Thank you so much for being a part of our community! We really appreciate all the support you have given us and look forward to continuing to connect with you in the future.
Belinda Drake
Former Candidate for Indiana State Senate
Email: [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indianapolis, IN – (August 14, 2020) On Wednesday, Governor Holcomb re-announced that he believes Indiana School Corporations should be fully funded during the COVID pandemic while continuing to postpone his responsibility to develop a cohesive back to school plan for schools across the state that provides guidance and funding through the pandemic. Even more, Senator Bray notably waffled on the statement he gave less than a week earlier via his ‘letter to school leaders’ when he claimed that Indiana School Corporations would receive 85% of their per student ADM based funding for virtual instruction during the pandemic.
In my July 13 statement on Back to School and Work During the Pandemic, I called on Governor Holcomb to build a broad-based coalition of educators, healthcare professionals, and those most impacted by in-person pandemic education so he can leverage their expertise to create a viable plan that includes guidance on funding solutions.
Furthermore, I’ve stood in solidarity with other leaders in the statehouse who have called on the Governor to convene a special session of the state legislature to properly address pandemic education realities including proper funding.
The Governor has a $2.3 billion surplus waiting for a ‘rainy day’ just like this. He has the power to call a special session and has repeatedly chosen to consolidate executive power instead. He has a Supermajority of legislators who can get the job done if they were only expected to do their job. Instead of leading on this issue and doing the work he and legislators were elected to do, he insists that pandemic education problems can be fixed by Dr. McCormick and the State Board of Education just by their changing the date on some ADM paperwork.
Moving deadlines around on paper is not a viable solution to the lived experience of Hoosier kids, educators, and school communities.
Hoosier values require us to take responsibility for reality, especially when times are as tough as they are now. The people expect State Legislators to do their job.
Governor Holcomb, it’s time to convene a special session to properly and legally address these critical pandemic education issues. Let’s get to work and do the right thing for Hoosier kids.
Learn more about Belinda Drake’s revitalized platform at www.belindadrake.com/platform.
To learn more about Belinda Drake’s campaign for Indiana State Senate or to get started as a volunteer in the Field Captain program, visit www.belindadrake.com and connect with the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #BelieveINBelinda.
About Belinda Drake for Indiana State Senate:
Belinda Drake is a progressive Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate in District 32. Committed to putting people over politics, Belinda will serve her communities with a bold and inclusive vision to bring positive change and progress for the people of Senate District 32 and for all Hoosiers. Belinda was born and raised in Gary, IN, and has been a resident and member of the far eastside Indianapolis community for the last 3 years. Belinda graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science and a minor in legal studies from IUPUI and has worked on the campaign trail for United States Congressman Andre Carson, Indiana State Senator J.D. Ford, City Councilor Crista Carlino, and many other Democratic party candidates at the state and local levels. Belinda has served on the board for the Indiana Stonewall Democrats, as the treasurer for the Lawrence Township Democrats, and as the 7th District Chair for the Indiana Young Democrats. Belinda currently serves as the Racial Justice & Diversity Coordinator for Indiana NOW (National Organization for Women), and as a National Delegate for the Indiana Democratic Party to the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT
Amanda Schutte
Campaign Manager
Believe in Belinda
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indianapolis, IN – (August 13, 2020) Belinda Drake’s campaign released her ‘Revitalized LIFE* platform’ on Thursday which outlines an expanded agenda to bring economic stability to Indiana and improve the quality of life for all Hoosiers.
“Hoosiers have needed these critical investments for a long time now and their needs have gone unheard. I know it – we all know it. The fact is a lot of this platform isn’t new ideas. These ideas just haven’t been as big a priority as eyeball tattoos or trying to turn away federal funds for public transportation,” said Belinda Drake, Democratic candidate for State Senate District 32. “Now we are facing a second surge in COVID cases coupled with the continuing economic and jobs crisis; people can’t wait for real results any longer. The time for bold leadership is more important than ever.”
