Commission On Black Males Advances To Council

A proposal to create the Indianapolis Commission On African American Black Males passed a City County Council committee Tuesday.

Indianapolis has the highest population of black men in the state, and that statewide demographic also  disproportionately represents the highest number of homicide victims. The commission would look at the issues of inequality facing many black men, including educational attainment and unemployment. 

The Rules and Public Policy committee supported an amendment that would increase the commission from 11 to 15 members, to include more community voices. Councilor Leroy Robinson said inequity is an issue city government needs to work on, across the board.

"We do have to do a better job of including those voices that aren’t connected to an organization, that aren’t connected to an institution -- those grassroots organizations and individuals that may not be connected in that way," Robinson said.

Councilor Le Keisha Jackson said the disproportionate rate of violence in the Black community has a lasting, negative impact.

"There is significant untreated trauma, depression and other mental health concerns among African American adults and children," Jackson said. 

The commission will study and recommend strategies to move towards equality. The proposal moved to the full council with a "do pass" recommendation.