Jul 13, 2013
National

Black Lives Matter movement begins

The Black Lives Matter movement begins nationally as a hashtag on social media, #BlackLivesMatter, in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman, who shot and killed Black teenager Trayvon Martin the previous year, 2012.

Pictured: Convention goers wear Black Lives Matter shirts three years after the start of the movement during the 2016 Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Arena. Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY View Source
Aug 8, 2014
National

Death of Michael Brown

An 18-year-old African American, Michael Brown, is fatally shot by Ferguson, MO police officer Darren Wilson. Along with other instances of Black men shot by police across the United States, the incident sparks weeks of protests all over the country, including Indianapolis.

Pictured: Plaque of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri on sidewalk where shooting incident occurred. Credit: LittleT889 via Wikimedia Commons View Source
Dec 31, 2014
Indianapolis

Indy10 Black Lives Matter is founded

A group of 10 Indianapolis residents found Indy10 Black Lives Matter after traveling to Ferguson, Missouri, to protest the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by police.

Pictured: Leah Derray (at right), Kyra Jay (left), and Erika Haskins are all leaders of Indy10 Black Lives Matter. Credit: Robert Scheer/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Mar 13, 2020
National

Death of Breonna Taylor

Acting under a no-knock warrant, officers of the Louisville Metro Police Department entered the apartment of Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old African-American woman, and fatally shot her. The raid was conducted under false assumptions. Taylor’s death sparked national protests, including demonstrations in Indianapolis. 

Pictured: A woman places flowers at a memorial in downtown Louisville on what would have been Breonna Taylor's 28th birthday, 2021 Credit: Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
May 6, 2020
Indianapolis

Death of Dreasjon Reed

Indianapolis police fatally shoot 21-year-old Dreasjon “Sean” Reed on the northwest side of the city following a car chase.  Reed broadcast the chase on Facebook Live, which continued after he fled on foot. The broadcast was followed by 16,000 viewers.  More than 100 gather at the scene to protest following the shooting. Over 200 protest downtown the next day.

Pictured: A memorial sits at the site where IMPD fatally shot Dreasjon Reed, 2020 Credit: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
May 7, 2020
Indianapolis

Death of McHale Rose

Four IMPD officers are called to investigate a burglary. Upon arrival, McHale Rose shoots at them with a semi-automatic rifle. Police return fire, fatally shooting the 19-year-old Rose.

Pictured: Protesters march, calling for justice for Dreasjon Reed and McHale Rose in downtown Indianapolis, 2020 Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
May 25, 2020
National

Death of George Floyd

George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, is killed by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill.

Pictured: People hold signs near the Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct headquarters, 2020 Credit: Dave Schwarz/St. Cloud Times-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
May 26, 2020
National

First protests break out across the U.S.

News of Floyd’s murder spreads rapidly through social media and protests begin almost immediately in Minneapolis. Protests of police brutality against African Americans spread to other cities in the United States soon after.

Pictured: A group of demonstrators in Memphis, Tennessee protest the deaths of three black Americans across the country, 2020 Credit: The Commercial Appeal-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
May 29, 2020
Indianapolis

Protests break out at Monument Circle

Protests begin at Monument Circle to rally against the police brutality that led to the deaths of George Floyd, as well as Dreasjon Reed. The protest grows violent after dark, with vandalism and looting. 

Pictured: Demonstrators hold signs and chant on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, 2020 Credit: Jenna Watson/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
May 30, 2020
Indianapolis

Former IU player and one other are fatally wounded

Among continuing protests, violence claims the lives of two Indianapolis residents. Chris Beaty, former IU football player and entrepreneur, is fatally shot outside of his downtown apartment building during an armed robbery. Hours later in a separate event, 18-year-old Dorian Murrell, also African American, is killed following an altercation during the night of protests. The two incidents were not related.

