From day one, the Indianapolis Recorder has always welcomed the input and opinions of our readers, even those who have constructive criticism. Also, I am not usually the type of person who gets rankled by what someone says. Actions have always spoken louder to me than words.
However, someone who also has a voice in this community (it is not even worth mentioning who) recently made a comment that was absolutely irritating to me: they called the Recorder “a mouthpiece” of the Democratic Party, its candidates and its officials.
First, it is important to note that the Recorder is not “a mouthpiece” of anyone. The Recorder is an institution that belongs to the community. Unlike some of our print and online colleagues in the media, we do not endorse political candidates or the specific causes of political parties. During our 122 years as a publication we have had publishers who supported Republicans, Democrats and independents.
Yes, we have had dedicated columnists who sometimes voice strong opinions on certain issues. However, those opinions are entirely their own and do not reflect the Recorder’s alignment as an independent business and institution. It is important to note that although we cover news that affects everyone, our focus has always been to highlight developments in the African-American community that are often overlooked in other media outlets.
From a purely statistical standpoint, it is a fact that a majority of African-Americans are Democrats. So in coverage that includes African-American leaders, officials and citizens, it is reasonable to expect that most of them would be Democrats.
However, when it comes to the approach of the Recorder itself, we have endeavored to give balanced coverage of political and government matters. In a recent editorial, for example, we called on Democrats to include the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus in strategic goals, and also encouraged African-American Republicans and their party to take a more active role in promoting solutions to African-American citizens.
As a publication, we simply present the facts to the community and let them decide.
As far as my own columns are concerned, I praise goals that will deliver the kind of progress that will make this community more peaceful and prosperous for everyone. Credit is given where it is due, and criticism is given where it is due. It’s nothing personal or political.
For example, let’s consider our state government, which is currently led by Republicans. The Recorder is glad to report that in recent days our state leadership has presented a few surprises that could produce positive results.
Last week, Gov. Eric Holcomb pardoned Keith Cooper, who had been wrongly convicted of armed robbery and attempted murder in Elkhart, IN. In 1997, Cooper was sentenced to 40 years in prison. However, testimony from witnesses and new DNA evidence proved his innocence. After a co-defendant was exonerated in 2005, Cooper was given the option of a new trial before the same judge who convicted him, or being set free as a convicted felon. Cooper, who now lives in the Chicago area, chose to return home to his wife and children, who had struggled and fought homelessness while he was wrongfully incarcerated.
Since his innocence was already proven, Cooper requested a pardon to remove the felony from his record. Mike Pence never acted on the request during his years as governor. Holcomb did, leading to a press conference where a thankful Cooper said Pence “let Eric Holcomb… who was in office for 30 days pardon me, and I’m thankful for that. I’m very thankful that he had the heart to do what Pence couldn’t do.”
It is known that the Recorder did not appreciate how Holcomb’s campaign team seemingly sidestepped Black media outlets during last year’s election. However, we have no problem in saying that he made the right call in this situation, and governors in other states should follow his lead in taking the time to review the merits of cases where questionable convictions have been made.
Another surprise occurred when the Indiana House passed a bill authored by Rep. Timothy Wesco, a Republican from Osceola, which would remove licensing requirements from hair braiding. In other words, if someone wants to offer hair-braiding services, they would no longer have to be licensed.
Under current state law, someone braiding hair must have a cosmetology or barbering license, which requires extensive training and schooling. Opponents of the bill say training should be required for the safety of customers, and they are naturally concerned about competition from new providers who they believe should pay the same dues as they have.
Supporters of the measure, however, say it would make it easier for people with hair braiding skills to start a business. Customers in the free market, they say, can decide whether or not it is important to work with someone who is licensed. Why, they argue, should someone with those skills struggle with a job that can barely pay rent when they can provide a comfortable living for their family braiding hair?
Regardless of which side you are on, it is good to see the legislature take up an issue near and dear to the heart of the African-American community.
So, if someone ever again accuses the Recorder of bias, it might be fun to see their reaction after you show them this column praising Republican officials and highlighting free market economics. Have a good week!
