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Fight for Life Foundation’s school-based technology, Building Dreams, receives grant to help decrease Indy’s crime and increase opportunity

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Fight for Life Foundation’s school-based technology, Building Dreams, receives grant to help decrease Indy’s crime and increase opportunity

Fight for Life Foundation, founded by former Indianapolis Colt Marlin Jackson, receives $200,000 grant

(INDIANAPOLIS) – November 7, 2023  – Fight for Life Foundation (FFL), an Indianapolis not for profit organization that helps underserved youth develop by providing social-emotional learning programs, has been awarded a $200,000 Elevation Grant. The Elevation Grant Program is a partnership between The Indianapolis Foundation, Mayor Joe Hogsett, and the City-County Council with a goal to decrease crime and increase opportunity. Funds from the grant will support organization growth and schools’ access to the technology.

“Everything we’re able to do through Fight for Life and Building Dreams is because of community partnerships and a shared understanding that various solutions are needed in order to support students and families, as well as address underlying issues,” said former Indianapolis Colts Marlin Jackson, Fight for Life Founder & CEO. “The Fight for Life Foundation is proud to be one of many solutions being supported to provide prevention and early intervention methods for youth who are in need of guidance,” Jackson said.

In 2018, FFL created the Building Dreams platform. Building Dreams software as a service is expansive; it is packed full of features based off of education models that are commonly used: MTSS (Multi-tiered System of Supports), SEL (Social-emotional Learning), and PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports).

“Through a student-centered approach, we use a proven process to build stronger classrooms and create healthier schools. This is an aspect of mental health care and us acknowledging the zones of stress. I know firsthand how hard it can be when you enter school with stress and personal trauma,” Jackson said. “Students are facing all types of adversity, and sometimes those things can affect their focus and behavior in school.”

Currently, over 6,000 Indianapolis youth are using the Fight for Life Building Dreams program/platform across 17 sites. Some schools are directly using software modules to combat bullying, provide students with mechanisms to anonymously report (or self report) safety issues, understand the needs of their students, teach critical social-emotional learning competencies, and more. There is also a unique communication portal similar to social media, where students can safely interact with each other, communicate with school leaders. Each school that licenses Building Dreams has the autonomy to customize the way it’s implemented to best fit the needs of the culture and climate.

“One of our PBIS tools includes the ability for teachers and students to document and reinforce positive behavior through a gamified system,” said Anna Sutter, FFL Director of Program Management . “By using football terms like “First Downs” and “Extra Points,” students are able to get excited about participating in prosocial and safe interactions with their peers and teachers at school.”

Funds used from the Elevation Grant will support Building Dreams technology development (such as the creation of new behavior tracking modules) and organizational growth, including the hiring of an implementation specialist.

Once hired, an implementation specialist will further help schools expand their access to the software. This person will provide the proper integration into the organization’s existing systems and may train employees. They will also support efforts to ensure Building Dreams is meeting the needs of those using the software.

The Elevation Grant was made possible through the City of Indianapolis’ allocation out of the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, CFDA No.21.027, created by Section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act, Pub. L. No. 117-2 (March, 11, 2021). 

According to The Indianapolis Foundation, the purpose of the grant is to address the root causes of violent crime in Indianapolis through a comprehensive approach, including empowering youth, community building, interventions, and healing to reduce initial or chronic interaction with criminal and/or juvenile justice systems and increase the safety of Indianapolis residents and their neighborhoods by reducing risk factors or increasing protective factors. 

To learn more about Fight for Life Foundation and its Building Dreams app, visit FightForLifeFoundation.org.