Pictured: A memorial for former Indiana University football player Chris Beaty, 2020 Credit: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
May 31, 2020
Indianapolis

Faith leaders call for peaceful protests

Faith leaders gather in the afternoon to call for peaceful protests and hundreds laid down for a “die-in” which lasted eight minutes. Two different crowds gather near Monument Circle to protest. Police use tear gas on one group which ended up affecting the other group as well. A curfew is set from 8 pm to 6 am. Police officers were recorded using force against two women out past curfew.

Pictured: Faith in Indiana, a part of Faith in Action, hosted the march through Downtown to the City-County Building on Market Street, 2020 Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 1, 2020
Indianapolis

March to the governor’s residence

Around 200 protestors hold a 5-mile march from downtown to Governor Eric Holcomb’s residence. They are past the 8 pm to 6 am curfew. The group is met with a standoff of over 50 state and city police in riot gear. A pepper ball is fired, but the protestors and officers remain peaceful. Video shows two women forcibly restrained by police. 

Pictured: A peaceful protest organizer negotiates with Indiana State Police at a roadblock outside the Indiana Governor's Residence, 2020 Credit: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 2, 2020
Indianapolis

Protests continue throughout Indianapolis

Protests continue amid primary election day. At 3:30 pm, a group gathers at Broad Ripple Avenue for a silent demonstration. From 6 pm to 10:30 pm, protestors gather near the City-County building where they lay down in streets before moving to the Statehouse and Monument Circle. There is a heavy Indiana State Police and National Guard presence. Another curfew is set for 9 pm to 6 am.

Pictured: A group kneels in front of Broad Ripple Tavern, 2020 Credit: Jessica Scherer View Source
Jun 3, 2020
Indianapolis

Murrell’s shooter turns himself into police

Tyler Newby, a 29-year old white man, turns himself in for the fatal shooting of Dorian Murrell in the early hours of May 31, 2020. 

Jun 3, 2020
Indianapolis

White Coats for Black Lives

Multiple events occur throughout the sixth day of protests. Dreasjon Reed’s family holds a press conference. At 11:30 am, prayer services are held at City Market Plaza with elected officials and community leaders. By 6 pm, medical professionals begin protesting in the “White Coats for Black Lives” march, calling systemic racism as a public health crisis.

Pictured: Healthcare workers and health profession students gather during the White Coats for Black Lives rally, 2020 Credit: MACABE BROWN / COURIER PRESS via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 4, 2020
Indianapolis

Promised changes to use-of-force policy

After days of protests, Mayor Hogsett announces updates to the IMPD’s use-of-force policy to include prohibiting chokeholds and updating requirements for identification and warning before using deadly force.  The curfew is set once again from 8 pm to 6 am.

Jun 4, 2020
Indianapolis

Several announcements are made on day 7 of protests

Mayor Hogsett announces the removal of the confederate monument in Garfield Park.  Rosemary Khoury, an African American deputy prosecutor from Madison County, is appointed as special prosecutor in Dresjon Reed’s death. Indy Pride announces that they will cut ties with IMPD in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.

 

Pictured: A monument dedicated to Confederate soldiers who died at a Union prison camp in Indianapolis is dismantled from Garfield Park, 2020 Credit: Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 6, 2020
Indianapolis

Indy’s largest demonstration against racial inequality and police brutality

An evening protest, organized by Black Women in Charge, becomes the city’s largest demonstration against racial inequality and police brutality in at least 30 years, with over 4,000 protestors in attendance. A curfew is in place from 8 pm to 6 am.

Pictured: Thousands participate in a sit-in rally organized by Black Women in Charge at the Indiana Statehouse, 2020 Credit: Jenna Watson/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 7, 2020
Indianapolis

Morning protest wakes up Indy for Black lives

Protestors gather at North United Methodist Church at 38th Street to begin “Wake Up for Black Lives,” a peaceful procession of over 100 vehicles driving past Major Hogsett’s residence. In the evening, over 300 protestors gather at the Common Ground Midtown Church for a 2-mile walk through the Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood.

