Rep. Vernon G. Smith announces details of Black Male Youth Day at the Statehouse

For immediate release:
March 25, 2015

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) said 200 young African-American men will visit the Indiana Statehouse on Tuesday, March 31, as part of the inaugural Black Male Youth Day at the Statehouse.

Dr. Smith said the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males (ICSSBM) is sponsoring the event along with local area commissions. The theme for the day is “Young Black Males Matter.”

“This will be a great opportunity for these young men to get a first-hand view of the legislative process,” said Dr. Smith, who authored the original legislation establishing the ICSSBM. “Sen. Greg Taylor from Indianapolis and I will explain how bills become law and how government works. The young men will also hear an inspirational message from the Rev. John Jackson about empowering oneself with the tools to make a difference in today’s society. The seeds sown on this day may one day yield our state’s leaders of tomorrow.”

The event’s participants come from Gary, Merrillville, Anderson, Bloomington, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Michigan City, Muncie, and South Bend.

For answers to questions or additional information, contact ICSSBM Executive Director James Garrett at (317) 233-1744 or email him at [email protected].