The revitalized platform outlines a more ambitious economic and education plan which is especially needed to revive the state during the pandemic jobs crisis. Drake’s plan expands upon her support of the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana which can provide much-needed revenue to the shrinking state budget. The Democratic senate hopeful would also realign the state budget to reprioritize education, community health services, and infrastructure projects. The plan includes the development of person-centered mental and behavioral health program to address the state’s opioid addiction problem and will ease criminal justice recidivism while tapping into federal funding opportunities.
“I’ve talked with a lot of voters in my district and one thing is clear: people are looking for a strong leader with pragmatic vision who will take on broken systems of government and will work for real results on the issues that matter most for their families and communities,” Drake said of the current concerns of people in her district. “This revitalized platform outlines issues I can get to work on right away after I’m elected. Hoosiers want to see real progress, not just broken promises. I’ll deliver real progress for the people in my district.”
Campaign Manager, Amanda Schutte said “Belinda is the kind of leader we need in the statehouse today because she listens to the people in district 32, she hears what they are experiencing and what they need in their lives. Every day we hear from voters who are tired of empty promises made by career politicians who don’t even understand the struggles communities are facing in these challenging times. This revitalized platform reflects months of work, listening to the concerns of constituents, and provides actionable items that will build resilient and healthy Hoosier communities now and in the future.”
Learn more about Belinda Drake’s revitalized platform at www.belindadrake.com/platform.
To learn more about Belinda Drake’s campaign for Indiana State Senate or to get started as a volunteer in the Field Captain program, visit www.belindadrake.com and connect with the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #BelieveINBelinda.
About Belinda Drake for Indiana State Senate:
Belinda Drake is a progressive Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate in District 32. Committed to putting people over politics, Belinda will serve her communities with a bold and inclusive vision to bring positive change and progress for the people of Senate District 32 and for all Hoosiers. Belinda was born and raised in Gary, IN, and has been a resident and member of the far eastside Indianapolis community for the last 3 years. Belinda graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science and a minor in legal studies from IUPUI and has worked on the campaign trail for United States Congressman Andre Carson, Indiana State Senator J.D. Ford, City Councilor Crista Carlino, and many other Democratic party candidates at the state and local levels. Belinda has served on the board for the Indiana Stonewall Democrats, as the treasurer for the Lawrence Township Democrats, and as the 7th District Chair for the Indiana Young Democrats. Belinda currently serves as the Racial Justice & Diversity Coordinator for Indiana NOW (National Organization for Women), and as a National Delegate for the Indiana Democratic Party to the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT
Amanda Schutte
Campaign Manager
Believe in Belinda
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indianapolis, IN – (July 13, 2020)
During the “Beyond the Big Tent – Black Voices in Politics”
all-inclusive rally last Saturday, we took shelter inside the statehouse after receiving approval from state staffers, so we could stay dry and safe from the afternoon hailstorm. Soon after getting our group settled inside, I was witness to a racial profiling incident between State Senator Eddie Melton and an Indiana State Trooper.
Senator Eddie Melton and Senator JD Ford went to talk with a couple of Indiana State Troopers who they saw were rapidly rushing toward the rally. That was when a State Trooper began screaming at Senator Melton and yelling at him to “freeze”. Then the Trooper popped the clip on his firearm holster, presumably in preparation to draw his weapon at an unarmed Black Senator, while he continued yelling at Senator Melton. Senator Ford tried to deescalate the situation, tried to get the Trooper to take notice and listen, but the Trooper was so singularly focused on Senator Melton. Senator Ford was eventually able to get the Trooper to hear him and to ease his aggression toward Senator Melton. The difference in how aggressively the Trooper treated Senator Melton compared to how generously he treated Senator Ford was unnerving.
It doesn’t matter how far we think we’ve come, we still have so much further to go. It didn’t matter that Senator Melton is elected to state office. It didn’t matter that Senator Melton was being responsible and doing the right thing by going to talk with the Trooper. It didn’t matter that Senator Melton was doing everything that the Trooper yelled at him to do. It didn’t matter that Senator Melton was cooperating. It didn’t matter that Senator Melton was unarmed. None of that mattered. The only thing that mattered to law enforcement in that moment was that a white man unrelentingly insisted the Trooper stop his aggression toward a Black man.