About Fight for Life Foundation (FFL)
Founded in 2007, by former Indianapolis Colts cornerback Marlin Jackson, the Fight For Life Foundation helps underserved youth develop the social and emotional qualities needed for success. Since that time it has grown from the vision of founder Marlin Jackson into an independent 501(c)3 organization delivering services to vulnerable youth by providing social-emotional learning programs to more than 12,741 underserved youth.  In 2018, FFL created Building Dreams, a comprehensive social-emotional learning (SEL) program that equips administrators with the data they need to support their teachers and students with resources to improve classroom management and student behavior issues. This includes engaging students with a fun, gamified program that rewards their responsible decision making and ultimately helps meet their needs. FFL’s mission is to help deserving but underserved youth develop the social and emotional qualities needed to be successful. FFLF programs use technology, education, enriching experiences, and wellness activities as the foundation for positive youth development. For more information, visit: FightForLifeFoundation.org

About Marlin Jackson
Marlin Jackson is a former Indianapolis Colts cornerback. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan, a social entrepreneur, and a lifelong-learner who sees every experience and encounter as an opportunity for learning. As a former collegiate and professional athlete, Marlin was groomed and developed within a structured, organized, and challenging environment. This experience of learning, in the classroom and in the arena of collegiate and professional football, caused Marlin to develop a unique perspective and skill set that is embedded in structure, organization, time-management, leadership, creativity, and passion. Over the years, Marlin has proven himself to be a goal-oriented, disciplined, and driven person who can do whatever is needed to help himself and others succeed. He has displayed these qualities throughout his life as a captain on the University of Michigan football team, in the National Football League with the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles, as a sports analyst and sports radio show co-host, and now, as President of Fight for Life Foundation, Revive Investments, Revive Property Group, MarlinJ28, and Prepare to Succeed. In 2012, Marlin married his beautiful wife, Mrs. Nikki Jackson. Together, they have three smart, handsome, loving boys: Camden, Kingston, and Kash Jackson. Mr. Jackson is extremely passionate about his faith, family, and occupational purposes in life.

Indiana Minority Business Magazine and The Minority Business Review announces the 2024 Champions of Diversity Awards winners

Noral Parham
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Indiana Minority Business Magazine and The Minority Business Review announces the 2024 Champions of Diversity Awards winners

Indiana Minority Business Magazine and Minority Business Review unveiled the winners of the 2024 Champions of Diversity Awards. The awards mark the 17th year of the annual recognition dinner, which acknowledges individuals, companies and organizations that have shown outstanding dedication to promoting diversity in Indiana.

CEO and President of Recorder Media Group Robert Shegog expressed his excitement about recognizing diversity champions.

“Bringing greater visibility to diversity, equity and inclusion advocates matters now more than ever,” Shegog said.

The annual event has grown in popularity, and in 2024, the Champions of Diversity footprint will expand to a national level through Minority Business Review.

Here are the 2024 Champions of Diversity Award winners:

  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award – Founder and President of Black Leadership Legacies Carolene Mays
  • William G. Mays Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award – President and CEO of Professional Management Enterprises (PME) Haskell (Danny) D. Portee
  • Rosa Parks Trailblazer Award – Chief Information Officer of the Indiana Department of Child Services Anushree M. Bag
  • Lifetime Education Advocate Award – Building Blocks Academy
  • Amos Brown Community Advocate Award – Regional Vice President of Radio ONE Deon Levingston
  • President’s Choice Award – President and CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Jennifer Pace Robinson
  • Community Impact Award – Principal of Creative Strategies and Executive Coaching at Carve Brian Payne
  • Golden Heart Award – Vice President and Chief Health Equity Officer at IU Health and School of Medicine Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds
  • Visionary Impact Award – Executive Director at the Center for Justice at Purdue Northwest –  Dr. Nicky Ali Jackson
  • Breaking Barriers Award – Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette
  • Social Justice Leader Award – Associate Vice President at Lilly Terry J. Morris
  • Rising Star Award – CEO at the Holliday Collaborative Agency LaMar Holliday
  • Stewardship Young Leader Award – Vice President and Marketing Executive at Bank of America Geordan C. Coleman
  • Champions of Diversity in Consumer Goods & Retail Award – Procter & Gamble
  • Emerald Leadership Award – Chief Commerical Officer at Concacaf Heidi Pellerano
  • Champions of Diversity in Transportation Award – Delta Air Lines
  • Champions of Diversity Excellence in Sports & Entertainment Award – Pacers Sports & Entertainment
  • Sapphire Diversity Maverick Award – Partner at Barnes & Thornburg Alan Mills
  • Champions of Diversity in Finance Award – JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • Champions of Diversity in Technology Award – Google