Pictured: A car decorated with the words "Black Lives Matter" and a quote from Desmond Tutu is one of more than 150 cars that participated in an early morning protest in Indianapolis, 2020 Credit: Justin L. Mack/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 8, 2020
Indianapolis

Calls for more reform

About 70 protestors gather at Monument Circle. Their demands include de-funding IMPD, creating a community-led external police review board to oversee internal affairs, and requiring the Fraternal Order of Police to have its own liability insurance for officers

Pictured: Demonstrators at the IMPD NW District Headquarters, demanding justice for Reed who was fatally shot by IMPD in May, 2020 Credit: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 8, 2020
Indianapolis

Indianapolis City-County Council declares racism a public health crisis

After weeks of protests against racial discrimination, the Indianapolis City-County Council votes unanimously to pass a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis in Indianapolis.

Jun 9, 2020
Indianapolis

Officer identified in Reed case

On day 13 of the protests, Dejoure Mercer is identified as the officer who shot and killed Dreasjon Reed. Over 200 people walk Massachusetts Avenue in a protest organized by Indy10 Black Lives Matter. In the evening, a sit-in is held at the Statehouse focused on women fighting against police brutality. 

Pictured: Erika Haskins takes a knee as she helps lead about 200 marchers who walked up and down Massachusetts Avenue, asking diners to listen to a list of demands for IMPD, 2020 Credit: Robert Scheer/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 11, 2020
Indianapolis

Demonstrations spread beyond downtown Indy

Several hundred protestors gather outside the Brownsburg town hall to bring awareness to systemic racism and prejudice. Around 500 protestors gather outside of Avon Town Hall with about a dozen speakers. Southport and Perry Meridian High School students organize and participate in a March for Awareness at Perry Meridian Middle school.

Pictured: Eight minutes and 46 seconds of quiet, during a Black Lives Matter-themed event in Avon, 2020 Credit: Robert Scheer/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 12, 2020
Indianapolis

A day of solidarity, celebration, and protests

The “Indy Day of Solidarity – We Stand Together” virtual event is held on WISH-TV. The “Unity in the Community” block party kicks off between Pennsylvania and Delaware streets. At the “Reclaim the Circle” event, protestors demand the reduction of the IMPD budget and rerouting those funds into the community. A “Celebration of Life” rally is held in the evening to remember Dreasjon Reed.

Pictured: A memorial set up at Reed's Celebration of Life, 2020 Credit: Jill Sheridan Poulos, WFYI View Source
Jun 12, 2020
Indianapolis

Reckless van driver charged. Officers involved in the McHale Rose shooting identified

Four days after protestors are struck by a van at Monument Circle, criminal recklessness charges are filed against the driver of the van, Diane Goebel. The four officers involved in the death of McHale Rose on May 6th, 2020 are identified.

Jun 14, 2020
Indianapolis

Monumental March

Indiana sports celebrities Tamika Catchings, George Hill, LaVall Jordan, and Jeffrey A. Johnson join in on the Monumental March and Voter Registration Rally. The event encourages people to vote and effect change through legislature and public policy.

Pictured: A "Monumental March" and voter registration rally is held in downtown Indianapolis, 2020 Credit: Jenna Watson/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 15, 2020
Indianapolis

Reed’s family files lawsuit

Dreasjon Reed’s family files a lawsuit against the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the City of Indianapolis. Reed’s mother and local activists gather in University Park afterward.

Pictured: A banner, signed by community members, during a press conference to announce a federal lawsuit filed by the family of Dreasjon Reed, 2020 Credit: Robert Scheer/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 15, 2020
Indianapolis

Hogsett announces review of law enforcement response to protests

On Day 18 of protests, Mayor Hogsett announces an independent review of how officials and law enforcement responded during the early protests. Congressman Andre Carson and Damon Dash convene an Instagram Town Hall on reform. Basketball coaches from all over Marion County gather on Monument Circle to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

 

Pictured: Marion County boys high school basketball coaches gather at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement, 2020 Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar View Source
Jun 17, 2020
Indianapolis

Chalking event

At the headquarters of the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, around 100 people show up for a chalking event. Indy10 BLM organizes the event to remember the lives of Dreasjon Reed and McHale Rose and to call for police reform. 

