Ongoing Power Outages in Gary, Indiana

Residents in Gary, Indiana, have been without power for several weeks now, and many within the black community attribute this situation to racism and discrimination.

Recent storms wreaked havoc in northeast Indiana, downing power lines and causing significant flooding, which initially left about 300,000 residents without electricity.

One local resident expressed frustration, saying, “It’s full of black people. We the blackest city out here, so they don’t want to check on us.”

While the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) is attempting to restore electricity, their efforts have been complicated by attacks on utility workers. On August 14, work was halted when a utility vehicle was shot at, although thankfully, there were no injuries reported.

Melody Birmingham, who is an executive at NIPSCO’s parent company, mentioned that the repairs are complex and typically require weeks or months, but they are trying to expedite the process. She also denied any claims that the company is neglecting Gary due to the majority black population, stating, “We have areas that are probably affluent where we still have customers out as well. … This has nothing to do with race or any type of division. It’s really a matter of where the storm hit.”

Dr. Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., weighed in, questioning the urgency with which different communities are treated. She stated on social media, “No community should have to prove that its families are worthy of immediate care. Our communities deserve more than survival. Black communities deserve to be valued.”

Local opinions vary, with one resident, Amara, remarking, “We know why they’re not coming out here, though. I mean, it’s obvious.”

Some Gary residents have taken legal action against NIPSCO, alleging that the company’s negligence set the stage for more extensive storm damage. Tragically, the storms have resulted in the deaths of six adults and one child, according to the state Department of Homeland Security.

NIPSCO has indicated that they are nearing the completion of power restoration for most residents in Gary sometime this week.