INDIANAPOLIS — The Fourth of July is often a time to celebrate the United States. A group in Garfield Park used the day to discuss how they would improve America over burgers and hot dogs.
The 50501 Community Picnic filled Garfield Park's largest picnic shelter for Independence Day. People who came enjoyed music, games and a banner illustrating different definitions of democracy.
The group behind the cookout also organized Indianapolis' No Kings protest on June 14. They saw the cookout as a natural follow-up, especially after the One Big Beautiful Bill passed through Congress the day before.
"With everybody here, there's more than a bit of mourning," said Scott Johnson of 50501 Indiana. "When you're sad, you want to be with family. It's chosen family, it's different, it's ideological family."
Jacke Sue, a senior from Greenwood, came to the cookout because she needed friends who would understand her disdain for the 'One Big Beautiful Bill.'
"I usually sit at home, I can't talk to my friends anymore because they all love that," Sue said. "I really feel treaded on, I feel crazy. And when I'm around these people, I feel sane."
Sue said she wanted to find connections over her concern for future Medicaid funding.
"I have to have medicine, I'm almost 70," Sue said. "Why are they taking all of that from me? I can't die."
Johnson believes the cookout was the way to show patriotism for the Fourth of July, while frustrated with the current political direction of the country.
"The fact that we're criticizing doesn't mean we don't love America, it means we do," Johnson said. "If you love something, it means you embrace it even when it's wrong, and work to make it better."
-
Indy bouncer wanted for stomping man's head, victim remains critical
Police issued an arrest warrant for a bouncer who allegedly stomped on a man's head outside That Place Bar on South Emerson Ave. The victim remains in critical condition.
Grant County Sheriff seeks second suspect in Marion teen's fatal shooting
The Grant County Sheriff's Office is searching for a second suspect connected to the April shooting death of 17-year-old Julio "Lio" Matamoros of Marion.
Town hall with Lt. Governor sparks "large fight" in Warrick County
WEHT, the ABC affiliate in Evansville, is reporting a "large fight" broke out during a town hall meeting where Indiana Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith was speaking on Wednesday night.
Indy restaurant owners say weather has put a damper on summer patio season
Whether it’s economic uncertainty, stormy weekends or blazing heat, summer 2025 has been tough for some in the restaurant industry.
