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Eddie Melton announces run for governor

CHICAGO CRUSADER — Senator Eddie Melton is in the running to become the first African American governor in Indiana’s 203-year history. Melton has officially entered the race with plans to bring a new voice and strong vision to Indiana.

Published

6 years ago

October 20, 2019

Oakland Post

SUPPORTERS APPLAUD AFTER State Senator Eddie Melton announces his run for governor. (Photos by Ted Brown)

By Giavonni Nickson

Senator Eddie Melton is in the running to become the first African American governor in Indiana’s 203-year history. Melton has officially entered the race with plans to bring a new voice and strong vision to Indiana.

Earlier this year Senator Melton launched an exploratory committee to weigh his bid for Indiana Governor in 2020. Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at the newly remodeled Gary Public Library, Melton made the formal announcement to join the race to be the 52nd Governor of Indiana.

Melton is the 3rd Democrat to join a field vying for the Democratic nomination to face Governor Eric Holcomb. Holcomb officially declared his bid for a second term July 13.

Melton’s mother, wife Crystal, and three of their four children sat front row as Melton made his announcement. As a proud father, he gleamed about their oldest child being away at college.

Indiana State House Representatives Robin Shackleford, Cherrish Pryor, Earl L. Harris Jr., Dr. Vernon G. Smith, and Ragen Hatcher joined State Senator Lonnie M. Randolph, North Township Trustee Frank J. Mrvan, and a crowd of Melton supporters anxiously awaiting the announcement.

Melton unveiled his plan to raise the minimum wage and teacher pay, invest in education, and ensure all Hoosiers have access to affordable, quality healthcare. Tuesday night Melton said he has a new vision for Indiana and pledged to fight to preserve democracy.

Throughout the night applause rang high and seemingly bounced off the walls. Melton supporter Kathy Kelly said, “He has the courage to stand up to make a difference when he sees things not being done right.”

“I am very excited. He has a great track record of being able to move across the aisle. I think that’s what we really need to move our state forward,” said Community Builder Jessica Renslo.

Melton, born and raised in Gary, credits his success to football, faith, and family. His mother proudly raised her hand in the front row when Melton acknowledged her exemplary work ethics. She retired from the steel mill and his father, who retired from the railroad, earned a purple heart and silver star while serving in Vietnam.

After college Melton returned to Gary to help normalize the transition from high school to college for at-risk youths by helping them figure out a game plan for their future.

One of his mentees, recent IUN graduate Alice Gallegos, took the podium Tuesday night. “Senator Melton has always been a positive role model. I believe he will fulfill the goals he has for the State of Indiana through his commitment, hard work, and dedication,” said Gallegos.

As a pilot group member of the IN-Power Youth Mentoring Program, Gallegos saw Melton work tirelessly connecting students with tutors and encouraging them not to give up. Melton created the program with a vision to help students gain college experience and college credit making academic success the norm.

Melton later realized he was being called to higher levels of service.

“In order to really set students up for success, I knew I had to do more so I ran for the statehouse,” said Melton.

In 2016, Melton was elected State Senator of the 3rd District, succeeding veteran politician Earline Rogers. Tuesday night Melton described being elected as one of the most humbling experiences of his life. “Every day I walk into the statehouse I am reminded of why I’m there and who I represent. I am reminded that we have to speak truth to power and fight for what’s right at all cost.”

Melton is certainly going to have to fight to do what no Democrat has done in the last 16 years in the predominantly Republican State of Indiana. Melton’s colleagues believe he has what it takes.

“As the chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, we are just thrilled and excited to be supporting such a dynamic colleague,” said State Representative Robin Shackleford. “We have a feeling that Eddie will be able to take this all the way. He represents the people, he is for the people.”

State Senator Lonnie M. Randolph asked a rhetorical question in support of Melton for governor. “What better catalyst to have to motivate our people, particularly from this region, than to have my colleague Senator Eddie Melton run for governor of the State of Indiana?

State Representative Earl L. Harris, Jr. said, “When you talk about winning and becoming the next governor of Indiana if it’s going to be a Democrat it has to be someone who has a Northwest Indiana connection. Eddie Melton has that.”

Senator Melton leveraged a bipartisan approach to extend the age for students to be identified for developmentally disabled opportunities, extended resources for special education and tutoring, and pushed innovation through the general assembly to allow Hoosiers to access their driver’s license through a mobile device.

In a speech Tuesday night Barbara Hargrove boasted about Melton in his journey from the elementary schoolhouse to the statehouse. Hargrove said, “I have followed him as State Senator and watched him not just fill the job as some do, but to run with it and explore all the ways he can make it better, not just his district, but for all Indiana residents, especially our children.” Hargrove was Melton’s art teacher at Jefferson School.

Melton attributes his success in the statehouse to his focus on intentionally working in a bipartisan fashion to get things accomplished in the general assembly.

