Marshawn Wolley: Black community needs partners in its quest for change
It is too hard being black in this city, and black people are tired.
Marshawn Wolley
Articles
Marshawn Wolley: ‘Baby bonds’ are an idea that could close racial gaps
While family wealth grew for white, black and Latino families from 2013 to 2016, the gaps grew as well.
Marshawn Wolley: Virus crisis exacerbates existing racial gaps
We know the economy is sick now—but it’s been unhealthy for large segments of the community even in good times.
Marshawn Wolley: A nation wrestling with complexities of past, present
The idea that a place can be more than its problems both is compelling and does not surrender concerns about injustices, real or perceived.
Marshawn Wolley: Sending 12-year-olds to adult court is ridiculous
Societies are judged ultimately by how they treat the most vulnerable among them.
Marshawn Wolley: Township schools must do more about racial gaps
These school leaders cower in townships hoping no one calls them out.
Marshawn Wolley: Indy needs a city official focused on black males
Last year, 103 black males were murdered in Indianapolis.
Marshawn Wolley: Shifting needs as Indy moves to majority-minority city
The black community has been a sizable population in this city for much of its early development through the 19th and 20th centuries, while the Latinx community and Asian communities are relatively smaller and newer.
Marshawn Wolley: Black Indy is dying; candidates should pay attention
A politician can’t stop the black community’s efforts at helping itself—a partner in city hall only helps.
Marshawn Wolley: Black Indy exists in a policy desert, needs an agenda
The inconvenient truth is that, for much of the 20th century, there were formal and informal race-based policies meant to control or diminish black Indianapolis. These policies affected where we could live, who could have certain public contracts, and even the education of black children.
Marshawn Wolley: Red Line offers hope to residents trying to move up
I find some irony in the naming of the Red Line giving the legacy of redlining in the black community.
Marshawn Wolley: New fund to help address challenges in black community
There is a limit to what government can do, should do and, unfortunately, will do.
Marshawn Wolley: Mayoral candidates must make schools a priority
Both candidates have to have the courage to say the status quo isn’t good enough.
Marshawn Wolley: Amid strides, mayor must do more for black community
The homicide rate for black males in Indianapolis was about 500% that of white males in 2018—an astronomical disparity in a specific population.
Marshawn Wolley: Lugar’s legacy is mixed for city’s black community
I wish he would’ve fought for more extensive changes—for a more equitable Unigov.
Marshawn Wolley: Vague new law creates lots of confusion
While many people are concerned the law won’t protect some of those who need it most, I’m alarmed it could end up being overused to protect or punish too many people.
Marshawn Wolley: Slow down and assess what’s working
Innovation network schools are a solution—not the solution for improving education outcomes.
Marshawn Wolley: State must set high bar for minority student attainment
A lower proficiency goal for kids who look like my son means adults are planning for their failure instead of addressing our own failings.
Marshawn Wolley: Township schools must receive reform, too
Improving township districts doesn’t mean importing IPS solutions, but lessons can be learned from the reform work that has happened in that district.
Marshawn Wolley: Leaders must look long term when tackling problems
Bush reminds us that leadership isn’t always doing the people’s will; sometimes it’s helping us find our better selves.