The awards ceremony, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, is at the JW Marriott Indianapolis, located at 10 W. St. in Downtown Indianapolis. Attendees can network with other diversity champions during the reception at 5:30 p.m., with dinner starting promptly at 6:30 p.m. and concluding at approximately 8:30 p.m. Find out more at thechampionsofdiversity.com.

For more news courtesy of the Indianapolis Recorder, click here. You can also visit the Indiana Minority Business Magazine by clicking here.

Minority Business Highlight: Darrian’s Braids 

Garrett Simms
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Minority Business Highlight: Darrian’s Braids 

Darrian’s Braids is a braiding company on the Indianapolis’ eastside owned and operated by Darrian Wise.  

Wise began her business in 2019, offering individual box braid services during her sophomore year of college. Shortly after, Wise began doing friend’s hair and officially started Darrian’s Braids in 2020. 

While she has taken beautician classes, she is mostly self-taught, learning best by practice.  

She does men and women’s braids and welcomes all styles, braid types and new customers.  

Wise has been successful as an entrepreneur from the beginning, never facing much trouble finding and keeping new clients. 

“I kind of started off running, it was never slow for me. I feel like once I jumped into it, I always had people who wanted to come,” Wise said. 

She credits her immediate success to the support of her family posting her work on social media and word-of-mouth from satisfied customers. 

As her business continues to grow, Wise hopes to potentially add some celebrity clients while continuing to grow as a braider and entrepreneur. 

Wise also sees braiding as a means to opening the door for other creative and business ventures in the future.  

To view Wises’ work, follow her Instagram @darriansbraids.  

To book an appointment with Wise, click HERE.  

This minority business highlight was composed by GARRETT SIMMS at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at 317-762-7847 or via email at garretts@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here! 

Minority Business Highlight: Create.Connect.Collab 

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: Create.Connect.Collab 

Create.Connect.Collab is a virtual community for women that offers professional development, accountability and networking. 

The business, co-owned by Starla Mathis and Lateva Woolfork, started off as a focus group in Mathis’ living room in 2017.  

Minority Business Highlight: DYC Fitness 

“Each month, I saw this amazing synergy, and we started sharing resources and connections that we didn’t know about or have access to. It was just amazing seeing that,” said Mathis.  

Calling them Monthly Mastermind Meetings, the group tackled bringing to life the vision they had for their professional goals.  

That turned into a private Facebook group, which eventually turned into a retreat for women across the city.  

Create.Connect.Collab has a membership of over 100 women who are entrepreneurs and business owners that cultivate sisterhood.  

This year the company will host its fifth annual Unstoppable Retreat.  

“Every year around November, we get together and have something where the public can see what Create.Connect.Collab is all about. We’ll have panels to talk about everything that an emerging business owner needs to have,” said Woolfork.  

Using a term they heard from Patricia Gamble-Moore, the retreat will focus on B.A.I.L, which stands for banker, accountant, insurance and lawyer – all the elements a business owner needs to have in their corner for success.  

The event is Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.  

You can register HERE.  

This minority business highlight was composed by Jade Jackson at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317) 762-7853 or via email at JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com. 

If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here! 

Minority Business Highlight: Good Vegan/Bad Vegan

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: Good Vegan/Bad Vegan

Raheem Malik Abdullah opened his food truck Good Vegan/Bad Vegan in August 2022 as a way to bring healthy food options to the Black community.

Abdullah, who went vegan himself around four years ago, said he struggled with high blood pressure, diabetes and weight gain — issues prevalent in the Black community. When medication did not work, he went the holistic route and cut dairy and red meat from his diet.