Last week, it was being Black in the woods. This week, it is being Black in the statehouse.
What happened to Senator Melton was an act of systemic racism through the use of racial profiling by law enforcement and it glaringly points to the need for structural change in Indiana. For 400 years, Black Americans have been dying for democracy and I know that could’ve been the situation on Saturday in the statehouse if the moment had been even slightly different. Generations of our ancestors have risked their lives in pursuit of access to the American dream while simultaneously liberating ourselves from oppression and this is still true today.
The fact is our state legislature has been grossly negligent in addressing systemic racism for far too long and it can’t be ignored anymore. We must pass bills that require annual implicit bias training and de-escalation training for law enforcement officers. We must pass bills that address racial profiling and provide for a confidential whistleblower complaint process for law enforcement officers.
The kind of racism experienced by Senator Melton and that I witnessed on Saturday inside the statehouse is rooted in systems of hate that we absolutely can change. We have the ability to make change that ends racism but we must have bold leaders willing to take on these dysfunctional systems and create new systems that respect the humanity and liberty of all Hoosiers.
I believe we are on the forefront of a new era of political leadership, an era where leaders will take on these deeply rooted and dysfunctional power structures so that we can create meaningful change in our communities. As your next State Senator, I won’t just fight for change, I will lead us forward on the path of justice, equity, and freedom.
To learn more about Belinda Drake’s campaign for Indiana State Senate or to get started as a volunteer in the Field Captain program, visit www.belindadrake.com and connect with the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #BelieveINBelinda.
About Belinda Drake for Indiana State Senate:
Belinda Drake is a progressive Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate in District 32. Committed to putting people over politics, Belinda will serve her communities with a bold and inclusive vision to bring positive change and progress for the people of Senate District 32 and for all Hoosiers. Belinda was born and raised in Gary, IN, and has been a resident and member of the far eastside Indianapolis community for the last 3 years. Belinda graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science and a minor in legal studies from IUPUI and has worked on the campaign trail for United States Congressman Andre Carson, Indiana State Senator J.D. Ford, City Councilor Crista Carlino, and many other Democratic party candidates at the state and local levels. Belinda has served on the board for the Indiana Stonewall Democrats and as the treasurer for the Lawrence Township Democrats. Belinda currently serves as the 7th District Chair for the Indiana Young Democrats, as the Racial Justice & Diversity Coordinator for Indiana NOW (National Organization for Women), and as a National Delegate for the Indiana Democratic Party to the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT
Amanda Schutte
Campaign Manager
Believe in Belinda
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indianapolis, IN – (July 13, 2020)
Indiana’s students, educators, and school communities are only days away from the impossible reality of going back to school while COVID-19 cases escalate across the state. Even though nurses, doctors, and scientists say this isn’t a safe decision, Americans have been told that if we don’t open our schools this fall for in-person learning, critical funding will be withheld from our kids. Politicians have decided that it is an acceptable loss to put so many lives at risk just to boost the economy. Unemployment is at all time highs, people are broke, and they need childcare just to keep a roof over their family’s heads.
The unfortunate reality is that our current leaders have failed all of us. We’ve known about COVID-19 since last December, we’ve been living with schools closed for in person learning since mid-March, and we’ve had just as long to figure out a safe way to educate Hoosier kids during the pandemic. The fact is current leadership has not only failed to control this pandemic, they’ve failed to provide economic relief to the people so we can safely contain COVID, and get back to a new normal. That inaction speaks to a gross level of failed leadership at all levels of government.
We must acknowledge that this comes at no surprise to our education community. For almost 20 years now, our schools have been facing an ongoing assault of extreme underfunding, not enough teachers, too many kids in each classroom, and misguided priorities that center on ISTEP test results instead of student-centered learning. Additionally, our schools have become the primary point of contact for students living with food insecurity, lack of access to healthcare, lack of access to before and after school care, lack of access to personal care supplies, and lack of access to mental and behavioral healthcare.
