The USCTC represents four key historic neighborhoods that are integral to the narrative of African American history in the Midwest. It is notable that the coalition has identified over 200 descendant families who still inhabit properties purchased by their ancestors more than a century ago. By emphasizing their historical narrative, the coalition aims to contextualize the history of Indianapolis as a tapestry of diverse cultures and experiences, particularly focusing on the injustices faced by their community, including displacement and racial violence.
Senate Resolution 0037 is a legislative measure aimed at honoring the U.S. Colored Troop Coalition (USCTC) for its role in engaging and mobilizing residents in the southeastern neighborhoods of Indianapolis. The resolution recognizes the coalition, which was founded in 2021 and established in April 2023 by the descendants of U.S. Colored Troops, the first African American soldiers in the U.S. during the Civil War. The mission of the USCTC includes protecting and revitalizing the communities and histories associated with these troops, promoting a sense of identity and belonging among the descendants.
Overall, Senate Resolution 0037 serves as a commendation of the USCTC's contributions to social activism, community organization, and historical preservation, highlighting the ongoing importance of recognizing historical legacies in shaping contemporary community identities.
One of the significant achievements of the USCTC has been their advocacy resulting in the cancellation of a planned City Morgue in Norwood, which has since transformed into a proposed Black arts and heritage park. This victory illustrates the coalition's effectiveness in re-framing their community's narrative and advocating for their needs. However, as with many community-oriented initiatives, there may be differing opinions on resource allocation, potential development projects, and the representation of various voices within the narrative of Indianapolis's history.