The Black Church Coalition holding officials accountable

The Black Church Coalition’s call for action reverberated through the sanctuary of Light of the World Christian Church to an audience of about 200 people Thursday night.Amid impassioned speeches and pointed inquiries directed at public officials who sat in chairs within the pulpit, one chair sat noticeably empty.“Mayor Joe Hogsett was invited tonight, but chose not to come,” said Darrell Brooks, New Liberty Missionary Baptist Church pastor.RELATED: Black Church Coalition addressing officer-involved shootings“He is not here, but he is not off the hook.”They invited Senator Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, and IMPD Chief Chris Bailey to listen to testimonies from members of the Black Church Coalition focused on police brutality and disparities everyday experiences of Indianapolis residents.The Black Church Coalition’s research report stated that poverty continues to be the root cause of community violence and instability.Indianapolis ranks #2 for evictions in the country.1 in 5 children live in poverty perpetuating a cycle of oppression.Research also shows that 852 drug overdose deaths happened in the city in 2022 according to the Marion County Coroner’s Office.In 2023, Indianapolis had 18 officer-involved shootings where 16 out of 18 incidents were Black men.“There’s a lot of tension in the room, right? And that’s intentional because nothing...