Every day at our schools, the students, teachers, and staff are expected to do so much more with so much less and COVID-19 has only shown a bright light on this systemic problem of misguided political priorities in our statehouse. In March, our teachers and students were expected to shift into a pandemic crisis education reality over the course of about 48 hours and they did. That is, as much as they were able.
One question begs to be asked, have our leaders done their job and implemented solutions over the past four months that have put Hoosiers in a different position than when we shut schools down in the first place?
Before March 20, our state had not:
These problems existed before the pandemic and from what I can see, there has been no solutions from our leaders. We can no longer pretend that this insistence on in-person schooling during a deadly pandemic is just about educating students. No, those insisting on in-person schooling when we haven’t contained the virus have a different priority: this is about sending Hoosiers back to work to get the economy going and it is impossible to send young parents back to work if there isn’t childcare.
Governor Holcomb, the fact is the pandemic response has been inadequate and COVID cases are surging again. The impact of this has been disproportionately carried in Black and Brown communities, by senior citizens, and by underpaid essential workers. Approximately 70% of teachers are women and 30% are over 50 years old. You have to address gender pay inequality which carries over to low teacher pay and you must ensure a safe school environment for those at highest risk. Failing to do so means you are causing further harm to already marginalized communities.
I call on you, Governor Holcomb to do better by our Hoosier kids and educators. You cannot just tell everyone to go back to school and then not provide a plan or process on how to do that. As the Governor of the great state of Indiana, it is your responsibility to show real leadership. COVID-19 cases are escalating, and you are insisting on sending kids and teachers back to school. As a result of that decision, you are responsible for delivering a plan that provides guidance and funding on the following issues at a minimum:
I call on you, Governor Holcomb, to postpone the start of the school year until after Labor Day so you have the time to come up with a cohesive plan.
I call on you to leverage these next six weeks to build a broad-based coalition of educators, healthcare professionals, and those most impacted by in-person pandemic education. This coalition would use their expertise to create a viable plan for in-person schooling to recommend to you. This plan must not only be geared towards education, but also provide solutions for childcare and wrap-around services for students in need.
Indiana must elect serious leaders who are capable of working together to address the problems we face today. Meaningful solutions cannot be created in a silo. To make a better Indiana, there needs to be collaboration with subject matter experts, partnerships with communities who have the most at stake, and an interest in transforming outdated models of governance that no longer work.
As your next State Senator, I will take on these broken systems of government and bring bold solutions that will deliver real results for families and communities.
To learn more about Belinda Drake’s campaign for Indiana State Senate or to get started as a volunteer in the Field Captain program, visit www.belindadrake.com and connect with the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #BelieveINBelinda.
About Belinda Drake for Indiana State Senate:
Belinda Drake is a progressive Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate in District 32. Committed to putting people over politics, Belinda will serve her communities with a bold and inclusive vision to bring positive change and progress for the people of Senate District 32 and for all Hoosiers. Belinda was born and raised in Gary, IN, and has been a resident and member of the far eastside Indianapolis community for the last 3 years. Belinda graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science and a minor in legal studies from IUPUI and has worked on the campaign trail for United States Congressman Andre Carson, Indiana State Senator J.D. Ford, City Councilor Crista Carlino, and many other Democratic party candidates at the state and local levels. Belinda has served on the board for the Indiana Stonewall Democrats and as the treasurer for the Lawrence Township Democrats. Belinda currently serves as the 7th District Chair for the Indiana Young Democrats, as the Racial Justice & Diversity Coordinator for Indiana NOW (National Organization for Women), and as a National Delegate for the Indiana Democratic Party to the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT
Amanda Schutte
Campaign Manager
Believe in Belinda
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indianapolis, IN – (July 6, 2020)
The video of the brutal beating and attempted lynching of Vauhxx Booker that was shared yesterday is further evidence of the continued harm to Black and Brown Americans as a result of over 400 years of racism in America. Black and Brown Hoosiers should not have to fear for their lives, only to have them ripped away through the use of vigilante force and violence. Our communities know all too well that this could’ve happened to any of us and that is a deep hurt for the Black community and one that we continue to bear. The time has come for real change.
