There is a big fat elephant in the room of the African-American community. The odd thing about this elephant is that everyone is talking about it, but no one is doing anything to make the elephant go away.
What is the elephant?
The Madame Walker Theatre Center’s lack of air conditioning. In an effort of full disclosure, I serve on the Walker’s board of directors. As such, I have been able to better understand some of the challenges that the organization faces and the even greater challenges associated with addressing the issues of the theater. As I sought approval from the board chair to write about the Walker, she and I both shared the same frustrations. One of the main frustrations we have is that many people in the African-American community do not seem to take a sense of ownership over the Walker.
The Walker is a nonprofit organization that truly belongs to the community. In its heyday, the Walker was “the” place to check out the city’s best acts as well as some of the nation’s premier Black talent.
I enjoy hearing the stories from people as they reminisce about watching popular movies at the Walker such as “Shaft” and “Superfly” for as little as $1 or $1.50. I have also been told of the various jazz greats who would perform regularly in the ballroom. And of course there were the various thriving businesses that were housed at the Walker.
From its inception, the Walker was an epicenter of history, arts and culture.
Its legendary status on Indianapolis’ historic Indiana Avenue is the very reason we need to support the Walker. It is no secret that the Walker is in need of a new air conditioning unit. Many of you reading this column may have attended an event at the Walker last summer or even this year and noticed the sometimes-overwhelming heat. It is a big problem and I understand the level of discomfort one can feel while in such adverse conditions.
What I do not understand however, is the way people just talk about the problem, but do not try to help fix the problem.
‘’The Walker is so hot!”
“Why don’t they fix the air in that building?”
These are just a couple of the complaints I hear about the Walker. Rarely do I hear things like, “What can I do to help the Walker” or even, “I would like to make a donation.”
There seems to be a disconnect in the Black community when it comes to being proactive and working together for positive results. It saddens me to see how other cultures can band together and support one another during difficult times. These different cultures have a sense of obligation and responsibility to each other that shows how united they truly are.
We lack that in our community. Not only do we show minimal support to one another, we also often take each other for granted.
There is a particular Black business that I sometimes stop by to pick up a quick snack. During my last visit at this specific restaurant, I experienced something that has become a disappointing norm.
As the woman took my order, I was not greeted with a friendly, “hello, how may I help you” nor did I receive a casual smile. Throughout the transaction, I specifically remember telling the cashier “thank you” on three different occasions – when she took my order, returned my change, and finally when I received my food. Not once was I told thank you.
That cashier not only took my patronizing that business for granted, she was also flat-out rude. While it is unfortunate, that experience tends to happen a lot when I frequent a Black business.
We must do better in our customer service efforts and we must also do better with our patronage.
OK, back to the Walker’s elephant.
The purpose of my writing this editorial is not only to talk about a problem, but also to work towards a solution.
Here’s where you come in. The Walker is currently in the middle of a campaign to raise funds for a new air conditioning unit as well as for some additional maintenance relative to the historic building.
I am asking that you make a monetary donation to help in the Walker’s effort. You can make a contribution at www.walkertheatre.com/donate, call (317) 236-2099, or mail it to 617 Indiana Ave., Indianapolis, Ind. 46202, or you can also drop your donation in the donation box location in the theater’s foyer.
This is a call to action for our community. The Walker building is nearly 100 years old, which makes routine maintenance and replacement equipment more expensive than costs associated with newer structures. The great thing is, if our community joins forces and takes a sense of ownership of the theater, we can make such a positive difference.
Remember, the decisions and efforts we make today will determine the legacy of the Madame Walker Theatre Center tomorrow. Do your part to preserve the Walker’s legacy. Donate.
You can email comments to Shannon Williams at shannonw@indyrecorder.com.