Pictured: A protester writes "Hero's are accountable" on the entry way of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's Northwest District headquarters during a Black Lives Matter sit-in, 2020 Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 18, 2020
Indianapolis

ACLU files lawsuit against City of Indianapolis

The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana calls for an end to the use of tear gas, pepper balls, and other similar crowd control methods against protestors. It files a lawsuit against the City of Indianapolis over the use of these methods during the protests.

Pictured: IMPD using gas at Black Lives Matter protests in downtown Indianapolis, 2020 Credit: Michelle Pemberton/RedRocketPhoto via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 19, 2020
Indianapolis

Juneteenth

Governor Holcomb and Mayor Hogsett signed proclamations declaring June 19 as Juneteenth in the state and city. Juneteenth celebrations include the “Juneteenth Freedom Festival,” “Black Out for Black Lives,” a march for peace ending at an event at Martin Luther King Memorial Park, an Indy Lawyers for Black Lives protest, and the virtual “Juneteenth Celebration” hosted by the Indianapolis Recorder and other community groups.

Pictured: 2020 Indiana proclamation declaring June 19 as Juneteenth Credit: State of Indiana View Source
Jun 20, 2020
Indianapolis

Community leaders resign over city’s response to riots

Eight leaders of the southeast side Community District Resource Council, a neighborhood advocacy group, resign after they criticize the city’s response to the May riots.

Pictured: Southeast side Community District Resource Council resignation letter, 2020 Credit: Community District Resource Council View Source
Jun 20, 2020
Indianapolis

BlaQ Lives Matter

BlaQ Lives Matter, a Black Lives Matter solidarity event organized by Taste Indy, was held to highlight ways the Black queer community is left out of the movement. About 175 people attended the event at University Park. 

Pictured: India Huey introduces the speakers of the BlaQ Lives Matter rally, 2020 Credit: Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar View Source
Jun 24, 2020
Indianapolis

Canal chalking event

Indy10 BLM hosted another chalking event to remember Dreasjon Reed and McHale Rose and also to call for the defunding of IMPD. The event was held along the Central Canal.

Pictured: Canal Walk near the West Street underpass in Indianapolis, 2020 Credit: Jenna Watson/IndyStar, Indianapolis Star via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 25, 2020
Indianapolis

IPS approves new racial equity measures

The Indianapolis Public Schools Board of School Commissioners approves the Racial Equity Mindset, Commitment & Action policy and the Black Lives Matter resolution. Both are aimed at making changes to policies, practices, and attitudes that perpetuate inequity, racism, and biases.

Pictured: Racial Equity Mindset, Commitment, & Action plan, adopted June 25, 2020 Credit: Indianapolis Public Schools View Source
Jun 26, 2020
Indianapolis

Lawsuit filed against IMPD

Two women forcibly restrained by police in the May 31st protest march file a lawsuit against IMPD. They allege excessive force in the incident, which was captured on video.  

Pictured: Ivor Westfield sits at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Washington Streets after she was arrested for a curfew violation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, 2020 Credit: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 28, 2020
Indianapolis

Second “Wake Up for Black Lives” march

Demonstrators hold the second “Wake Up For Black Lives” protest organized by Indy10 Black Lives Matter. Later in the day, the “White Silence is Violence Allies Only March” takes place. Around 100 demonstrators gather at Cottage Home Community Park and march to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge. 

Pictured: People gathered for the White Silence is Violence Allies Only march to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in Indianapolis, 2020 Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 30, 2020
Indianapolis

Murals for Racial Justice Project begins

The Murals for Racial Justice Project, an initiative of the Arts Council of Indianapolis,  commissions 22 Black artists to create 24 temporary murals on boarded-up storefronts in downtown Indianapolis. The works are later recreated on banners displayed at the Central Library and available for educational use by the community.

Pictured: Murals adorn many downtown business, like these at the Symphony Centre on Washington Street, in downtown Indianapolis, 2020 Credit: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jul 1, 2020
Indianapolis

Black-owned businesses are boosted

 

The Downtown Indy Rebuilding and Recovery Committee is formed to help Indianapolis recover from the coronavirus recession and to increase black-owned businesses around the Mile Square. Indy Black Businesses Matter is a 2-part campaign to spotlight Black-owned businesses and increase diversity in the workforce.

Pictured: #blackbusinessesmatter Credit: Indy Black Businesses Matter View Source
Jul 2, 2020
Indianapolis

A Conversation on Race

A virtual town hall, A Conversation on Race: Connecting Central Indiana, is put together through the efforts of Indy10 BLM, RTV6, and Radio One. 

Jul 4, 2020
Indianapolis

HOOD March

An evening event, the HOOD March, is organized by Mat Davis and held in Haughville on July fourth. Around 25 people attended the event despite the rain. 

Pictured: Mat Davis, organizer, helps lead an event called HOOD March: Haughville, 2020 Credit: Robert Scheer/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jul 5, 2020
Indianapolis

A fatal shooting on the canal

Jessica Doty-Whitaker was fatally shot on Central Canal while walking with her family at 3:00 am when someone in her group shouted a racial slur at a passing group. A gunshot fatally wounded Whitaker but police cannot identify the assailant. An All Lives Matter/Justice for Jessica rally was held several days later in response.

Pictured: A teddy bear, candles, and a photo of Jessica Doty-Whitaker sit on the Indianapolis Canal Walk during a rally to remember her in downtown Indianapolis, 2020 Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jul 9, 2020
Indianapolis

IMPD to be equipped with body cams

IMPD signs a multi-million dollar contract to equip over 1,000 officers with body cameras. This process will take place over the next 5 1/2 years. In addition, the City of Indianapolis plans to hire civilians to manage and review the footage captured from the body cameras. 

Pictured: Police officer is shown wearing a body cam in front of a rack of charging body cameras, 2019 Credit: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar, Indianapolis Star via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jul 13, 2020
Indianapolis

City-County Council considers various BLM-related initiatives

Several new proposals are introduced at the Indianapolis City-County Council meeting including the creation of an Indianapolis Commission on African American Males, a Public Safety and Community Recovery Plan for each council district, and changes to the Citizen’s Police Complaint Board process. The council also votes to allow the painting of a Black Lives Matter mural to publicly condemn racism. 

Pictured: Vop Osili, president of Indianapolis City-County Council, 2020 Credit: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jul 15, 2020
Indianapolis

Protest for Reed and Rose

Indy10 BLM organizes the “Justice for Reed and Rose” protest hosted by the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Demonstrators demand justice for Dreasjon Reed and McHale Rose 

Pictured: Protesters marched from the City County Building on Market Street to the Downtown IMPD District calling for justice for Dreasjon Reed and McHale Rose, 2020 Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Aug 1, 2020
Indianapolis

Indy gets a BLM street mural

A block party is organized by Indy10 BLM to celebrate the start of the Black Lives Matter street mural painted on Indiana Avenue between the Walker Theater and the Urban League. Funding for the project, which hires Black artists to complete each of the letters, is provided by the Indianapolis Urban League and the Central Indiana Community Foundation. The street will later be repaved, covering the mural, as part of the planned expansion of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

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Pictured: Indy10 Black Lives Matter and other community groups organized the painting of a 'Black Lives Matter' mural on Indiana Avenue, 2020 Credit: Joe Tamborello & Stephen Beard/IndyStar Drone via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Aug 5, 2020
Indianapolis

Dreasjon Reed’s autopsy released

Marion Superior Court authorizes the release of the autopsy report for Dreasjon Reed, three months after Reed is killed. Reed’s mother had demanded the release.

Pictured: Demetree Wynn arrives to receive the autopsy report for her son, Dreasjon Reed, at the Marion County coroner's office, 2020 Credit: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Aug 6, 2020
Indianapolis

#Dreasjon Reed

Demonstrators meet at the Black Lives Matter mural to march and demand justice for Dreasjon Reed, McHale Rose, and others fatally shot by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers. 

Pictured: Indy10 Black Lives Matter activists marched from the Black Lives Matter street mural on Indiana Avenue to Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, calling for justice for Reed, McHale Rose, and others fatally shot by IMPD officers, 2020 Credit: Michelle Pemnberton/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Aug 8, 2020
Indianapolis

BLM street mural is defaced

Just days after its completion, the BLM mural on Indiana Avenue is defaced with white and grey paint. 

Pictured: Black Lives Matter mural on Indiana Avenue is defaced with paint, 2020 Credit: WFYI News View Source
Aug 18, 2020
State

Governor Holcomb announces strategies to improve Indiana racial equity

The strategies include body cameras for state police, a new cabinet position for equity and inclusion in state government, a portal for state-level diversity statistics, a top-down review of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, adjusted policies and programs to create more opportunities for people of color, and recruitment of more minority teachers.

Pictured: Governor Eric Holcomb, 2020 Credit: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Aug 22, 2020
Indianapolis

Yoga protest

Indy10 Black Lives Matter organizes a morning yoga protest outside Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s home.

Pictured: Morning yoga protest, Mayor Hogsett's home, August 22, 2020 Credit: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Sep 5, 2020
Indianapolis

Sit-in protest on Indiana Avenue

A sit-in protest is held on Indiana Avenue near the Madam C.J. Walker Theater in downtown Indianapolis. The demonstrators walk to see the Black Lives Matter mural and listen to speakers during the three-hour event.

Pictured: U.S. Rep. Andre Carson at sit-in protest, 2020 Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Oct 8, 2020
Indianapolis

Business Equity for Indy Committee is formed

The Business Equity for Indy Committee is formed as a joint venture of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership and Indy Chamber, with support from the Indianapolis Urban League. It is made up of Indianapolis-based corporate leaders committed to addressing inequities in business opportunities for communities of color.

 

Pictured: Business Equity for Indy holds a contest for the creation of the groups official logo, 2020 Credit: Business Equity for Indy View Source
Oct 23, 2020
Indianapolis

Indianapolis Art Center launches exhibit, EIGHTEEN: Black Lives Matter

The exhibition features the work of the 18 artists that created the Black Lives Matter mural on Indiana Avenue. 

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Pictured: Deonna Craig, shown here in 2018, was one of the artists who painted the Black Lives Matter mural on Indiana Avenue. Credit: Jenna Watson/IndyStar View Source
Oct 29, 2020
Indianapolis

IMPD agrees to end use of riot control agents

The police department agrees to no longer use chemical agents such as tear gas and pepper balls on passive resistors as part of settling the suit filed by the ACLU in June. 

 

Pictured: IMPD during Black Lives Matter protests in downtown Indianapolis, 2020 Credit: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Nov 10, 2020
Indianapolis

Officer not indicted in killing of Dreasjon Reed

Citing lack of probable cause, the grand jury in the Dreasjon Reed case declines to indict IMPD officer Dejoure Mercer who fatally shot Reed during a foot chase. People gather downtown to protest the decision.

Pictured: Kyra Jay of Indy10 Black Lives Matter speaks as protesters rally after it was announced that the IMPD officer who fatally shot Dreasjon Reed will not face criminal charges, 2020 Credit: Colin Boyle/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Dec 2, 2020
Indianapolis

Suspect is charged in the murder of Chris Beaty

Marcus Jayon Anderson is charged with the murder of Chris Beaty on May 30, 2020. Anderson was part of a group of individuals committing armed robberies in the area that night.

Pictured: A memorial for former Indiana University football player Chris Beaty, 2020 Credit: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
2021
Indianapolis

18 Art Collective forms

The 18 Art Collective is formed by the artists who painted the Indiana Avenue Black Lives Matter street mural in August 2020. The organization focuses on creating jobs, mentorships, and scholarship opportunities for Black creatives.

Jan 22, 2021
Indianapolis

No charges are made against officers involved in fatal shooting of McHale Rose

No criminal charges are filed against the four officers involved in the May 7 shooting death of Rose.