Today, I am grateful for the strength and resilience of Vauhxx Booker. I am grateful that he is able to share the experience of this lived trauma, even though he should never have to. No one should ever be subjected to this particular kind of vigilante terrorism that is rooted in hate and fear, rooted in a power structure that no caring or decent person would ever support. Some might think that Vauhxx is lucky, and I just disagree. The fact is that he never should’ve had to go through this: he nor any Black Americans shouldn’t have to be “lucky” to not get lynched in America today.
Today, I am thankful that he is alive. I’ve been speaking with Vauhxx about what happened and how I can help, how our community can help. For those that don’t know, Vauhxx is someone who actively does the work of creating structural change in our communities. He is someone who is willing to take on deeply entrenched power structures. He is motivated by a bold vision of an equitable America and he takes action to create an America that lives up to the ideals of justice and freedom for all. While he and I are separated by an hour drive and we live in two different cities, I’m proud to be connected to him through a shared vision and in doing this essential work of changemaking in our communities.
What happened to Vauhxx is inhumane and unjust and I want everyone to know that I am joining him in a fight for justice using the legal system: this is what he has asked all of us to do. I ask you to join in that fight as well. As more information becomes available in the days and weeks ahead, we all will be called to help Vauhxx in the way that he asks us to and through his leadership. We must continue to walk down the path of justice and freedom together because as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “No one is free until we are all free.”
I cannot comprehend the kind of trauma and grief that Vauhxx is living with and feeling at this very moment. The haunting reality is that he has lived through this and he knows that thousands of other Black Americans before him have not. I know that this trauma will be carried with him for the rest of his life and he is changed forever. I will continue to lift up Vauhxx, his family, and his friends in prayer in the months and years to come. I hope that he will be able to find healing in peace in his life.
The time has come for real work and progress on these issues. We have the ability to make change that ends vigilante terrorism and violence but we must have bold leaders who are committed to doing the work, bold leaders who will take on the dysfunctional systems and create new American systems that respect the humanity and liberty of all Hoosiers and Americans.
This attempted lynching and brutal beating are rooted in a system of hate that must be undone. It is forefront on my mind that this will test the bounds and effectiveness of the recently approved Indiana hate crimes legislation. We all should be attentive to any limitations in that law and we must work to remedy them immediately in 2021. As your State Senator, I will support legislation for a comprehensive hate crimes bill that would ensure that this kind of hate does not continue as an injustice. We have a lot of work to do in Indiana. As State Senator, I won’t just fight for change, I will lead it.
To learn more about Belinda Drake’s campaign for Indiana State Senate or to get started as a volunteer in the Field Captain program, visit www.belindadrake.com and connect with the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #BelieveINBelinda.
About Belinda Drake for Indiana State Senate:
Belinda Drake is a progressive Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate in District 32. Committed to putting people over politics, Belinda will serve her communities with a bold and inclusive vision to bring positive change and progress for the people of Senate District 32 and for all Hoosiers. Belinda was born and raised in Gary, IN, and has been a resident and member of the far eastside Indianapolis community for the last 3 years. Belinda graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science and a minor in legal studies from IUPUI and has worked on the campaign trail for United States Congressman Andre Carson, Indiana State Senator J.D. Ford, City Councilor Crista Carlino, and many other Democratic party candidates at the state and local levels. Belinda has served on the board for the Indiana Stonewall Democrats and as the treasurer for the Lawrence Township Democrats. Belinda currently serves as the 7th District Chair for the Indiana Young Democrats, as the Racial Justice & Diversity Coordinator for Indiana NOW (National Organization for Women), and as a National Delegate for the Indiana Democratic Party to the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT
Amanda Schutte
Campaign Manager
Believe in Belinda
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indianapolis, IN – (July 3, 2020) “I was very disheartened to see and hear what my opponent said to Ashley Nicole Black in the video for Samantha Bee. Especially when he said he wasn’t even willing to learn more or gain more information about Black Lives Matter. We have a lot of space to grow here in Indiana and it’s heartbreaking that we would even have someone in leadership speak this way about any community.”
