Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 December 2004 — Page 3

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2004

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A3

MARTINDALE ► Continued from Page 1 aged people had adifficult time keeping up with the maintenance and many were tom down," he said. “As a result there are many empty lots within the neighborhood. We hope to bring new housing stock in and reinforce the existing housing stock where the homeowners that are still in the neighborhood can benefit from a revitalization." Partiiillv funded by the City of Indianapolis, which will grant $700,000 of community development funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development fordown pavment assistance for low-income homebuyers, Citizens GasandClarian Health Partners each will provide a $2.'>0,000 low interest revolving line of credit Even though the pro ject seems to

benefit all that are involved, some homeowners may worry that it’s a ploytomovethemoutoftheirhomes and make room for those with a higher income who want to live closer to where they work. Elizabeth Gore, MBCDC board president says her goal is to make sure it doesn’t happen. “That is usually what happens, but because the MBCDC is part of this project we are working very hard not to have that happen," she said. “I know it occurs but we don’t want it to occur. We’re all working very hard to make sure that when Mr. Higbee builds homes that our community is made aware of the homes.” Gore, a 38-year resident of Martindale-Brightvvfxxl also says

that mixed incomes will benefit the neighborhcxxl. “1 want to keep that neighborhood and I’m saving me, because I live here,” she said. “I would like to see the neighborh(x)d with a mixed income because I think it would be very good for our community that everyone Is given a chance to live together. But we don’t want to push people out That’s why it’s important to rehab the homes." Along with the creation ofhomes, dozens of current homeowners will receive assistance with repairs and home improvements, and a neighborhood clean-up program will be organized to keep streets and sidewalks free ofdebris and provide kmdscaping aid to area residents.

NAACP ► Continued from Page 1 expressed confidence in the abilities of Mickens, who succeeds Roderick Bohannon as president. “He’s a sincere man who’s in tune with the pulse of the community and believes strongly in what the NAACP stands for,” said Dave Sims, a board member who’s been active with the Indianapolis branch for 39 years. “1 think he offers the leadership that’s needed to lead us as we face the challenges of the future.” The Recorder had an opportunity tospeakwith Mickens in depth about the vision he has for a branch representing America’s oldest civil rights organization. A pragmatic individual, Mickens plans to use what he learned from 24 years in the militan as a stepping stone to guide a chapter that will emphasize solutions over rhetoric. “During my time in the military I utilized a no excuse leadership philosophy, which maintains the primary principle of shielding yourself from using excuses iastead of solutions,” Mickens said. “When it comes to addressing critical issues in our community we must start asking what can we do as a community or individuals as opposed to what someone elseorvvhatgovemmentcando.Once we start asking that question first well be amazed at how much we can accomplish." Mickeas cited health disparities, a

top priority for the local branch, as an example ofhis more activist phy“Do we have to wait for a law to be passed to address that? No.” said M ickens. “What we can do Is prevent illness by making more people aware ofthe importanceofhavingahealthy diet and having checkups. This is something we can do ourselves instead of waiting on someone else.” In an effort to expand its focus Mickens said the Indianajx)llsbranch will start reaching out to the rapidly growing population of minorities living in suburban areas surrounding the city, especially those from Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks and Johnson counties. In addition Mickens, as well as other longtime members, believe that the Indianapolis branch can become more effective and increase its presence in the community by building a stronger infrastructure. This goal, they, say, can be accomplished by implementingan aggressive marketing campaign, launching a Web site and raising funds for adequate office space and supplies. Mickens noted that increased membership will give theNAACPthelargerstaffit needs to address an increased number ofcases and offer citizens greater access. When Mickens was asked which issues should be addressed immediately by the local NAACP, thetopicof

bonding requests recently marie by the IPS School Board for increased binding floated to the top. “We believe there’s no reason why some students in IPS, for example, should not have a proper building," said Mickens. “You could come up with all the/excuses in the world, but something needs to be done and we will continue to fight to make sure students in IPS get what they deserve.” Mickens added that the success of youth is a personal concern of his, and would like to reactivate the Indianapolis NAACP Youth Council. “But we want it to be more than jast a place where youth come to go on field trips and eat pizza” noted Mickens. “The council should be set up in a way that the youth will learn about civil rights and how to become leaders, because we are really hurting for leaders in the African-Ameri-can community. Once figures like Jesse Jackson, Andrew Young and Julian Bond are gone who will come alter them?” An Indianapolis native, MickenS has also promoted more involvement in a variety of health-related areas, including representation for people witli disabilities. Heisnirrentlychairman for the Mayor’s Council on Disabilities, and serves as a board member ofthe Indiana Brain Injury Association.

By being a member and getting involved in GICC events and reading their legislative reports Markey's is a stronger and more informed company than we otherwise would be. From a personal, professional perspective, the GICC has helped me become a better-rounded business leader through their programs and events. V Z ’ * ' ■ v -■ •i'-Sr*'SK-Zzii’S'rL 'uv • ~ • ■ '..A*X ■ .'i : - .* W ’ . Y ' r nr, Y They have provided opportunities to help grow my company by creating well-designed and executed programs that allow me to meet the right people and ultimately create relationships with those people. .. .... * ■ v - -*■#.. . . F-- ■ • « -* #'-• » M ' JX ‘-i* w i >. V.-.■¥•« V fr •'** »- • <<*>*■■- «.... 4 %.>»• . ' ... *. •**•*. -,«W • » • m As I get more involved with the staff and programs of the GICC the more I realize that my membership is of truly great value to both my company and me. i" ?' «* 25? Kevin C.Markey President Markey's Audio Visual, Inc.

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