Last week, the state of Indiana lost a giant when former State Rep. William “Bill” Crawford passed away. As the longest serving African-American in the House of Representatives, Crawford and his political prowess not only produced significant legislation in his 40-year career, but he was also instrumental in mentoring countless aspiring politicians and public servants.
One of the things I most appreciated about Crawford was his advocacy efforts. Over the years, he advocated for so many important causes — the one closest to my heart is his support of the Recorder. When he found out a Walgreens drug store in his district would not allow the Recorder to be sold in the store, he personally rallied to get the newspaper in the store. To him, it didn’t make sense for a store whose primary consumers were African-American to not carry the state’s most noted Black publication. Whether his effort was a success or not did not matter as much to me than the fact he cared enough to do something. He saw something he felt was an injustice, and he sought to turn the tide. No one at the Recorder asked him to do that; he simply did it on his own. That’s the type of person Crawford was, and that type of spirit, dedication and courage in anyone is what I cherish most.
Although I continually give thanks for every day of life, death has a way of reminding us how extra special life is and why we should treasure being amongst the living. When others pass away and I reflect on their lives, I also reflect on my own life. How will I be remembered? What impact did I have on others? Did I do my best to enhance the world around me? Were there any words left unsaid? Any deeds left undone? Did I achieve the goals I set for myself? Did I fulfill God’s purpose for my life?
I challenge myself to think in such a reflective manner because I believe it helps to keep me humbled, dedicated to my purpose-driven life and rooted in the fundamentals of what are most important: love, family, close friends, God.
I also use death as a time to examine ways I can improve. Did I hurt someone? Was there something I should have done, but didn’t? In what areas have I fallen short?
I don’t examine myself to be negative, but rather to help me grow. Oftentimes when I find deficits in something I’ve done, I try to circle back and right the wrong, whether it is apologizing to someone I may have hurt or simply correcting a wrong. I simply want to be the best person I can be while also understanding that I am flawed and imperfect.
The death of someone I know also brings about reflection of death in general. Indeed death is part of life, but the manner in which some people are dying is absurd. We are killing one another at alarming rates. The scary thing about those alarming rates is that 10 years ago they were alarming, and now they’ve far exceeded in numbers. It saddens me to no end to learn time and time again of a local shooting that has resulted in death. When will we do better? When will we value our own lives more, and the lives of others? When is enough enough?
I’m not sure what the answers to those questions are, but I do believe if more of the people doing the shooting and killings ask themselves such questions, we may see a decrease. Sometimes it is simply a matter of doing away with the desensitizing. We have to know and we have to feel that such behaviors are wrong and need to cease.
My goal is not to use Crawford’s death as an opportunity to write a doom-and-gloom column, but more to be a motivator of change. As Crawford had the passion and dedication to advocate for things he felt were wrong and unjust, so too do I. The killings and upsurge in violence are wrong. We would all be doing those like Crawford, who worked to improve the community, a severe injustice if we simply ignored ills of our people or left it up to someone else to work toward change. Crawford didn’t live his life like that, and neither should we.
You can read more about Crawford and his life’s work on Page A1. The article is written by Recorder alumnus Brandon Perry who, as the paper’s senior political writer, developed a lasting relationship with Crawford over the years. Amos Brown’s column also pays homage to Crawford. Amos always does a great job memorializing key figures in the city and state’s rich history. He also is an expert at reminding some and informing others of little-known facts about the deceased.
My prayers go out to Crawford’s grieving family. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with us.
