At a recent celebration of the 40th anniversary of Martin University, around the corner in Martindale-Brightwood, it was amazing to hear the message of empowerment come from university President Dr. Eugene White as he shared his personal story with the audience. White shared that, empowered by the faith of his mother and grandmother, he was the first graduate in his family. His discipline and value on education has landed him in this area, leading this university, whose mission is “to provide excellence in educating and developing traditional and non-traditional students in an inclusive, supportive and healthy collegiate environment.”
This column has strived this year, through faith, to educate, motivate and illuminate the happenings and growth in this historic Indianapolis neighborhood. Here in the 46218, in this Gateway Community on the east side, so much has been planted, watered and grown in the past few years. This poverty zone and food desert has, through faith, maintained itself and challenged its own self to reflect the promise within.
It is the faith of the residents that live in this area that has sustained the way of life in Martindale-Brightwood. It has been the faith of the many agencies located here that has encouraged residents to continue to work toward recovery. The Bible defines “pistis” (the personification of good faith) in Hebrews 11:1 this way: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is the substance or assurance of things we hope for, but have not yet received. Faith (confidence, belief, trust) is also our evidence of that which is not seen — the invisible things. Faith comes before a prayer is answered or before an individual has received what he or she has requested from God.
Much has been received in this community. October is harvest month in the Martindale-Brightwood area, a time when we celebrate the work of the residents, associations, businesses, providers and educators in the area. This October is full of celebratory moments. Following is a list of the many different activities that will take place in Martindale-Brightwood during the month of October. Come around the corner and celebrate with us.
Oct. 19 — One Voice will host the Martindale-Brightwood town hall meeting at 37 Place beginning at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Joe Hogsett will be the special guest, and a Quality of Life Continuation Plan will be presented to the community.
Oct. 20 — Edna Martin’s new Leadership and Legacy Center, located in the former Jireh Sports, building will host a Fall Festival including games, bounce houses and hayrides for families.
Oct. 21 — Community Resurrection Partnership and Stop the Violence will celebrate the success of their Faith Walks with an End of the Year Celebration breakfast at 9:30 a.m. at Overcoming Church.
Oct. 21 — Edna Martin Christian Center will celebrate the start of their Faith in Action work during their Thrive Kick-off Event at the Leadership and Legacy Center.
Oct. 25 — Martin University will host its 40th Year President’s Breakfast at Martin University.
Oct. 26 — Brightwood Library will host its annual Fright Night.
Oct. 27 — One Voice will host a Black and Gold Party at 37 Place.
Oct. 28 — The Annual Harvest Festival Parade will begin at the corner of 25th and Dr. Andrew J Brown streets and end at 37 Place for a Resource Fair sponsored by IUPUI School of Nursing. This day will end with a Trunk or Treat for the kids. All are invited to join the parade route, and all activities this day are free.
While finishing this writing, I watched many young people pile into Galilee Missionary Baptist Church for a double funeral for two young cousins, killed together on the west side of Indianapolis. By faith I am praying for the grieving families and that the work we do in this area will suppress the tragic loss of so many of our young men.
Martindale-Brightwood, a neighborhood bettering its Quality of Life, joins its past, people, organizations, churches, schools and businesses. For more information or to schedule a tour of the area, contact Gina Fears, Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator, at (317) 637-3776.
