglabs.com.
Delta Dental Foundation Initiative
Nearly 1 million Hoosiers live in an area where there aren’t enough dentists to serve the needs of the community.
To address this critical workforce shortage, Delta Dental and the Delta Dental Foundation have launched a new initiative to help reduce the financial burden of school for dental professionals who commit to working in underserved communities.
The initiative includes:
Delta Dental Dentist Loan Repayment Program: A loan repayment program to support private practice dentists in underserved communities. Dentists can apply for up to $40,000 in loan repayment each year for up to five years ($200,000 in total.) At least 15% of the dentist’s patients must be covered by Medicaid each year.
Public Health Dentist Loan Repayment Program: A loan repayment program for dentists (up to $25,000 per year, up to three years) who commit to working in nonprofit clinics.
Public Health Hygienist Loan Repayment Program: A loan repayment program for dental hygienists (up to $5,000 per year, up to three years) who commit to working in nonprofit clinics.
Hygiene Scholarships and Equipment Funds: A scholarship program for dental hygiene students to cover the cost of instrument kits (up to $5,000, for students entering dental hygiene school) and tuition (up to $10,000 per year, up to two years).
The deadline to apply for the dentist loan repayment program, public health dentist loan repayment program, and public health hygienist loan repayment program is June 1, 2025. For more information and to apply, click here.