“I appreciate the leadership of Senator Eddie Melton and his support on this as well as that of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus.”
“It doesn’t matter to me who my opponent is. I’m running a positive campaign based on the issues that are important to voters in my district. There is a lot of work to do for the people of District 32 and all Hoosiers. It takes bold leadership and new ideas to take on the deeply entrenched systems in Indiana, to rebuild these systems and deliver real results for families and communities in my district.”
“The real work of creating change for Black lives rests in our ability to change the hearts and minds of people who are just like my opponent. What concerns me is that even if he resigns, he still carries these beliefs and this unwillingness to learn more. I really pray that he can open up his heart to change for Black lives.”
To learn more about Belinda Drake’s campaign for Indiana State Senate or to get started as a volunteer in the Field Captain program, visit www.belindadrake.com and connect with the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #BelieveINBelinda.
About Belinda Drake for Indiana State Senate:
Belinda Drake is a progressive Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate in District 32. Committed to putting people over politics, Belinda will serve her communities with a bold and inclusive vision to bring positive change and progress for the people of Senate District 32 and for all Hoosiers. Belinda was born and raised in Gary, IN, and has been a resident and member of the far eastside Indianapolis community for the last 3 years. Belinda graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science and a minor in legal studies from IUPUI and has worked on the campaign trail for United States Congressman Andre Carson, Indiana State Senator J.D. Ford, City Councilor Crista Carlino, and many other Democratic party candidates at the state and local levels. Belinda has served on the board for the Indiana Stonewall Democrats and as the treasurer for the Lawrence Township Democrats. Belinda currently serves as the 7th District Chair for the Indiana Young Democrats, as the Racial Justice & Diversity Coordinator for Indiana NOW (National Organization for Women), and as a National Delegate for the Indiana Democratic Party to the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT
Amanda Schutte
Campaign Manager
Believe in Belinda
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indianapolis, IN – (June 24, 2020) The new guidelines on enrollment of LGBTQ+ students issued by the Indianapolis Archdiocese is yet another discriminatory harm towards Hoosier kids who deserve to be treated equitably and with dignity, decency, and respect for who they are as a person.
That is why in Indiana we must include both sex and gender identity as protected classes in our state civil rights legislation and also in our hate crimes legislation.
We also must be aware of the legally problematic coupling of religion and state that is currently in place through Indiana’s Choice Scholarship. The State of Indiana has an obligation to decouple the funding of religious doctrine by using public dollars.
According to the Indiana Department of Education’s 2018-2019 Annual Report on Choice Scholarship Vouchers, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis received over $42,500,00.00 in public dollars after enrolling over 8,300 income-qualifying students in their Catholic Schools.
The fact is, that is an awful lot of public funding that is being used to support the Indianapolis Archdiocese religious institution.
Those of Christian faith are called on to treat all people with the same dignity and respect that Jesus would. I will continue to pray for the Indianapolis Archdiocese to align deeds with the word. Also, I call on all Hoosiers regardless of faith or belief to center the humanity of people in an equitable way and to treat all people with dignity, decency, and respect.
To learn more about Belinda Drake’s campaign for Indiana State Senate or to get started as a volunteer in the Field Captain program, visit www.belindadrake.com and connect with the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #BelieveINBelinda.
