Indianapolis Racial Justice Activist Admits She Is White, ‘Used Blackness’ For Own Gain

A leading activist for racial equality in Indianapolis, Indiana apologized for misleading people about her race for years in order to grow in prominence.

Satchuel Cole has been highly a visible racial justice activist in Indianapolis, has worked with the local Black Lives Matter chapter and was even the spokesperson for the family of Aaron Bailey who was killed by police during a June 2017 traffic stop, according to The Indy Star. Her apology, which she posted Wednesday on Facebook, came after Black Indy LIVE published an article detailing Cole’s family history.

“I have taken up space as a Black person while knowing I am white,” Cole said in her social media post. “I have used Blackness when it was not mine to use.”

She continued: “I have caused harm to the city, friends and the work that I held so dear. I will do the work to take responsibility for my actions and try to reduce the harm that I have already caused.”

Cole’s original name was Jennifer Benton before she legally changed it in 2010, according to legal documents obtained by Black Indy LIVE. After her name change she began identifying as bi-racial telling fellow activists that she had a black father who she never met.

Further, documents obtained by Black Indy LIVE indicated Cole’s parents were both white.

Cole’s most prominent public role was on the Bailey case. U. S. Attorney Josh Minkler announced in Apr... (Read more)

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