In this powerful Pride Month episode of How They See Us, host Denise Herd is joined by the ever-fabulous Patrick Bouquett and Jason Grisell, President & CEO of The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis. Together, they unpack the rising wave of anti-DEI sentiment, harmful legislation targeting LGBTQ+ communities, and the weaponization of the word “woke.” Through sharp insight and personal truth, this conversation cuts through the noise to explore what it really means to be visible, vocal, and unafraid in 2025.

In Part II, Eunice Trotter dives into the rich but often overlooked history of Black Hoosiers and the fight for historic preservation in Indiana. She and Denise discuss why remembering Black history at the local level is critical, and how preservation is not just about buildings—it’s about honoring lives, legacies, and the stories that shaped our communities.

What does Juneteenth really commemorate, and why has it taken so long for the full weight of that history to be recognized? In Part I, Denise is joined by Eunice Trotter, Director of Indiana Landmarks’ Black Heritage Preservation Program, who joins us to explore the national significance of Juneteenth, its roots in delayed freedom, and how the legacy of emancipation continues to shape American identity.