About Belinda Drake for Indiana State Senate:
Belinda Drake is a progressive Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate in District 32. Committed to putting people over politics, Belinda will serve her communities with a bold and inclusive vision to bring positive change and progress for the people of Senate District 32 and for all Hoosiers. Belinda was born and raised in Gary, IN, and has been a resident and member of the far eastside Indianapolis community for the last 3 years. Belinda graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science and a minor in legal studies from IUPUI and has worked on the campaign trail for United States Congressman Andre Carson, Indiana State Senator J.D. Ford, City Council Candidate Crista Carlino, and many other Democratic party candidates at the state and local levels. Belinda has served on the board for the Indiana Stonewall Democrats and as the treasurer for the Lawrence Township Democrats. Belinda currently serves as the 7th District Chair for the Indiana Young Democrats, as the Racial Justice & Diversity Coordinator for Indiana NOW (National Organization for Women), and as a National Delegate for the Indiana Democratic Party to the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
# # #
END BROKEN WINDOWS POLICING
COMMUNITY OVERSIGHT
LIMIT USE OF FORCE
INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS AND PROSECUTIONS
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION
BODY CAMS/ FILM THE POLICE
TRAINING
END FOR-PROFIT POLICING
DEMILITARIZATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indianapolis, IN – (June 1, 2020)
Over the past five days, everyone across the nation has witnessed the pain, outrage, and trauma of over 400 years of racism in America. There is nothing that has become more evident to me in the past few weeks than our collective need for bold, authentic leadership to correct the centuries of dysfunctional policy our communities reckon with and grieve over every day. This mourning is felt deep within the souls of the black community. We can no longer go along to get along.
One thing that has become very clear to me is exactly how easy it is for pretended leaders to choose power and political expediency over standing up and fighting for what is right for our people. I am not that person and I will not stand idly by and watch power beget power.
I choose the pathway of healing.
I choose justice.
Dreasjon Reed was murdered in Indianapolis, IN on May 6, 2020. The next day I released a statement calling on our communities to unite around the principles of fairness and justice. I also promised that I would launch a plan that will address violence in Indiana, a plan that will offer real policy solutions based on human rights principles that will change the way police serve our communities. As a person of my word, today I share with you my plan for law enforcement reform which you can read in full on my website here: POLICY.
However, over the past few days there has been a deeply concerning move from leadership in the City of Indianapolis, the city that I call home, and it cannot remain unaddressed.
First, I reiterate my call for the United States Department of Justice to conduct an independent, timely, and thorough investigation into the death of Dreasjon Reed. Even more, I call on the Mayor, City-County Council, and other community leaders to join me in calling on the Department of Justice for a thorough investigation.
Next, I call on the City of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to immediately release all people who have been jailed as a result of the protests and to release them without payment of any bond. Furthermore, those who were jailed as a result of the protests and who were financially privileged enough to have afforded bail during the current economic crisis must be reimbursed in full and without exception.
I call on Indianapolis Mayor Hogsett to lift the curfew on the City of Indianapolis and do not extend it. Not only is it an unnecessary miscalculation and overreaction, it is part of a decades-long practice of policing minor offenses known as “Broken Windows” policing. Just like it’s cousin, “Stop-and-Frisk profiling”, the policing of minor offenses that do not threaten public safety are often used to police black bodies. Mr. Mayor – I can assure you that the data that will be gathered as a result of curfew policing will not sit well with communities and your constituents in Indianapolis. I call on you to lead instead of reacting.
I call on law enforcement officers in Indianapolis and across the state, who want to stand on the side of healing and bring change to their departments, to speak up and stand up with those of us fighting for justice. Now more than ever, we need to hear your voices, we need to see your acts of support. We need to see you stand up for higher standards in your profession to preserve the life and liberty of all Americans which you are sworn to uphold.
Hoosiers across the state have been standing up and speaking up for justice over the past five days. Hammond – I hear you. Fort Wayne – I hear you. Indianapolis – I hear you. South Bend – I hear you. Griffith – I hear you. Merrillville – I hear you. Bloomington – I hear you. Michigan City – I hear you. Hobart – I hear you. Valparaiso – I hear you. Columbus – I hear you. Kokomo – I hear you. Portage – I hear you. Jeffersonville – I hear you.
Jeffersonville – I have heard about the death of Malcolm Williams and I call on the United States Department of Justice to conduct an independent, timely, and thorough investigation into his murder. I stand with your brother, Tyler Williams, and call on the Indiana State Police Department to immediately release the video footage surrounding Malcolm’s death.
