BRVA Member Spotlight: Jessie Beasley IV
It’s the people that make Broad Ripple.
Ask Jessie Beasley IV what he loves most about Broad Ripple, and his answer comes without hesitation.
“The people,” he says.
“I can’t go anywhere without seeing someone I know, having a story about someone I know, or just having a little bit of history of Broad Ripple and seeing the new stuff come in on top of that.”
Jessie moved to Broad Ripple from Fort Wayne in the early 2000s and quickly became part of the neighborhood’s fabric. Over the years, he’s worked in many of Broad Ripple’s restaurants and bars, watched businesses come and go, and seen the Village evolve. Through all those changes, one thing has remained constant: the people.
“What makes Broad Ripple different is the culture,” he says. “The neighborhood culture is everything here. If you’re here for a little while, you’re going to know everyone. You’re going to get to know their story, and it’s a great part of our neighborhood.”
That sense of connection is what keeps him here.
While Jessie acknowledges that Broad Ripple has changed over the years, he’s excited about where it’s headed. He’s especially encouraged by the neighborhood’s growing music scene, from longtime venues like The Vogue to newer spaces like Turntable and local businesses that are creating opportunities for live performances.
“I believe that’s going to really help our neighborhood,” he says. “It brings people in from everywhere else to come see the great music.”
He’s equally excited about new restaurants opening in the Village and hopes to see even more activities that bring neighbors together.
“I look forward to more family-oriented activities, things for people to,” he says. “When you bring in activities, you keep everybody here, and they invite their friends to enjoy what we do.”
For Jessie, that’s what community is all about.
His appreciation extends to the Broad Ripple Village Association, which he sees as a steady presence through decades of change.
“They’ve always been there,” he says. “As long as they’re going to be a sponsor for our neighborhood and somebody to speak for us, we’re going to be in good hands.”
When asked what he wishes more people knew about Broad Ripple, his answer returns to the same theme that began the conversation.
“Broad Ripple is for everyone,” he says. “I don’t know anyone who lives here who doesn’t enjoy their neighbors, who doesn’t enjoy being themselves, and being able to be themselves in Broad Ripple.”
In a neighborhood known for its restaurants, music, trails, and local businesses, Jesse believes the greatest attraction is something much simpler.
It’s the people.
Join Jessie and hundreds of your neighbors in supporting the Broad Ripple Village Association. Together, we’re helping keep Broad Ripple a neighborhood where people know one another, celebrate one another, and continue writing the next chapter of the Village’s story.
