John,

It’s Black History Month, and that means we’re celebrating the accomplishments, achievements, and triumphs of the Black Hoosiers who have left an indelible impact on our state. 

But for Hoosiers across Indiana, it’s also a time to reflect on the events of the last year and remind ourselves that there’s still opportunities for us to keep working together to form that more perfect union.

Hoosiers have ALWAYS stepped up to confront the toughest challenges facing our nation, and leading the way towards greater opportunity for all Hoosiers is no different. 

As we continue our celebration of Black History Month, Governor Holcomb is reaffirming his commitment to building One Indiana for All. 

Governor Holcomb outlined a set of bold actions that his administration would take to level the playing field for Hoosiers in his speech last August. Here’s what those steps included:

1. The Creation of a Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Officer

Indiana’s first Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Officer Karrah A. Herring is working overtime to deliver results for marginalized communities in Indiana. 

Working with Governor Holcomb’s administration, she is already building bridges for marginalized Hoosiers to have better access and participate in all the functions of our state government.

2. Aggressively closing gaps in the classroom and in the workplace

We’re dedicated to closing racial achievement gaps and that starts with recruiting strong minority teacher talent to our classrooms and investing in those teachers and school districts who will work to skill-up our workforce of tomorrow.

Governor Holcomb’s “Next Level Jobs Program” is currently recruiting thousands of minority candidates to give them a jump-start on their careers while helping to fill good-paying, skilled job openings across the state. 

You can start your own career journey today by visiting nextleveljobs.org.

3. Reforming Hoosier Police Training and Practices

Governor Holcomb knows that we must do a better job at protecting and serving ALL Hoosiers. This spring, every front-line Indiana state trooper will be outfitted with a body camera. 

WATCH AND SHARE: Equality, Equity, and Opportunity for ALL Hoosiers

John, it’s going to take all of us working together to achieve the goals outlined by the governor and to truly create One Indiana for All.

They won’t be achieved overnight, but with your help, we can continue to make Indiana a more equal and equitable place for all Hoosiers to live, learn, and work, one day at a time.

Thank you,

- Holcomb Crew