Recently Indianapolis came together to bid a final farewell to a true giant, Amos Brown. Hoosiers of all races, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, and political affiliations came together to mourn the loss of a powerful voice for the unheard, advocate for the disadvantaged, and relentless pursuer of truth.
Amos’ passing leaves a “communications crater” in our community, remarked State Representative Greg Porter, one of a legion of public officials that Brown worked with, questioned and challenged during his four decades in the media. But while no one may be able to take his place as a journalist, it’s absolutely critical that we work to fill the void he leaves behind in civic leadership and activism.
We’re proud that the gathering also brought together a group of up-and-coming young African-American professionals together to continue an important conversation about our future. In partnership with the IU Kelley School of Business Indianapolis and the Tobias Center on Leadership, the Indianapolis Urban League has created ‘The Exchange,’ a new initiative aimed at preparing a new generation to join the ranks of minority leadership.
The Exchange brings together established and emerging leaders for dialogue and learning, advanced by insight and perspective from our partners at Kelley and Tobias. Amos was aware of this effort – we had sought him as a speaker – and he was prominent in our thoughts as we gathered on November 14th.
For 50 years, the Indianapolis Urban League has focused on many of the issues that Amos Brown cared so passionately about. Involving and mentoring young professionals keeps our organization strong and prepares new leaders for senior roles in business, education, public service and civic groups like ours. The Exchange advances these goals, and launches at a critical moment for our community.
Indiana remains one of five states without a hate crime law on the books; here in its capital city, more people are living in poverty than ever before – including one of every three African-Americans. As wages and homeownership remain stubbornly low, rising poverty breeds hopelessness and disregard for the safety of self and others. Violent crime continues to rise in Indianapolis, adding to an incarceration rate in Indiana 15 percent higher than the national average.
It will take the entire community working together to confront these challenges, to demand the attention of policymakers, expand economic opportunity and advance social justice. But civic leadership is the catalyst, to inspire others to care, learn, and act.
But if civic leaders empower the people, who empowers and educates the leaders? This is our vision for The Exchange. Building on the Urban League’s Young Professionals program, The Exchange will recruit a group of ‘Fellows’ every year to go through a series of sessions that will invite prominent speakers and experts from the Tobias Center to offer leadership lessons and focus on critical issues – the economy, health and quality of life, civil rights and racial justice, education and more.
The Exchange is informed by the ‘Hoosier Fellows,’ a successful program organized by the Tobias Center. As one of the nation’s top business schools, the Kelley School has been preparing future CEOs and filling corporate board rooms of companies for nearly a century. The Tobias Center studies leadership in all walks of life. Leaders aren’t just born, they’re made; Tobias scholars are finding out how, and putting this knowledge into practice.
For example, January’s Exchange session will include a presentation on the art of negotiation by Kelley faculty member Charlotte Westerhaus-Renfro – a topic relevant to business, public policy, and building community consensus.
We need this capacity in the African-American community. When we lose trusted leaders like Amos Brown, Bill Crawford, Sam Jones and Bill Mays – or when those like the Urban League’s Joe Slash choose to step back from the public spotlight – we’re reminded of how much we rely on their vision and ability to bring others together.
The best way to honor their memories is to continue their work. Through the efforts of the Indianapolis Urban League, now strengthened by The Exchange, we’re dedicating to doing just that.
Tony Mason is President & CEO of the Indianapolis Urban League, while Marshawn Wolley serves on the Urban League board and as President of its Young Professionals affiliate.
