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COMMENTARY: Community lists priorities for Black agenda

INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER — Demanding politicians actually put forth policies to improve the lives of African Americans in Indianapolis, or anywhere for that matter, doesn’t absolve African Americans from resolving issues in our community. It doesn’t negate individual responsibility. However, these things aren’t mutually exclusive. African Americans pay taxes and vote like everyone else, and we have the right to demand accountability from the people who represent us.

Published

6 years ago

October 28, 2019

Oakland Post

Oseye Boyd

By Oseye Boyd

Last Friday I had the opportunity to witness a significant event for the Black community of Indianapolis. Many of the city’s residents took time out of their busy schedules and came to Galilee Missionary Baptist Church to give their input on priority areas of focus for local government.

Let’s be clear right here and now. Demanding politicians actually put forth policies to improve the lives of African Americans in Indianapolis, or anywhere for that matter, doesn’t absolve African Americans from resolving issues in our community. It doesn’t negate individual responsibility. However, these things aren’t mutually exclusive. African Americans pay taxes and vote like everyone else, and we have the right to demand accountability from the people who represent us. We also have the right to demand politicians represent us the way they said they would when they courted our vote. I think too many times we don’t ask for what’s rightfully ours because we’re afraid of being seen as asking for a handout and the backlash that may ensue. This way of thinking is part of the reason we feel we’ve been ignored for too long. We don’t want to shine a light on unkept political promises because the light will shine back on us about the ills in our neighborhoods. I think those issues are used as a way to shut us down and keep us quiet so we don’t ask, demand, for what we’re due.

Crime, violence and drug use are problems in our community as in many other communities. We don’t own those problems, and we need to quit acting as if we do. And, we need to acknowledge how we got here. We didn’t get here because the majority of African Americans are lawless heathens. No. We’re here because of policies and laws put in place to create a disparity. Systemic racism co-signed by political leaders led to the crisis we face. So, we need to ask those who claim to represent us how they plan to work with us to change the present and the future.

That’s what made me so proud of 50 to 75 people who gave up their Friday night to discuss what should be included on a Black agenda for Indianapolis. It wasn’t some top-down approach handed down from “Black leaders,” nor did politicians who think they know what’s better for us than we do tell us what should be on the agenda. It was regular, hard-working folk who love their city who came out to share their concerns. Do I wish more came out? Of course, I do. I won’t sulk about it, though. I’m sure many wanted to but the timing didn’t work for them. More events will happen in the future to give more people an opportunity to participate.

The top five concerns (actually six as two tied) are: food insecurity, systemic racism, affordable housing, community violence and police reform, economic issues (i.e. economic inclusion, economic development and entrepreneur development) and education. It also was acknowledged during the discussion that racism is the underlying cause for all of these issues.

As I stated earlier this isn’t a one-and-done event. At least I hope not. I think the momentum is here for the Black community of this city to create real movement. If you don’t agree with the priorities then come out to the next event to share your thoughts. While we talk about the Black community as a whole we’re certainly not a monolith.

Let’s keep this thing going and demand that those we elect to serve us actually do.

This article originally appeared in The Indianapolis Recorder.

Oakland Post

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Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

Published

1 week ago

May 30, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

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Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

Published

1 week ago

May 29, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

Stacy M. Brown

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WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Published

1 week ago

May 28, 2025

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed

May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.

But what has happened since?

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?

This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.

Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:

Panelists: