News Archives - Indiana Black Expo https://www.indianablackexpo.com/category/news/ A voice and vehicle for social and economic advancement Fri, 27 Jun 2025 19:32:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 Indiana Black Expo Unveils Immersive Cultural Arts During 2025 Summer Celebration https://www.indianablackexpo.com/indiana-black-expo-unveils-immersive-cultural-arts-during-2025-summer-celebration/ Fri, 27 Jun 2025 19:23:10 +0000 https://www.indianablackexpo.com/?p=3380 The post Indiana Black Expo Unveils Immersive Cultural Arts During 2025 Summer Celebration appeared first on Indiana Black Expo.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2025

Media Contact:
Jennifer Darby, Chief of Staff
Indiana Black Expo
jdarby@indianablackexpo.com
(317) 441-3522

Indiana Black Expo Unveils Immersive Cultural Arts During 2025 Summer Celebration

Art gallery, Interactive exhibits, live performances, fashion, music, improv and fine art take center stage July 18–20 at the Indiana Convention Center

Indianapolis, IN – Indiana Black Expo (IBE) is proud to announce the return of its Cultural Arts Pavilion, a dynamic, immersive experience celebrating Black creativity, heritage, and innovation as part of the 2025 Summer Celebration. The Pavilion will be held July 18–20 at the Indiana Convention Center, Rooms 143–144, and is free and open to the public.

IBE’s Cultural Arts Pavilion is a one-of-a-kind collaboration among Indianapolis’ leading arts and cultural institutions — including the Arts Council of Indianapolis, Newfields, Indianapolis Public Library, Harrison Center, Indiana State Museum, Indiana Historical Society, Eiteljorg Museum, and the Indiana African American Genealogy Group — united to create something truly unprecedented: a shared space that centers, celebrates, and elevates Black art, artists, and cultural expression. Alongside this historic institutional partnership, the Pavilion proudly features the work of emerging and established Black visual artists, designers, performers, and authors from across Indiana and beyond. Their creativity, stories, and contributions are the heartbeat of this experience.

“Nowhere else in the city — or the state — will you find this level of collective artistic power and cultural storytelling under one roof,” shared Alice Watson, IBE President & CEO. “For nearly four decades, this groundbreaking space has honored the rich legacy and ongoing impact of Black artists through fine art, performance, history, fashion, music, and genealogy. The Cultural Arts Pavilion is more than an exhibit gallery — it is a cultural movement and a powerful reminder of the creativity that continues to shape our communities and future,” added Watson.

With the support of sponsors including the Indy Arts Council, Penrod Society, Arthur Jordan Foundation, Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation, Noyes Foundation, and the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative, this year’s Pavilion features an expansive array of visual art, live performances, fashion showcases, author talks, musical performances and interactive experiences designed to inspire and engage all ages.

Gallery Exhibitions & Featured Artists

The Cultural Arts Pavilion highlights exhibitions from leading cultural institutions, including:

  • Arts Council of Indianapolis – From the Inside Out by Kierra Ready, exploring joy as a spiritual and communal force.
  • Newfields – A Celebration of Strength, Creativity, and Beauty, featuring a preview of Alma Thomas’s Smithsonian exhibition.
  • Indianapolis Public Library – Meet the Artists, curated by Anthony Radford, showcasing emerging and established Black artists.
  • Harrison Center – The Greatriarchs of Martindale Brightwood.
  • Indiana State Museum – REPRESENT: Indiana’s Black Artists.
  • Indiana Historical Society – Pro Basketball in Indiana.
  • Eiteljorg Museum – Featuring the multidimensional works of Crystal Kaakeeyáa Rose Demientieff Worl, an Alaskan Indigenous artist.
  • Indiana African American Genealogy Group – Research Your Roots, a hands-on genealogy exploration.

Featured visual artists include:

  • Tanía Michelle Wineglass – Lost and Found, an interactive journey through healing and transformation.
  • Faith Blackwell – We Are The Culture: Fashion Meets Basketball, a fusion of sports and self-expression.
  • India Cruse-Griffin – The Power in Family, celebrating legacy through collage and acrylics.
  • Cierra Johnson – Circle City Made, community-based visual storytelling.
  • Amira Alquraishy – The Dreamer Has No Finish Line, a hopeful look at ambition and identity.