Growing up, just about everyone in Abdullah’s family were cooks and/or entrepreneurs, so he decided to put his own culinary skills to the test to start his own business through Good Vegan/Bad Vegan.

The food truck, which features a variety of vegan options from burgers and fries to salads and raw tacos, is often parked at 2401 N. Harding St., near Riverside Park, but Abdullah also attends a handful of events, festivals and pop-ups throughout the year, such as Melanin in May and Daptoberfest. 

For more information about the menu and updates on food truck pop-ups, visit facebook.com/TheGoodVeganBadVegan. To get in contact, call 317-969-2011 or email Goodveganbadvegan@hotmail.com.

This minority business highlight was composed by CHLOE McGOWAN at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at 317-762-7848 or via email at chloegm@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!

Where sustainability meets luxury: Sustainable Flames

Braxton Babb
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Where sustainability meets luxury: Sustainable Flames

Sustainable Flames is the eco-friendly alternative to traditional candles. With their reusable jars made from high-quality glass, candles can be refilled with their very own eco-friendly wax and wicks, giving customers the option to enjoy the same scent and ambiance without contributing to unnecessary waste and unneeded glass production.

With a variety of fragrances, sustainability is at the heart of their business with the goal to make sustainable living accessible and luxurious one candle at a time.

Sustainable Flames is guided by the belief that “Sustainability is no longer a choice, but it is a responsibility. If we keep saying that the planet is not our problem, or that someone else will take care of it, our resources are going to be depleted at a rate that we cannot keep up with. Each individual can play a part, and this candle project is us taking that first step toward making a difference.”

The business claims that glass greatly contributes to sustainability issues, as 50 billion tons of sand a year are used to make glass. However, the Earth cannot produce sand as fast as we are using it. Transportation also plays a role due to the weight of the sand causing transportation to cost more than usual.

Instead of shying away from the issue, Donum, the lifestyle brand that birthed Sustainable Flames, is promoting sustainable living in every area possible. With a goal in mind of influencing change and innovating products, they want to make sustainability our normal way of life.

To learn more about Sustainable Flames, visit www.sustainableflames.com.

This minority business highlight was composed by Multimedia Staff Reporter Braxton Babb at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317)762-7854 or via email at BraxtonB@IndyRecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!

Philanthropy is in All of Us

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Philanthropy is in All of Us

By COLLIN MAYS

The holiday season is fast approaching. For many, that means time spent with family, friends, and those that hold a special place in our hearts. The holiday season allows us time to reflect, appreciate our blessings, and pay it forward. Whether it’s donating time, money or talent, philanthropy is in all of us. When we think of philanthropy, we often think of monetary donations. While that is an important aspect of philanthropy, there is much more to paying it forward.

Did you know most Americans spend their free time giving to others? True philanthropy is much deeper than our pockets. Philanthropy comes from within our hearts and pours into our communities. When it comes to paying it forward and you want to think of ways to do so, please remember to think outside of the box.

Some Ways to Pay It Forward:

