Martindale Brightwood coalition announces the City-certification of its Quality of Life Plan at PreEnact Polk Stables

Joey Amato
4 days ago
3 min read

The Martindale Brightwood collective invites the media and community members to attend the announcement of the City certification of its Quality of Life plan and the announcement of the first-ever Tysha Hardy-Sellers award for community impact. This press conference will happen at 3:00pm during the PreEnact Polk Stables event from 2-8 p.m. on Aug. 27 at 1533 Lewis St., Indianapolis.

MOVE Martindale Brightwood includes One Voice, Edna Martin Christian Center, Martindale Brightwood CDC, Oasis Christian CDC, Martindale Brightwood Community Center, Kipp Schools, Felege Hiywot, IUI Office of Community Engagement, Martin University Citizens Energy, Rep. Robin Shackleford, Harrison Center, HealthNet, Martindale Brightwood Education Zone, IU Health, Indy Parks, Faith, Hope, and Love, Mayor's office, Councilor Jesse Brown, Indy Recorder, The Mirror, Overcoming Church, Polk Stables. MOVE spent three years working with neighbors to choose their own future. The result is a 5-year plan that includes ten pillar areas: arts and culture, education, economic development, environmental justice, youth engagement, neighborhood engagement, Health and Wellness, Public Safety, workforce development, housing and infrastructure.

The PreEnact Polk Stables event is an interactive theater experience/community visioning tool that allows everyone to envision quality of life plan goals enacted. Attendees can become part of the action at the historic Polk Stables by becoming an “actor” in the neighborhood scene. PreEnact Polk Stables will bring to life a collaborative vision for the future of Polk Stables in Martindale Brightwood and the goals of the Quality of Life plan.

Why it matters:

“Our neighborhood has undergone significant changes over the past decade. We aim to have our new and old neighbors engage with each other, learn about Martindale-Brightwood's rich history, and appreciate the amazing opportunities available today,” said Immanuel Ivey, Edna Martin Christian Center executive director.

“PreEnact is helping POLK Stables envision a neighborhood future that honors its history while creating opportunities for all residents to thrive.” said Sajan George, owner Polk Stables

“Martindale Brightwood has historically been distinguished by its combination of the arts and culture with everyday people from the neighborhood. The Greatriarchs project really embodies this community-centered way of dealing with culture and the arts. PreEnact intentionally looks forward at the future of the neighborhood, and refuses to accept the proposition that gentrification and displacement must accompany the development that is picking up in the neighborhood. With a whimsical but grounded, participatory cultural and artistic event like PreEnact, we help all neighbors feel like they are a necessary part of the neighborhood's future,” says Councilor Jesse Brown.

Activities include:

Parade:

Neighbors and business owners can parade down the Monon to celebrate the historic Martindale Brightwood neighborhood.

Tours:

Guests can tour the historic Polk Stables and local public art. Guests can also take a neighborhood history walking tour with Sampson Levingston.

Entertainment:

Guests can attend a community sing; a unique Terra Firma (of Dirt) Concert with visiting artist Pascal Glock. Local musicians, including Men in the Fire, will also perform.