Group Exhibit – Court Vision: The Art of Resilience and Excellence

Curated by Arthentic Arts (ARTs), this All-Star edition exhibition features over 30 regional artists exploring Black excellence at the intersection of sports, art, and empowerment.

Art Speaks Café & Interactive Experiences

The Art Speaks Café offers a rich schedule of live music, spoken word, book talks, author spotlights, and artist panels featuring many of the Pavilion’s exhibiting creatives.

Unplugged Sessions will spotlight musical acts like Cleöcrt Daniels, TRULY G, Saintman Lafare, and more.

Performance Line-Up Highlights:
Reckless Rhymacide, Verbal i Music, Queen Quaymo, Brandon Gerrod, Jean the Poet, Corey Bapes, and dozens of other spoken word and musical artists will perform throughout the weekend.

Interactive Highlight – Sneaker Bar (Free for First 100 Participants!)

Participants can customize their own sneakers with paint, stencils, and guidance from local artists in this unique hands-on station presented in partnership with BOXX the Artist.

Inside the Exhibition Hall: Style Zone, Live Entertainment, Fashion Show & Hair Competition

Style Zone: Where Fashion Meets Fame
Saturday, July 19 | 12:00 – 7:00 PM | Hall F, Booth 1307 | Free
Hosted by Nikki Blaine Couture, CoCo Cuffie, and Thiery Baptist this curated pop-up market and fashion lab features guest appearances, live styling sessions, and exclusive pieces. Special guest: Claire Sulmers, founder and CEO of Fashion Bomb Daily

Live Performance by Jacob Latimore

Saturday, July 19 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM | Entertainment Stage, Hall F | Free

Actor and acclaimed R&B recording artist Jacob Latimore will light up the Entertainment Stage with a live performance. Latimore, star of the hit Showtime series The Chi, has appeared in films like Ride Along, The Maze Runner, Collateral Beauty, and Detroit. Named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2019, he continues to make waves in music with over 100 million streams. His fifth studio album, JL, dropped May 2, 2025, and he’ll be performing live at IBE.

Fashion Show featuring BruceGlen Pop Up Store and Platinum League

Saturday, July 19 | 4:00 – 5:30 PM | Entertainment Stage, Hall F | Free

Hosted by The Fabulous Mr. Patrick and powered by Passion4Fashion, this year’s fashion show Fashion, designs by Elan Furs, Nikki Blaine Couture, Luvlotss High Fashion, Creo by Keca, and more, plus a special appearances by BruceGlen and the Platinum League.

Identical twins Bruce and Glen Proctor — known collectively as BruceGlen — are dynamic fashion designers and ministers from Washington, D.C., widely recognized as the “Fashion Preachers.” Their vibrant brand is celebrated for its electric use of color, bold prints, and signature metal hardware, merging high fashion with spiritual purpose. Before launching their own label, the duo honed their skills working on celebrity fashion projects for icons like Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj. In 2019, they reimagined BruceGlen as a sustainable, ready-to-wear fashion house. Since then, their striking collections have been featured at major fashion showcases including New York Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week.

This one-of-a-kind improv show is full of culture, community, and laughs on top of laughs. This year’s show has been curated and handcrafted for people of all ages, with our city’s teens as the focal point. Join the festivities as we dive into this family-friendly version of The Made Man Improv Show. The Made Man Improv Show has taken the Midwest by storm and is making a household name for itself.

Textures Institute of Cosmetology Hair Competition

Sunday, July 20 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM | Hall F, Booth 907 | Free

Experience creativity at its finest as top beauticians and barbers battle it out in a high-stakes showcase of style, artistry, and flair. Grand Prize: $1,000 for the winning look! NEW THIS YEAR: We’re turning up the heat with our first-ever Nails Competition — offering cash prizes and ultimate bragging rights.

About Indiana Black Expo

Indiana Black Expo, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with 12 chapter affiliates across Indiana. Its mission is to serve as a voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African Americans. IBE is known for producing two of Indiana’s largest cultural events—Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic®—and for year-round programming in education, workforce development, health equity, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment.