  • Time is a priceless gift! Donate yours to a cause a loved one cares about or to your childhood church. During the holidays, help is usually needed to pack food baskets, purchase and wrap holiday gifts, stuff stockings or staff holiday gatherings for kids. Volunteer!
  • Teach them! Mentoring the next generation is a gift that keeps on giving. Consider donating time towards the productivity of others. Ask yourself, ‘What skills do I have that someone else might benefit from?’ It can be as simple as reading to children or helping an adult learn to read. Are you a financial whiz? Share your knowledge with an organization that could use your help. Or offer to teach others basic financial literacy.  The possibilities are almost limitless.
  • Help Foster Children. Foster care services don’t just need foster parents, they also need in-house and remote volunteers. Not sure you can work directly with kids? You can still make a difference by organizing a supply drive to help a family in your community. Check with your local Foster Care Organization for suggestions then rally your friends to help meet their needs.
  • Visit with Senior Citizens. Not every elderly person has a family to spend time with. Check with an area Senior Citizens Center or Home to see if they can use your help. A simple conversation or act of kindness can mean the world to a lonely individual. Plus, the elderly have a whole lot of history and wisdom to share. Lend an ear!
  • Volunteer at your sanctuary of choice. Giving through service is the most powerful statement known to humankind. Paying it forward through service will feel rewarding for you, the religious institution, and community. Pay it forward by organizing a food drive, youth event, or by assisting with maintenance needs.
  • Walk a dog; feed a cat. Many animal rescue centers need supplies, funds – and volunteers. Check with your local rescue center to see how you can help. Some need volunteers to foster animals. Others could use blankets, food, toys, and other basic supplies. You can also provide the animals with kindness, someone to pet them, walk them and comfort them while they await a forever home.

As you can see, the possibilities for volunteering are boundless. Do what means the most to you and it will mean more to the recipients. They will know that you’ve given from the heart.

Give forward through action but don’t think of the holiday season as the only time to do so.

Philanthropy is in all of us even if we don’t realize it. Celebrate yourself and those causes you care about every day of the year.

However, if you can only donate time and talent once a year, now is the time to do so. November is a special time for giving. National Philanthropy Day is November 15th and is used to celebrate volunteerism, and charitable giving of all kinds. Additionally, Giving Tuesday takes place on November 28th. Like National Philanthropy Day, Giving Tuesday allows us to put generosity first and pay it forward through action.

Yes, your monetary donations are always needed! In fact, year-end financial donations account for a considerable amount of many organizations’ budgets. According to Charity Navigator, charities receive an average of 41% of their contributions in the last part of the year. Plus, there are advantages to doing so beyond just enjoying the spirit of giving brought on by the holidays. For those who itemize their tax returns there may also be tax benefits to donating monetarily. Check with your accountant, because giving before the year’s end might just help you as well as others. 

So, remember to pay it forward through time, talent, and treasure this holiday season and beyond. Philanthropy is the greatest gift of humankind, for philanthropy is in all of us.

About Collin Mays
Collin Mays is a well-respected leader from the Midwest who has worked in state and local government. For years, Mr. Mays has also served his community, sharing his time and talent with the nonprofit sector. He is Co-Chair of The Soul of Philanthropy Michigan (TSOP), a project that pays tribute to black philanthropy. The project raised more than $400,000 between 2022-2023. Mr. Mays also served as the 2021 Committee Chair of Alzheimer’s Association – Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Under Collin’s leadership the Detroit chapter placed first in the nation with the most registered new teams and 17th in the nation for fundraising, raising over $800,000.
As a public servant, Collin Mays has served as the Director of Economic Inclusion with the City of Cincinnati, Community and Economic Development Director with Delta Township, and Economic Development Director with the City of Center Line.

International Marketplace Coalition welcomes new chief operating officer with diverse global background

Jade Jackson
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International Marketplace Coalition welcomes new chief operating officer with diverse global background

The International Marketplace Coalition is proud to announce Mo Adewunmi as their new chief operating officer (COO).

With a background in economic development, a passion for embracing diversity and an impressive international footprint spanning 7 countries, Mo Adewunmi brings invaluable expertise to the team.

This significant addition to our leadership team comes as part of our commitment to furthering the mission of revitalizing the Lafayette Square area and transforming it into the International Marketplace.

Adewunmi boasts a track record of successful project management, most recently as a Project Manager at VS4 Consulting.

Her roles included the development of standard operating procedures for businesses, budget management, and the creation of innovative marketing strategies.

She has also managed grants and foundation contracts while working at Indiana University Center for Global Health and advised on non-profit grant policies during her tenure in Nigeria.

Furthermore, Adewunmi has an academic background that complements her professional achievements, having pursued a Master’s Degree in International Affairs at Columbia University.

