Our City Our Voice

A vibrant mosaic of culture and heritage is coming to life at the University of Indianapolis.It’s the art exhibit “To The Roots, Embracing Heritage.”

The exhibition uses diverse artistic mediums to showcase the resilience and beauty of cultural roots, which is especially meaningful at the University of Indianapolis, where students note the relatively small Hispanic population.

Imelda Pozos, a UIndy undergraduate student, said, “The artwork doesn’t solely represent Hispanic and Latino culture, but mostly, it is made by Hispanic and Latino individuals. We have people who originate from Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico. The artists from those decades are showing their artwork here.”

The UIndy exhibition provides a platform for students to see their heritage represented and appreciated.

Leslie Samperio, a UIndy graduate student, said, “I know that there are sometimes stereotypes within our culture that we can’t be sure of because of how we look or how we might be or come about. However, as you can see with this art gallery, many students have succeeded in doing something out of the ordinary.”

A standout feature is an interactive map that encourages students to explore the diverse origins of their peers, faculty, and community members, which extend far beyond Mexico.

CariAnn Freed, director of institutional being at UIndy, said, “One thing that I wanted to emphasize in this gallery is the experience of English-language learners and having an opportunity to work with our students, and all of the art descriptions are translated.”

“Hasta Las Raices: To The Roots” offers a unique opportunity to experience a space of reflection, dialogue, and appreciation of our community’s diverse backgrounds.

Samperio said, “I think we should do a whole Hispanic-oriented art gallery just because it is such a big space, and it is important to show students that there is an area they can come to outside the whole campus that is just for them.”

Through December, visitors are invited to explore the diverse and vibrant heritage that defines the Hispanic experience, strength, and identity.

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La Plaza’s Fiesta Indianapolis has traditionally been held in downtown Indianapolis. This year, the event was moved to Military Park.“It’s a great time to learn about the rich history of Latinos here in central Indiana,” said La Plaza President and CEO Miriam Acevedo Davis.

Fiesta Indianapolis has been one of the premiere celebrations of Latino culture since the 1980s. It draws thousands of visitors, and is filled with live music, dance, cultural performances, and delectable cuisine.

Fiesta Indianapolis celebrates Hispanic traditions, and offers resources for newcomers in education, legal counsel, and job opportunities. La Plaza works with other organizations to help empower Latino families, with over 11,000 families benefiting from their services last year.

Diverse performers will be on hand, including Mariachi Sol Jaliscience, Grupo Folklorico Macehuani, and Pavel and Direct Contact. Food vendors and artisans will offer unique culinary delights and crafts to explore.

“The Latino community is here, and we’re growing,” Acevedo Davis said. “We are a vital part of the community. We’ve made many contributions and look forward to continuing to be a part of central Indiana.”

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From the crackling static of radio airwaves emerges a symphony of Spanish melodies, lively talk shows, and engaging discussions celebrating Latino culture’s richness. Manuel Sepulveda, program director for Continental Broadcast Group, said, “Over the years, it’s grown a lot since the Latino community has grown a lot here in Indianapolis 18 years ago. When I arrived, the Latino community wasn’t as big as it is now. Now, we’ve got people coming from Mexico and Venezuela, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.”

Radio Latina 107.1 FM is the oldest Spanish-speaking station in Indiana, and one of three that serves the Hispanic community in Indianapolis. It has become a bridge connecting generations, countries, and stories.

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Hoosiers have eagerly awaited the arrival of El Grito, a celebration of Mexican Independence Day that marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. Passionate cries of freedom echoed throughout Garfield Park as the sense of unity and pride extended beyond the boundaries of culture and language.

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The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is hosting Fiesta De La Familia on Sunday to celebrate Mexican Independence Day ahead of Monday. The Fiesta will celebrate the hundreds of cultures across Latin America through family fun activities and crafts, including a worry doll.

A worry doll, or Muñeca Quitapena, are dolls originating from the Mayan regions of Guatemala and Mexico. According to folklore, the dolls are placed under your pillow, and remove your worries while you sleep.

Melissa Trumpey, director of public events at the Children’s Museum, says another art activity includes metal inscribing. “We also have a Mexican metal art activity, they’ll get a blank piece of metal and be able to inscribe anything they want and take that piece of art home with them.”

