Indiana Black Expo, a local nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of African American communities, kicked off its annual Summer Celebration July 6 through Sunday.
Founded in 1971, Indiana Black Expo has spotlighted the businesses and achievements of Indiana’s Black community for 52 years. Each year, its efforts culminate with the organization’s largest attraction, the Summer Celebration — a days-long cultural event featuring educational summits, parties and live music — several of which are free.
This year, Alice Watson became the new president and CEO of Indiana Black Expo. With her came the implementation of a new five-year strategic plan. That plan includes supporting economic development of Black businesses, educational equity for Black youth, a sense of belonging among the African American community and health justice for minority individuals.
But ushering the organization into the future doesn’t mean straying from its legacy as a local institution, Watson said.
“We will continue to do what we’ve done for the past 52 years,” she said. “You have to be nimble enough and flexible to listen to the needs of the community. That’s really how the organization started.”
Fundamentally, Indiana Black Expo was created to develop local Black business. Watson said the five-year plan won’t change that, just augment it. Throughout the Summer Celebration, minority-owned businesses will gather to share their work with the Indianapolis community. That’s her favorite part.
“Showcasing and highlighting businesses, that always gives me goose bumps, to see up and coming businesses and be part of their journey,” Watson said.
Vice President Katrina Owens is an Indianapolis native. She’s been involved with the nonprofit for more than 20 years. Growing up, she and her family attended the Circle City Classic football game every year, an Indiana Black Expo-sponsored face-off between historically black colleges and universities. She said this year’s Summer Celebration theme, “Our Legacy, Our Influence, Our Future,” embodies what the organization means to this community.
The nonprofit isn’t just a summer “event planner,” but a resource dedicated to strategically improving the lives of locals, Owens said. Indiana Black Expo built its five-year plan based on a study of the community’s needs and tailored it to fill in the gaps. It has programming all-year round: a business training institute, a youth performing arts academy, an anti-tobacco campaign.
“We party with a purpose,” Owens said. “We want the community to be aware of who we are and what we do.”
Why start the five-year plan now? Owens said the shift will secure Indiana Black Expo for a long future.
“My goal is to set it on a foundation that, when I leave, hopefully we can continue for another 52 years,” she said.
This week’s Summer Celebration events feature an education conference to discuss equity in the classroom, medical fairs for senior and minority citizens to receive free health screenings, a youth leadership summit and a consumer exhibit featuring booths from hundreds of local businesses, artists and nonprofits.
For weekend fun, visitors can check out Friday’s free Music Heritage Festival outdoor concert, featuring acts like the O’Jays, Stephanie Mills, El DeBarge and Howard Hewett. On Saturday, Indiana Black Expo will host a fashion show with pieces from local designers. Wrap up the week at the All-White Affair at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for a party with live music.
Though largely based in and around the Indiana Convention Center, Summer Celebration includes events throughout the city.
Contact the reporter Tory Basile by email at vbasile@gannett.com