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In Haughville, a march for racial equality

Many turn out for west side event
Posted at 12:37 AM, Jul 05, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-05 00:56:06-04

INDIANAPOLIS — A brief but heavy rain forced a change of plans, but not of purpose, for marchers in the west side Indianapolis Haughville neighborhood Saturday.

A "hood march" was held by the Indiana Racial Justice Alliance. And while some still marched, others drove along.

Organizers said they wanted to find a way to celebrate Independence Day, but they noted that Black people weren't originally included in the freedom the day represents.

Matt Davis, the co-chair of the alliance, said that on the first day of America celebrating independence from England, Blacks were still enslaved.

"Now, still we deal with equality and diversity as opposed to equity and inclusion. We can't be inclusive if we don't have equitable space. We have to create space for white allies to be anti-racist and unlearn racist together and we have to create space for black people to talk about our unique political issues & needs. That's what this march is about in Haughville USA," said Davis.

Organizers say it's important to create a space where people can heal and learn from each other.