The fifth cohort of Power in Numbers: Co-op U recently wrapped up with a powerful milestone—four innovative businesses successfully completed the 14-week virtual program, each one sponsored by the Kheprw Institute (KI), a Black-led nonprofit community developer in Indianapolis. While the graduation marked the culmination of weeks of hard work, the heart of the story lies in what we discovered when we met the Kheprw community face-to-face. Phil Waller and I were fortunate to co-facilitate one of the sessions in person at Kheprw’s home base: the Alchemy Building. Nestled just two blocks from the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, this colorful, welcoming space serves as a sanctuary in the city—a creative hub infused with purpose. Inside, artwork, open architecture, and intentional design all reflect a commitment to community, equity, and rebirth. The scarab beetle, an ancient Egyptian symbol of renewal and transformation, appears throughout the building—in stairway railings, literature, and murals—quietly reminding all who enter of the deeper mission behind the work.
Our visit began with a walking tour led by Mimi Zakeem, a Kheprw worker and member-owner of Scarabys Consulting, and an intern from IUPUI. They introduced us to four Kheprw-owned houses, including the site of Early Growers Childcare, a Co-op U graduate that nurtures the youngest members of the community while embodying the cooperative spirit. Adjacent to Early Growers are lush gardens—living proof of what it means to grow together, both literally and figuratively. After the tour, we joined Kheprw team members at the main house. Founders Imhotep Adisa and Paulette Fair, along with an intergenerational staff, welcomed us with warmth and intention. We were especially struck by the deep mutual respect between the young adults and their elders—a value rarely seen but deeply felt. Lunch was served courtesy of Phaya Thai, a local restaurant owned by the parents of Kheprw team members Alvin and Alex Sangsuwangul. Alvin, a 13-year Kheprw veteran and the Community Land Trust Coordinator, served as our host and guide, taking us next to the guest house—a beautifully restored three-story home that now serves as a haven for visiting speakers, organizers, and educators.
Our final stop was Octavia’s Visionary Campus, a 17-acre learning and growing laboratory named in honor of Afrofuturist author Octavia Butler. This space brings Kheprw’s mission to life with programs in urban agriculture, youth development, and community education. One standout initiative is Growin’ Good in the Hood, a cooperative effort that teaches community members how to cultivate their own food—planting the seeds of self-reliance and food sovereignty. fter the tour, we made our way back to the Alchemy Building to facilitate Session 11 of Power in Numbers. Waiting for us was a generous and beautifully prepared meal, catered by Faith Jackson, a proud member of Bountiful Growers United (BGU). The feast wasn’t just about good food—it was a celebration of community and thecooperative spirit. Gathered around the table were members from four inspiring businesses: Bountiful Growers United, Artistry Cooperative, Early Growers, and Scarabys Consulting. Over shared plates and shared purpose, we dove into that day’s training session—reaffirming that in spaces like these, learning and nourishment go hand in hand.
The Co-op U journey is about far more than business models and pitches. It’s about people. It’s about legacy. And it’s about imagining a future where communities likeKheprw don’t just survive—they thrive.
words by Cynthia Pinchback-Hines, Racial Justice Educator and Co-op Developer