International Marketplace Coalition

Married with two children, she resides in Carmel and has a deep passion for listening to podcasts during her downtime.

With her appointment as COO, we are confident that she will play a pivotal role in advancing the International Marketplace Coalition’s vision of creating a vibrant, economically strong, multi-use international community in Indianapolis.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mo Adewunmi to our team as our new Chief Operating Officer,” said Mary Clark, Executive Director of the International Marketplace Coalition. “Her expertise and dedication align perfectly with our mission to foster economic development and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our community. We believe Mo will help us continue to grow and flourish as an organization.”

Mo Adewunmi in her new role as COO, will work closely with the Executive Director, community leaders, local businesses, and engaged citizens to drive sustainable economic development in the Lafayette Square area. She will also focus on expanding our community’s visibility as a place “Where the World comes to eat,” as recognized by the New York Times.

The International Marketplace Coalition is dedicated to providing opportunities for everyone to experience and learn about other cultures, making Indianapolis a more inclusive and vibrant place. Mo Adewunmi’s leadership will be instrumental in achieving these goals.

Minority Business Highlight: DYC Fitness 

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: DYC Fitness 

DYC, which stands for Disturb Your Comfort, Fitness was founded in 2017 as an online training company between two friends: Joshua Hibbitt and Jeremy Stephens. 

When DYC Fitness began, the duo focused on health and nutrition by creating weight loss and fitness plans for clients. They would also sell athletic gear.  

In 2021 they opened a brick-and-mortar location at 1703 E. Michigan St. 

RELATED: Minority Business Highlight: Maven Space

“We met freshman year [of] high school at Lawrence Central. We’re locals here in Indianapolis. We both played sports our whole lives. Josh did track at Tennessee State University, and I went on to play football at Butler University,” said Stephens. 

After leaving Butler, Stephens gained 300 pounds. He eventually lost weight by working out and training.  

“I was able to apply the fundamentals of getting fit because I knew it, but I didn’t always apply it. That’s what disturbing your fitness is all about: get out of your comfort zone and being disciplined in your fitness journey,” said Hibbitt.  

DYC Fitness recently opened a second location, at 1480 W. 86th St., offering workout equipment for trainers and clients to utilize for their fitness journey.  

They currently have approximately 70 clients and six trainers. 

DYC Fitness hopes to eventually expand further across the state and beyond.  

This minority business highlight was composed by Jade Jackson at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317) 762-7853 or via email at JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com. 

If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here! 

Marion County part of National History Day Rural and Urban Outreach Program  

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Marion County part of National History Day Rural and Urban Outreach Program  

National History Day (NHD) has recently announced the first phase of its Inclusive History Initiative. The initiative is a series of programs and publications designed to promote diversity, equity, access and inclusion. Inclusive History will not only focus on diverse topics, events, people and ideas but also how to make participation more accessible to students and educators with various backgrounds, educational levels and socioeconomic statuses.  

The initiative is funded by the Bezos Family Foundation.  

“For nearly 50 years, National History Day has bolstered an interest in history and civics education,” said Marilyn López, program officer of the Bezos Family Foundation. “We are excited to support their geographic expansion and ensure a more inclusive history is made available for all young people.” 

The first phase of programming will involve piloting outreach to urban and rural schools in four states: Alabama, Indiana, North Carolina and Oklahoma. NHD will also co-lead a series of professional development workshops to engage teachers and strengthen their programs in various counties, including Marion County through the Indiana Historical Society. 

NHD will expand its “Moving Freedom Forward” series – a collection of teacher sourcebooks that include various teaching materials, such as essays by historians, lessons plans and graphic organizers – through the second phase of the Inclusive History Initiative. 

“We are excited to collaborate with schools and teachers in these communities to engage more students in the process of historical research. Quality history education helps young people gain a deeper understanding of our shared history and encourages students to become involved and active citizens,” said NHD Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. 

To learn more about NHD’s Inclusive History Initiative, visit www.nhd.org. 

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