Other activities Trumpey described include educational events, like learning about the colorful textiles of the Guna people on the San Blas Islands. Photo booths will also be set up, allowing guests to take a photo together and then decorate a photo frame, thinking about your family and traditions.  

Trumpey says having events like this allows families to learn new things and try them out at the Museum. 

“It’s just really great, we’re all about educating and creating those experiences for children and families to do together,” she said.

Multiple community groups and partners will be on hand at the event, including Riley Children’s Health. They will administer vaccinations to anyone 6 months old and older.

The Fiesta starts at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

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The Indiana Historical Society is getting ready to kick off its Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations with a series of events that will spotlight the contributions of Latino communities in Indiana.This year’s programming features a mix of featured artists, special programs, and traveling exhibits, drawing inspiration from the IHS press book, Hoosier Latinos: A Century of Struggle, Service, and Success.

The month-long celebration, beginning Sept. 14, will offer free admission and a variety of special programs. Among the highlights, nationally celebrated artist Justin Favela will showcase his works.

WISH-TV contributor Bibi Heredia, who joined News 8 anchor Dakarai Turner for a discussion, said it serves as a reflection on Latino contributions, and their various struggles, their areas of service, and their successes.

“Latino Hoosiers have faced significant challenges over the decades,” Heredia said.

“The annual Fiestas Patrias Parade in East Chicago, Indiana, stands as a testament to Latino success and cultural pride,” Heredia said. “Celebrating Mexican Independence, the event is the longest-running Latino tradition in Indiana.”

The Indiana Historical Society is allowing free admission on Sept. 14.

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Indiana’s school voucher program, described as one of the largest of its kind in the nation, continues to expand, prompting questions about its sustainability and the extent to which it benefits all students. Emil Ekiyor, a WISH-TV contributor, joined News 8 on Wednesday for a conversation about the program.

Launched in 2011, the program’s primary goal was to provide low-income families with greater educational choices. By offering financial assistance through vouchers, the initiative aimed to allow parents to enroll their children in private schools.

As the program’s spending increases, concern is growing that up-and-coming, lower-income families may not be fully aware of its benefits.

Critics argue that increased outreach is necessary to ensure that minority students and their families are informed about the program.

Despite these concerns, the voucher program is seen as a significant opportunity for minority-led private schools.

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New research sheds light on a critical issue affecting older Black Americans, a lack of awareness about Alzheimer’s disease.

Older Black Americans are two to three times more likely to die from Alzheimer’s disease than other races, according to a study of Black Americans in Indianapolis over the age of 55.

The study was funded by NIH/National Institute on Aging, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Academy of Communication in Health.

Research also revealed how the disease starts is different in Black Americans due to a combination of genetics, environment, stigma, and vascular health.

The research team believes education efforts at an early age are the key to recognizing signs of the disease in Black individuals.

The study serves as a baseline for what can be done to bridge the disparities gap in Indianapolis.

The solution is not “one size fits all” and will take time, but having access to information and treatment from providers and clinics is the first step.

A strategy people can start today is to focus on prevention through healthy lifestyle choices.

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Indianapolis is set to host it’s 2nd annual Rally Innovation Conference, where InnoPower‘s Minority Business Week will give essential tools and insights for success.InnoPower’s 5th annual Minority Business Week is joining the larger Rally Innovation Conference, which will bring together global leaders in tech, AI, and investing.

InnoPower is known for it’s commitment to uplift underrepresent communities. The organization hopes the conference will teach small business owners how to navigate economic game at the regional level, and how they can use it to advance their business.

Minority business week will kick off with a celebration of 100 small business owners. InnoPower has supported the owners and also given access to co-working space for the past year.

This year’s Rally Innovation Conference is set to be a catalyst for change, and minority business week will ensure that minority entrepreneurs are part of that transformation.

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The Indiana Black Breastfeeding Coalition is at the forefront of addressing critical issues faced by Black mothers and their infants in Indiana. The Indiana Black Breastfeeding Coalition (IBBC) has provided families in need with free backpacks filled with essential supplies making a significant impact in the Indianapolis area, but their mission extends beyond that. Not only do they promote healthier outcomes for moms and babies, but they also shine a light on systemic disparities in healthcare access and resources.

The upcoming Bosom Buddy support program aims to moralize and promote breastfeeding within the African American community, reflecting the IBBC’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of mothers and families in Indiana.

Black Breastfeeding Week is observed from Aug. 25 through Aug. 31.

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