IBLC: Pryor, Shackleford elected to National Black Caucus positions

State Reps. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) and Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) were elected as treasurer and regional chair, respectively, at the National Black Caucus of State Legislatures (NBCSL) at the annual conference in Washington, D.C.

The NBCSL consists of over 700 legislators from around the United States working to create public policy and share ideas from all 50 state legislatures.

This marks Pryor's third term as treasurer for the national organization. As treasurer, Pryor is a member of the NBCSL's executive leadership team and will work at the helm to support lawmakers from across the country as they craft and champion legislation in their respective legislatures. The Executive Officers for the NBCSL were sworn in during the national conference last weekend in Washington D.C.

"I am honored my colleagues from across the country voted for me to serve another term as their treasurer," Pryor said. "My previous two terms allowed me to transition staff and our accounting system to better accommodate the organization. There is still work to be done and I am up to the task as we work to assist NBCSL members and provide them with resources that will help to improve our communities."

Pryor currently serves as State Representative for Indiana House District 94 and as House Democratic Floor Leader. Pryor previously served as chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus. She has also previously served as a Regional Chair, Regional Vice Chair, At-Large member and co-chair of the nominations committee with NBCSL.

This is Shackleford's first election as regional chair, which represents Indiana, Minnesota and Illinois. Her prior NBCSL executive positions included at-large member and committee woman. Shackleford currently serves as State Representative for Indiana House District 98 and chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Education Foundation.

"Strong, collaborative leadership translates to strong political movements and change, and I look forward to starting my role as regional chair," Shackleford said. "I plan to help continue the work we're doing in the Midwest to enhance the quality of life for residents across the board and help more people get engaged in their local government."

Indiana House Democrats announce leadership team

Indiana House Democrats today reelected State Rep. Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) to serve as the Indiana House Democratic Leader. This will be GiaQuinta's fourth term as Leader, having first assumed the position in 2018.

GiaQuinta will serve alongside State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) and State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), who were reelected as Minority Floor Leader and Minority Caucus Chair, respectively.

“I'm thankful that House Democrats have once again entrusted me to lead our efforts at the Statehouse to protect our freedoms and build up Indiana's working class. As we enter next year's budget session, Indiana House Democrats' priorities are the same as they always have been: people before profit. That means fully funding our public schools, keeping healthcare costs low and empowering our local communities to better become places where people want to live, work, play and stay.

"Given state and national election outcomes for Democrats, I'm proud we defended all 30 of our incumbent seats. I always say that House Democrats are pragmatic problem solvers. Our constituents clearly understand that we approach our work in the legislature by putting solutions before partisanship – and that will be no different this upcoming legislative session."

Indiana House Democratic Caucus leadership positions went into effect immediately following an internal election this afternoon.

The 124th General Assembly will convene for the ceremonial start of session on Nov. 19, otherwise known as Organization Day.

Pryor celebrates Pike High School teacher, Graciela Miranda, named as 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year

Friday (Sept. 27),  the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced Graciela Miranda as the 2025 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Miranda teaches English language learners from Freshman to Senior year at Pike High School.

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor released the following statement:

“I am unbelievably proud to have the 2025 Teacher of the Year, Graciela Miranda, in my district. When the top three finalists were announced, I had the pleasure of sitting in on Mrs. Miranda’s class while she went through a lesson. It was remarkable to see her passion for education and creating life-long learners shine through as she spoke to her class. In that lesson, Mrs. Miranda used her own upbringing as a first-generation college graduate to impart on her students that there is nothing they cannot achieve if they work hard and dream big.

“What stood out most to me about Mrs. Miranda was how deeply she cares for each and every student. It was clear that her students see that as well. After the announcement on Friday, I was touched to see a group of her students run up to Mrs. Miranda and pull her into a big group hug. The reaction from all the students in the room just shows that Mrs. Miranda is seen as an inspiring figure throughout the school.

“With over 64,000 teachers in our state, it is an honor to have one of Pike High School’s own recognized as the best. Congratulations, Mrs. Miranda! Thank you for all that you do for your students and our community.”