The grief and mourning that I hear and feel from Malcolm William’s friends and family is unfathomable. Please know that as I write this on Pentecost Sunday, I continue to lift up Malcolm and your entire family and community in my prayers. Please accept my sincerest condolences and I hope that your hearts will find some peace in the weeks to come. I know that your community is living in shock and grief. Please know that you are not alone and that communities across the state will advocate for solutions to this injustice so our brothers and sisters can also live in peace in America.
Over the last few weeks in Indianapolis, leadership from community organizations like the African American Coalition of Indianapolis, the Indiana Black Expo, and the Indianapolis Urban League have been advocating for a Citizen’s Review Board to IMPD. I am concerned by the fact that after three years of planning, community conversations, and policy drafting, the recommendation is to create a Board that is structured like an identical twin of the IMPD Merit Board, only with fewer members and absolutely no true oversight function.
The purpose of civilian oversight is not to add another layer of bureaucracy with no function. The Citizen’s Review Board must be responsible to our communities and must not become a cog inside of the political appointment wheel. The Citizen’s Review Board must be a structure representative of and by our communities. Members must not have been current, former, or family of police officers as members. Members must be selected from candidates offered by community organizations. They must have the ability to determine policy for the police department as a result of community input and expertise.
Additionally, the Citizen’s Police Complaint Board must be improved in its composition and appointment process. To truly be a Citizen’s Complaint Board, it must be a structure representative of and by our communities. Members must not have been current, former, or family of police officers as members. Members must be selected from candidates offered by community organizations. We also must remove the 60 day gag rule on this Board’s ability to investigate complaints submitted to the Board.
Independent civilian oversight is the pathway for healing and is essential for justice not only in Indianapolis but also in the great State of Indiana. As State Senator, I will introduce these urgent policy solutions and human rights principles so that we can change the way law enforcement serve across our Hoosier communities.
The time has come for bold leadership on these issues. We must make change that saves lives and ends violence. That requires leaders who are willing to do this hard work.
Today, I call on Republican and Democratic leaders alike to choose the pathway of healing and justice. Not to fulfill some talking point about “working across the aisle” and “getting things done”. I am calling on you to do the real work. To set aside political expediency. To set aside accumulation of power. I am calling on you to listen to the mourning that is happening in our communities over the unnecessary deaths of black people.
I’m calling on you to choose justice. I call on you to help put an end to over 400 years of racism in America.
To learn more about Belinda Drake’s campaign for Indiana State Senate or to get started as a volunteer in the Field Captain program, visit www.belindadrake.com and connect with the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #BelieveINBelinda.
About Belinda Drake for Indiana State Senate:
Belinda Drake is a progressive Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate in District 32. Committed to putting people over politics, Belinda will serve her communities with a bold and inclusive vision to bring positive change and progress for the people of Senate District 32 and for all Hoosiers. Belinda was born and raised in Gary, IN, and has been a resident and member of the far eastside Indianapolis community for the last 3 years. Belinda graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science and a minor in legal studies from IUPUI and has worked on the campaign trail for United States Congressman Andre Carson, Indiana State Senator J.D. Ford, City Council Candidate Crista Carlino, and many other Democratic party candidates at the state and local levels. Belinda has served on the board for the Indiana Stonewall Democrats and as the treasurer for the Lawrence Township Democrats. Belinda currently serves as the 7th District Chair for the Indiana Young Democrats and as the Racial Justice & Diversity Coordinator for Indiana NOW (National Organization for Women).
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT
Amanda Schutte
Campaign Manager
Believe in Belinda
The Believe IN Belinda team wants to make sure your vote counts. At this point in time, Belinda is recommending that you do not mail your absentee ballot; there just isn’t enough time to guarantee delivery per the USPS guidance on local mail delivery timeframes.
Ballots must be RECEIVED by the Marion County Election Board by NOON on June 2nd, 2020 to be counted. This is how you can guarantee your vote counts.
The Believe IN Belinda campaign strongly recommends that everyone practice COVID-safe in-person voting guidelines by following CDC guidance for public spaces which includes following safe social distancing perimeters, wearing a mask to protect others, covering sneezes and coughs, and washing hands frequently. Please follow additional guidelines as posted at your polling locations. For a complete list of CDC guidance, please go to: