A recent trip through the streets of Indianapolis proved to be a bittersweet experience for one man and his elderly father. After more than four years confined to his home, the 86-year-old was eager to explore the city once more. The father and son duo drove through their old neighborhoods, reminiscing about fond memories of times gone by. However, their trip took a dark turn when they reached the neighborhood where they first lived upon moving to Indianapolis in 1984. Here, they were met with the devastating news of the murder of a childhood friend, just another grim statistic in a city that has become notorious for its struggles with violence.
For many black men, the numbers in Indianapolis are simply not in their favor. The chances of reaching old age, as the protagonist's father has done, are slim. Most of those who do succeed are the ones who leave the city behind, never to return. Indianapolis has a long-standing reputation for being a difficult place for black men, and the evidence is clear.
As the protagonist drives through the city to care for his father, he is confronted with the harsh reality of the situation. Homeless, desperate black men roam the streets, struggling to find a foothold in a world that has discarded them. Despite his prayers for the black men of Indianapolis, it seems that the city has turned its back on them, as it has done so many times before.
by James R Montgomery Sr.
Comments