For generations, golf wasn’t just a sport—it was a gatekeeper. Behind manicured greens and quiet clubhouses, unspoken rules kept out anyone who didn’t fit a narrow mold. The PGA maintained a “Caucasian-only” clause until 1961, and while public courses eventually opened to
more diverse players, the culture of the sport continued to signal who belonged and who didn’t.
Kia Wright
Even today, representation lags. Black and Brown golfers make up only about 5% of on-course golfers in the U.S., despite representing more than 13% of the population. And in cities like Indianapolis, the barriers aren’t just about access to a tee time—they’re about the cost of
equipment, a lack of transportation, cultural familiarity, and the absence of visible role models on the green.
That’s why the VOICES Golf, Art & Hip Hop Outing is different. It’s not just about raising money —it’s about rewriting the narrative of who gets to play.
Step onto our course and you’ll see the difference immediately. You’ll hear a live DJ sending beats across the fairways, watch local artists create vibrant works in real time. There’s a bourbon bar waiting after the ninth hole, and a sense of community that doesn’t fade when the
scorecards are turned in. The traditions of the sport remain, the rules, the etiquette, but they’re surrounded by rhythm, art, and culture that reflect the heartbeat of Indianapolis.
“For so many in our community, golf has never felt like an invitation,” says Kia Wright, executive director of VOICES. “We want to change that. We want people to walk in, feel the music, see the art, and realize this is their space too.”
But opening the door is only the first step. VOICES also ensures that once people enter, they feel at home. That’s why we incorporate opportunities for youth to learn golf etiquette—skills like sportsmanship, patience, and strategic thinking that translate directly into professional and social settings.
Golf course. (Photo/Getty Images)
“We don’t just want to hand someone a set of clubs and say, ‘Go for it,’” Wright adds. “We want to give them the tools, the confidence, and the understanding that lets them move with ease in any room—whether that’s a boardroom, a community meeting, or a golf course.”
Through leadership programs like Power & Promise, we’ve seen what happens when exposure is paired with preparation. More than 87% of participants report a stronger sense of self, and over 92% say they feel confident pursuing their goals. These skills are critical when entering
environments that have historically been closed to them—not just to gain access, but to thrive once inside.
This outing isn’t just an event; it’s an act of cultural reclamation. It’s proof that traditions can evolve, and that by blending the old with the new, we can create spaces where everyone feels like they belong.
On October 5 at Eagle Creek Golf Club, we invite you to join us. Play a round. Listen to the music. Watch the art unfold. Bid at the silent auction. Most importantly, be part of an experience that tells our youth: you are welcome everywhere, and you have a right to lead wherever you
go.
Registration is now open for the VOICES 4th Annual Golf Outing: A Golf, Art & Hip-Hop Event.
Kia Wright is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of VOICES Corporation, a Black-led, Indianapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and families through culturally sustaining education, healing-centered engagement, and workforce development. With over a
decade of experience at the intersection of juvenile justice, social work, and community leadership, Wright has led VOICES in serving thousands across Indiana, creating pathways for economic self-sufficiency, civic engagement, and systemic change.