“It takes intentionality to get things accomplished in the legislature. Often the work we are able to accomplish for the people is overshadowed by partisan politics driven by the party with the most political power. The dominance of a one-party rule constantly places us in a battle that requires Democrats to speak truth to power,” said Melton.

This session, the legislature passed two major economic development bills to allow Gary to move one of its casino licenses inland to I-80/94 and open Buffington Harbor for major development projects. These projects come because of a resolution Senator Melton passed last year to study economic development and job opportunities in the city.

If elected governor Melton plans to elevate the voices of the people that feel state government has left them behind and has failed to address the issues that matter to them the most.

During his address Tuesday night Melton cited Abraham Lincoln’s timeless words from the Gettysburg Address, “Sometimes we have to remind the powers that be that this is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. We should never forget that,” said Melton.

Elected State Superintendent for the State of Indiana Dr. Jennifer McCormick offered full support of Melton while announcing him at the podium. According to McCormick, Melton exemplifies bipartisanship. She described his action-oriented approach to politics.

“From the beginning, he would come into our office in the Department of Education to ask questions, think, and then act,” said McCormick about Melton.

Melton took further action in extending an offer to collaborate with McCormick in launching a 19-city community listening tour across the state.

“I was thrilled that I had a Democrat from Gary, IN asking a Republican in Henry County and Delaware County to go across the state of Indiana together,” said McCormick.

Melton’s wife Crystal joined him on the tour and said, “It was great to meet so many Hoosiers and to really understand all of the issues they have throughout the state.”

After traveling thousands of miles Melton said, “I was reminded of how hard-working, passionate and proud Hoosiers are. I was also reminded that many communities are struggling across the state. People need leadership that cares about them and addresses the issues that matter to them the most.”

Indiana is currently ranked 7th worst in the nation with its infant mortality rate, 3rd worst with its maternal mortality rate, and 50th in teacher salary growth since 2002.

Melton plans to execute a new vision that will combat what he considers to be the failure of state house republicans.

Melton approached the state’s issues with civility and demonstrated courage to speak truth to power by calling out Gov. Holcomb during his address.

“Our current governor is campaigning on the slogan, putting people first.

Were people put first when the administration put a work requirement in the healthy Indiana plan? Jeopardizing healthcare for hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers, is that putting people first? Did he put people first when he signed a watered-down hate crime law?”

Some critics believe Melton is not ready to run for governor. According to Melton, “There is never a wrong time to do right. Now is the exact time for a governor that has lived and understands the challenges that Indiana faces and will face.”

Melton believes he can bring the change Hoosiers need.

“In January 2021 when I’m sworn into office, I will be a governor that works for all Hoosiers, not just a select few. I will be a governor that prioritizes healthcare, education, and making a livable wage in the State of Indiana. I will provide economic growth opportunities for all Hoosiers, not just a chosen few. I will be a governor that brings forth a unified vision for the future,” said Melton.

Melton summarized his plan in one sentence, “My game plan is to go to Indianapolis and bring home a win for Hoosier families.”

Giavonni is a passionate freelance writer native of Gary IN. She covers business, politics, and community schools for the Chicago/Gary Crusader.

This article originally appeared in The Chicago Crusader.

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Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

Published

20 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Oakland Post

By First Five Years Fund

New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

The national survey was conducted by UpOne Insight on behalf of the First Five Years Fund from January 13–18, 2026.

Key findings include:

• Parents need help: 80% of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is either in a state of crisis or a major problem.

• This is an affordability issue: 82% believe federal child care funding will help lower costs for working families — including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.

• And there continues to be strong support (62%) for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a federal program that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families to afford safe, quality care for their children while parents work or go to school, including a majority of Republicans, 63% of Independents and 72% of Democrats.

• Support for funding child care programs remains strong: 75% believe child care funding should be increased or kept at current levels — including 75% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 97% of Democrats.

• 74% say funding for child care is an important and good use of tax dollars, including a majority of Republicans, three-quarters of Independents, and nine in ten Democrats.

FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling said, “Voters across the country are sending a clear message: federal child care and early learning programs work. These investments help parents stay in the workforce, strengthen families, and support healthy child development. They have also long had strong bipartisan support in Congress. At a time when affordability is top of mind for families, continued federal funding is essential to ensure child care remains accessible and within reach.”

First Five Years Fund works to protect, prioritize, and build bipartisan support for quality child care and early learning programs at the federal level. Reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning and child care can be transformative, not only enhancing a child’s prospects for a brighter future but also bolstering working parents and fostering economic stability nationwide.

We work with Congress and the Administration to identify federal solutions that work for families with young children, as well as states and communities. We work with policymakers to identify ways to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning programs for children. And we collaborate with advocacy groups to help align best practices with the best possible policies. http://www.ffyf.org

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Trump’s MAGA Allies are Creating Executive Order Plan to Steal the 2026 Midterms

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A group of MAGA pro-Trump activists, who say they are working in coordination with the White House, are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that would claim without evidence that China interfered with the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential to President Joe Biden by over 7 million votes. Since Trump lost to Biden in 2020, he has repeatedly claimed that the election was “stolen” without evidence. The report of a group of “Trump allies” preparing an executive order to give Trump power over elections was first reported by The Washington Post.

