Reimaging Black possibility

By GREG STOWERS Indianapolis may not always be the first city that comes to mind when discussing rising Black leaders, but that’s exactly why it deserves attention. What’s happening here isn’t about chasing overused buzzwords like “Black excellence,” which, while celebratory, can sometimes feel limiting or hollow without clear meaning. Instead, it’s about Black possibility — the kind of possibility that builds on the past and present work of Black business leaders, community advocates, elected officials, and everyday change-makers to cultivate a powerful shift in mindset. With nearly 30% of Indianapolis residents identifying as Black, our community represents a significant force in shaping the city’s culture, economy and future leadership. Yet, Black households in Indianapolis have a median income of $33,000 — less than half that of white households — underscoring the urgent need to address economic inequities while building on the momentum of progress. For me, this progress feels personal. My story begins with my grandparents, whose journeys laid the foundation for the values I carry today. On one side, they were part of the second wave of the Great Migration, leaving Mississippi and the oppression of the Jim Crow South, in search of opportunity and a better life....