By BARATO BRITT
There are few Indianapolis neighborhoods that boast their identities with the pride of ownership that is Martindale Brightwood.
The near eastside neighborhood’s 150 plus-year history is one replete with as much struggle, adversity and disinvestment as its treasured cultural identity that endures as a tremendous sense of pride for many of its predominantly Black population.
To the uninitiated, Martindale Brightwood may not appear to resemble the beloved community many current and former residents cherish. The neighborhood’s persistent poverty rates, disproportionate unemployment or asset limited; income constrained family counts remain pervasive in a community that has seen more than its share of challenge.
Despite historic systemic disinvestment, exacerbated by pandemic without precedent, there is a palpable sense of optimism permeating among the neighborhood’s residents and stakeholders. That optimism is not just rooted in the territorial nature of the neighborhood itself, it is fortified with a comprehensive strategy roadmap stakeholders are hoping ensures their agency over the neighborhood’s future.
This week, a coalition of residents, community partners and other stakeholders formally released the Martindale Brightwood Quality of Life Plan. The culmination of more than two years of aggressive community engagement, research development and analysis, the five-year strategy roadmap addresses community revitalization post COVID via coordinated activities under 10 essential pillars, including but not limited to arts and culture, housing, education, public safety and economic development
The latest iteration is the sixth such Quality-of-Life update the community has created since 2000. However, unlike its predecessors, organizers determined a five-year implementation strategy based on accomplishments to date and dynamic community pressures such as educational system instability and gentrification.
According to Gina Fears, who chairs the Martindale Brightwood MOVE Coalition, the neighborhoods’ residents and stakeholders have seldom been more aligned in a comprehensive plan. MOVE serves as the community partner arm of neighborhood advocacy in Martindale Brightwood. She in fact attributes the development of the plan not only to renewed commitment to collective impact, but in the neighborhoods all too familiar trait of resiliency during the worst times.
“COVID forced us out of any silos that may have stifled movement among residents and community partners,” Fears said. “And as we faced real time challenges together, we collectively determined to use adversity to create opportunity for how we emerge.”
Indiana State Rep. Robin Shakleford, D-98, added she is looking forward to integrating the learnings of the plan in her efforts for continued advocacy at the State House.
“The completion of the Martindale-Brightwood Quality of Life Implementation Plan marks a pivotal moment in the neighborhood’s ongoing transformation,” Shackleford said. “By setting clear goals across key areas — economic development, education, crime reduction, health, and the environment — this plan provides a blueprint for sustainable growth and improved well-being for all residents. This is not just a roadmap for the future; it is a reflection of the community’s resilience and commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant neighborhood.”
As part of a coordinated strategy, select Martindale Brightwood community entities are posting the plan in conjunction with Dr. Martin Luther King Day, via their websites and social media. As the plan centers on resident-engagement, primary stewardship of the plan will be led by Martindale Brightwood One Voice, the neighborhoods Community Congress of residents and stakeholders, representing each of Martindale Brightwood’s four quadrants.
Additionally, organizers are working with the city of Indianapolis to gain the plan’s endorsement via certification. However, if up to one council member, certification would be simply a formality.
“The Martindale Brightwood Quality of Life plan is a wonderful exemplar of a community coming together to collectively better itself,” said Indianapolis City County Councilman Jesse Brown, whose district includes a portion of Martindale Brightwood. “The community that devised this plan is proud of its successes, protective of its assets, and prepared for its future. I’m honored to stand behind the Quality-of-Life plan and pledge my support to both the plan and the neighborhoods that created it.”
Armed with a new plan, and fortified with historic resolve, the residents and stakeholders of Martindale Brightwood have again spoken. Their charge, simply, is to own that which is already theirs.
Barato Britt is the president/CEO of Edna Martin Christian Center, a full-service center serving the residents of Martindale Brightwood and surrounding neighborhoods.