The lies around the right-wing campaign that pushed falsehoods that the 2020 election was stolen was trafficked through right-wing media, particularly Fox News. Fox News was then sued for defamation for the claims by Dominion Voting Systems. Fox lost the case and had to settle for the largest defamation amount on record of $787.5 million in April 2023.

The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

The story in The Washington Post arrives as Trump increasingly signals that he may take actions that would alter the result of the 2026 midterms. The Republicans are widely expected to lose as their approval ratings plummet as a result of a failing economy under Trump. Over 50 members of Congress have announced they will retire this year and not return in 2027.

The Trump Department of Justice, which now has a large image of Trump on the side of it, “sued five new states Thursday [Feb. 26, 2026] demanding access to their unredacted voter rolls — escalating a campaign that has been rejected by multiple federal courts and faces resistance from Republican-led states as well,” according to Democracy Docket, a group that works to protect voting rights.

Trump claimed back in late 2020, the last year of his first term, that he had the authority to issue an executive order related to mail-in voting for the 2020 elections — which he would then lose. But the Constitution states that control of elections lies with the states. As the GOP works to place hurdles in front of voting, Democrats worked to make voting easier.

In March 2021, President Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of the Biden Administration’s effort “to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.”

Trump’s focus is clearly on altering the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s polling numbers and the elections and special elections that have taken place around the U.S. over the last year clearly indicate that Republicans are about to be hit by a blue wave of Democratic victories.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and hosts the show LAUREN LIVE on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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PRESS ROOM: NBA Hall of Fame Nominee Terry Cummings Joins 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to Launch Victory & Values Initiative

NNPA NEWSWIRE — NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th.

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

admin

Cummings becomes an honorary member, joining other role model sports stars

NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking a powerful new chapter for the 100 Black Men and youth development across the region.

Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th. The moment signified more than membership — it marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative.

The Victory & Values Initiative is a groundbreaking youth development program designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and STEM exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity — creating pathways for long-term academic and personal success.

“This is about more than sports,” said Cummings during the ceremony. “It’s about using the platform of athletics to teach life lessons, create access, and build the next generation of leaders.”

The induction ceremony also featured notable guests including NASCAR’s newest Star Driver, Lavar Scott and NASCAR Director of Athletic Performance, Phil Horton, who joined Cummings for a powerful Victory & Values Town Hall discussion. The Town Hall was moderated by renowned Sports Emcee John Hollins and focused on leadership, resilience, discipline, and the importance of mentorship in shaping young lives.

A “Day at NASCAR” for 75+ Youth

Cummings wasted no time getting to work. On his first full day as an honorary member, he joined his new brothers of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to host a “Day at NASCAR,” escorting more than 75 youth to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at EchoPark Motor Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

The youth participants received behind-the-scenes access including: an exclusive tour of Pit Row, access to the Garage Area and exploration of the interactive Fan Zone.

The experience culminated with a surprise meet-and-greet and Q&A session with NASCAR Superstar Bubba Wallace, who shared insights on perseverance, preparation, and breaking barriers in professional sports.

The day served as a living example of the ‘Victory & Values’ Initiative in action — exposing youth to new industries, expanding their vision for the future, and connecting them directly with high- level mentors and role models.

Building Leaders Through Access and Mentorship

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County – a chapter of the largest, national mentoring organization in the county – continues to expand its footprint with programs focused on academic excellence, economic empowerment, leadership development, and health & wellness.

The launch of ‘Victory & Values’ represents a strategic expansion of the organization’s impact

intentionally integrating athletics and STEM to engage youth at an early age while reinforcing core principles such as integrity, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance.

“Our mission has always been to mentor the next generation,” said Vaughn Irons, President-Elect of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. “With Terry Cummings joining the brotherhood, along with partners in NASCAR and professional sports, we are creating unprecedented access and exposure for our youth. Victory & Values is about turning inspiration into structured opportunity.”

By connecting elementary and middle school students to professional athletes, executives, STEM professionals, and community leaders, the initiative aims to:

Increase youth exposure to careers in sports business, engineering, and performance science
Strengthen mentorship pipelines
Promote physical wellness and mental resilience
Build character-driven leadership at an early age

Open Invitation to Youth and Families

All youth are invited to participate in the Victory & Values Initiative, along with the other countless, impactful programs offered by the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.

Parents and guardians seeking mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, and transformative exposure opportunities for their children are encouraged to connect with the organization.

As NBA Legend Terry Cummings’ induction demonstrates, Victory & Values is more than a program — it is a movement designed to build champions in life, not just in sports.

For more information about the Victory & Values Initiative or to enroll a student, contact: 100 Black Men of DeKalb County at Phone at 404.241.1338, info@100bmod.org or Tee Foxx at 404.791.6525,