Students and community members gathered in a classroom at Indiana University Northwest Tuesday to discuss an issue that affects them all: reproductive rights in Gary. At the event, “The Attack on Black Women’s Bodies: A Conversation Around Reproductive Health in Indiana,” panelists explored the impact of reproductive rights since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. […]
Jenae Barnes
Jenae Barnes is Capital B Gary's health and environment reporter. You can reach Jenae at jenae.barnes@capitalbnews.org.
Posted inCommunity
Gary Resident ‘Nana’ Nadine Needs Help Saving Her Home. Here’s How You Can Help.
Nadine Stephens starts her busy day early. At 75, she gets up at 6 every morning to prepare her kitchen, where she cooks pickles, peppers, and other fresh produce to sell at the Miller farmers market every Sunday. Her garden is filled with juicy, chemical-free tomatoes, turnip greens, spices, herbs, squash, cucumbers, and strawberries, all […]
Posted inCulture, Tourism
Michael Jackson’s Gary Home a Place of Remembrance on Anniversary of His Death
On a recent Saturday morning, a quiet block in Gary stirred to life. Cars rolled up to a modest house on the corner of 2300 Jackson Street. One by one, people turned down the one-way street, parked, and stepped out to capture the moment with photos and videos. License plates told a story of their […]
Posted inCommunity, Culture, History
Gary Residents Celebrate Juneteenth and Black Freedom
On a sunny Saturday morning just days before Juneteenth, Gary’s Midtown neighborhood came alive with excitement. Juneteenth flags fluttered in the breeze, symbolizing a celebration of freedom and unity. A procession led by dancers, slingshot sports vehicles, and emergency vehicles wound its way from the intersection of 25th Avenue and Broadway to Roosevelt High School. […]
Posted inCommunity, Health
Why Black Men’s Health in Gary is a Holistic Issue
To promote education about men’s health issues worldwide, organizations observe Men’s Health Month throughout June. Studies show health disparities in Black men are associated with social and economic factors, like high poverty, low education levels, lack of health insurance, and widespread unemployment. To address this, education, early detection, and increased awareness are strategies that can […]
Posted inHealth
Why Men’s Health Month Matters for Every Man
To promote education about men’s health issues worldwide, organizations observe International Men’s Health Week from June 10 to June 16 and Men’s Health Month throughout June. These observances not only seek to raise awareness of men’s mental and physical health issues but also encourage men to ask for help when needed. About 6 million American […]
Posted inCommunity
Planting Hope: Gary’s Urban Gardens Foster Community and Healing
STANDING OVER AN open acre of lush greenery, Lord Cashus D gestures toward a garden full of fruit trees, flora, and an array of herbal and medicinal plants. “This is a sanctuary of the living,” said the Gary resident, who started the green space six years ago. “That’s why we created this.” Mystical Farms, a […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gary Voters Head to the Polls for Primary Election Day
Gary voters braved intermittent rain showers on primary day to cast their ballots in several key races. This year’s primary features several contested races in which voters will choose the Democratic and Republican candidates for November’s general election. Notable among these are Statehouse races and the election for Lake County Coroner. Capital B Gary reporters […]
Posted inCommunity, Environmental Justice
Residents Fight Gary Works Air Permit: ‘If the Steel Mill Won’t Quit, They Should Get No Permit’
Across the street from the smoke plumes of Gary Works’ steel mill, community members gathered at 21st Century Charter School to fight for their right to clean air. “Our air quality is a joke,” said Gary resident and gardener Libre Booker, who was moved to tears while speaking. “Our air quality is actually a joke. […]
Posted inCommunity
Gary Residents Join Forces with City Hall in Cleanup Campaign
LaTanya Rodgers wielded her reaching claw like a sword, using her forearm to shield her face from snapping tree branches. Dressed in camouflage, she battled through the dense brush at Hatcher Park, determined to pick up as much trash as possible. “When people pollute, they’re not just disrespecting Gary, they’re disrespecting God’s country,” Rodgers said. […]