INDIANAPOLIS—In an effort to ensure all residents of Northwest Indiana have access to the upcoming redistricting meeting in Valparaiso, the nearest location for the Region area, Senate Assistant Democratic Leader Eddie Melton (D-Gary) will be collaborating with several Northwest Indiana leaders and organizations to provide residents with transportation.

WHO:  State Senator Eddie Melton (D-Gary)

              Baptist Ministry Alliance of Gary and Vicinity

              Building Leaders Advancing Community Knowledge or B.L.A.C.K

              Gary NAACP

              Urban League of Northwest Indian

              Gary Teachers Union

WHAT: Community Rideshare for Residents to Participate in Redistricting Meeting

WHEN: August 6; Departure time will be at 2 PM CT; Meeting will be from 3 – 5 PM CT

WHERE: Departure: Gary Teacher Union located at 1401 Virginia St. in Gary, IN

    Arrival: IVY Tech Community College at 3100 Ivy Tech Dr. in Valparaiso, IN

“Lake County is one of the most populated counties in Indiana, and community members must be able to access the upcoming redistricting meeting so they can share their input on how our maps should be drawn,” Sen. Melton said. “Every resident should be taking part in these meetings, and I encourage residents in my district to attend the August 6 forum taking place in Valparaiso.

“Redistricting is a once-a-decade process that impacts everything from representation to federal funding. That’s why I was extremely disappointed when I initially saw the locations for these meetings. I knew that it might pose a problem for residents in and around my district who lack access to public transportation.

“Thankfully, I was able to partner with various leaders in Northwest Indiana to organize a rideshare to transport community members to the August 6 redistricting meeting in Valparaiso. I especially want to thank Pastor Corey Jackson, President of the Baptist Minister Alliance, for coordinating with multiple churches within his organization to make vans available to those in need of transportation. I also want to thank Jeremiah King, the founder of B.L.A.C.K, for managing logistics and for remaining available through August 6 to offer support and information to community members.”

Community members can contact Jeremiah King, Founder of B.L.A.C.K. at (219) 951-2348 or [email protected] with any questions or accommodation needs concerning transportation for the August 6 Rideshare.