Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

1 week ago | indypolitics.org | Abdul-Hakim Shabazz |Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, Esq. There was a time—not that long ago—when the Marion County Democratic Party looked like an unstoppable political machine. They had the Mayor’s Office, a supermajority on the City-County Council, and a deep bench of young, diverse, and ambitious leaders who could fundraise, organize, and win elections in their sleep. Fast forward to 2025, and it feels like we’re watching the final episodes of a once-great series that should’ve ended a season ago.

1 week ago | indypolitics.org | Abdul-Hakim Shabazz |Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, EsqThis may surprise both friend and foe alike, but let me be clear: I don’t think Joe Hogsett should step down. In the wake of the sexual harassment scandal involving his former chief of staff, Thomas Cook, there’s no shortage of outrage — and understandably so. It’s offensive, infuriating, and emblematic of a system that still struggles to believe and protect women when it matters most.

2 weeks ago | indypolitics.org | Abdul-Hakim Shabazz |Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Why the Curtis Hill Standard Suddenly Vanishes at the City-County Buildingby Abdul-Hakim ShabazzBack in 2018, Indiana Democrats—especially those from Indianapolis—showed zero hesitation when Attorney General Curtis Hill faced credible allegations of groping several women at a post-session party. Within days, State Rep. Ed DeLaney formally requested an investigation and said flatly, “I think he has no choice but to resign.” He was joined by Rep.

3 weeks ago | indypolitics.org | Abdul-Hakim Shabazz |Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

By Abdul-Hakim Shabazz | IndyPolitics.orgIf you’ve been watching Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita over the past few years, you might feel a twinge of déjà vu. No, he’s not hunting communists, and this isn’t the 1950s—but the tactics, the tone, and the showmanship would feel right at home in Joe McCarthy’s heyday. And as the classic film and Broadway play Good Night, and Good Luck reminds us, (I watched it last night on Max), unchecked power and fear-based politics never really go out of style.

4 weeks ago | indypolitics.org | Abdul-Hakim Shabazz |Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

by Abdul-Hakim ShabazzAfter more than 20 years of teaching in higher education, I still enjoy graduation season. The inspiring speeches, the pride on students’ faces, and the subtle relief from parents never get old.  I also reflect over what I learned in college. We’re not just talking about journalism, government, or law per se. But the things you learned that weren’t necessarily taught in a classroom. College taught me how to manipulate a bureaucracy.