Pictured: Protesters remember Dreasjon Reed and McHale Rose during a Black Lives Matter protest on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, 2021 Credit: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Feb 26, 2021
Indianapolis

Independent review committee finds the IMPD was unprepared for protests

An independent Response Review Committee, formed by Mayor Hogsett in June 2020, determines that IMPD’s response to unrest the weekend of May 29, 2020 was deficient, citing a lack of communication and planning, and the use of tactics that may have escalated tensions.  

Pictured: Dr. Sean L. Huddleston (shown in 2019), president of Martin University, was one of the three individuals that made up the Response Review Committee. Credit: Indianapolis Recorder View Source
Apr 1, 2021
State

Police reform bill is passed

House Bill 1006 is signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb after receiving unanimous support. It requires de-escalation training, establishes a procedure to decertify an officer who commits misconduct, prohibits chokeholds under certain circumstances, criminalizes an officer turning off a body camera, and requires police agencies to request a prospective officer’s employment record from previous employers. 

Pictured: Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, n.d. Credit: in.gov View Source
Apr 20, 2021
National

Derek Chauvin found guilty of murdering George Floyd

The Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who killed George Floyd in May 2020, is found guilty of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. 

Pictured: Derek Chauvin is lead out of the courtroom in handcuffs after a guilty verdict is read during the trial of Derek Chauvin of the death of George Floyd at the courthouse in Minneapolis on April 20, 2021. Credit: Court TV/Handout via USA TODAY NETWORK View Source
May 2, 2021
Indianapolis

Indy10 BLM hosts Week of Action

The Week of Action involves several training sessions and rallies to continue action on matters related to racism and Black lives. 

Pictured: The Indy10 Black Lives Matter Week of Action takes place in May 2 through May 9, 2021. Credit: Indy10 Black Lives Matter View Source
May 8, 2021
Indianapolis

Rally for Reed and Rose

Indy10 BLM organizes a memorial rally on Monument Circle to remember Dreasjon Reed and McHale Rose a year after their deaths. 

Pictured: Two days before the rally, Indy10 Black Lives Matter hosted a memorial for Dreasjon Reed at Eagle Creek in Indianapolis one year after Reed was fatally shot by an IMPD officer, 2021 Credit: Jenna Watson/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 1, 2021
Indianapolis

Several Indianapolis organizations host events to showcase Black Lives Matter artists

The Indiana State Museum opens “RESPONSE: Images and Sounds of a Movement,” which features six murals. The Arts Council of Indianapolis hosts “Art & Activism: One Year Later.” The Indianapolis Public Library holds a panel discussion with the previous summer’s mural artists and displays their work. 

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Pictured: Artist Israel Solomon stands in front of a mural he painted on boarded windows in the 300 block of Mass Ave in Indianapolis, 2020 Credit: Jenna Watson/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC View Source
Jun 16, 2021
Indianapolis

Additional suspects charged in Beaty murder

Alijah Jones and Nakeyah Shields are indicted by a grand jury for the murder of Chris Beaty on May 30, 2020. The pair were part of a group of individuals committing armed robberies in the area that night.

Nov 11, 2021
State

Attorney General Rokita issues opinion categorizing Black Lives Matter as a political organization

Rokita issues the official opinion in response to the question of displaying BLM materials in schools. The Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis, Baptist Minister’s Alliance, and National Action Network of Indiana respond in a letter condemning Rokita’s opinion.

Mar 3, 2022
National

Research study reveals that Black Lives Matter protests shift public discourse

In a study from Indiana University, researchers find that Black Lives Matter protests increased public attention to incidents of police brutality and resulted in lasting interest surrounding anti-racist ideas including issues such as systemic racism, redlining, criminal justice reform, and white supremacy.

Apr 28, 2022
National

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sues major Black Lives Matter organization

Rokita alleges that the global chapter of Black Lives Matter raised more money in 2020 than what the organization reported to the IRS. The goal of the suit is to force Black Lives Matter to provide donor, payment, and tax information.

Pictured: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, 2021 Credit: Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK View Source