The post Indiana Black Expo Unveils Immersive Cultural Arts During 2025 Summer Celebration appeared first on Indiana Black Expo.

]]> The Legendary O’Jays, Grammy Award-Winning Stephanie Mills, Dru Hill, and Howard Hewitt Announced as Indiana Black Expo’s Free Concert Lineup https://www.indianablackexpo.com/indiana-black-expos-free-concert-lineup/ Mon, 24 Apr 2023 18:19:17 +0000 https://www.indianablackexpo.com/?p=2677 The post The Legendary O’Jays, Grammy Award-Winning Stephanie Mills, Dru Hill, and Howard Hewitt Announced as Indiana Black Expo’s Free Concert Lineup appeared first on Indiana Black Expo.

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For Immediate Release

For Information Contact Katrina Owens

Monday, April 23, 2023

The Legendary O’Jays, Grammy Award-Winning Stephanie Mills, Dru Hill, and Howard Hewitt Announced as Indiana Black Expo’s Free Concert Lineup

Last Stop on The Love Train. The O’Jays’ final tour.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indiana Black Expo announced its lineup for the Summer Celebration Outdoor Concert during the weekend of Black Expo’s 53rd annual Summer Celebration, July 14th – July 16th. The outdoor concert will take place on Friday, July 14, at American Legion Mall and will be headlined by R&B Legends the O’Jays, Grammy award-winning singer Stephanie Mills, R&B group Dru Hill, and legendary R&B crooner Howard Hewett. “This year, we are excited to celebrate 53 years of Black culture and entertainment, and we want to ensure that our audience and community witnesses the O’Jays, one of the greatest R&B groups, during its final tour,” said IBE President Alice Watson. The outdoor concert, free to the public, will begin at 6:00 p.m. For complete details and access to VIP tickets, visit www.SummerCelebration.net or call 317.925.2702.

About The O’Jays

After more than 60 years of electrifying people all over the world, the mighty, legendary R&B/Soul kings, the O’Jays, are set to embark on their final tour! Featuring original members Eddie Levert Sr. and Walter Williams Sr., who have been singing together since they were kids. The O’Jays are touring history, a connection to an era, and a sound that formed the soundtrack for the lives of several generations. In 1972, Gamble & Huff, a team of producers and songwriters with whom the O’Jays had been working for several years, signed the group to their Philadelphia International label. With this magic formula, often called The Sound of Philadelphia, The O’Jays scored their first number 1 and million-selling song, “Backstabbers, followed by more chart-topping pop and R&B singles, including “Love Train,” “Put Your Hands Together,” “For The Love of Money,” “I Love Music,” “Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love),” “Livin’ For The Weekend” and “Use Ta Be My Girl.” Throughout their career, The O’Jays have achieved 10 Gold albums, 9 Platinum albums, and 10 #1 hits. It’s been a long journey, but thanks to the fans, the LOVE TRAIN is still going strong! The O’Jays were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005 and honored with BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. In 2013, they were inducted into The Official R&B Music Hall of Fame.

About Stephanie Mills

Stephanie Mills is a Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and Broadway star. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she started singing at the age of three. Stephanie won the competitive Amateur Hour at the Apollo for six straight weeks and made her Broadway debut at a young age starring in the musical “Maggie Flynn.” Ms. Mills attended the prestigious private children’s school, Lincoln Square Academy. This New York native rose to stardom and became a household name as “Dorothy” in the original Broadway run of the hit musical, “The Wiz.” The song “Home” from the show later became a Number 1 U.S. R&B hit. In 2015, Stephanie was cast as “Aunt Em” in the NBC live musical “The Wiz, forty years after her initial Broadway appearance in the production. Ms. Mills is the recipient of countless number-one hit records, including “I Have Learned to Respect The Power Of Love,” “I Feel Good All Over,” “You’re Putting A Rush On Me,” “Something In The Way You Make Me Feel,” and “Home.” She has won multiple awards, including a Grammy Award, Tony Award, NAACP Image Award, and American Music Award, just to name a few. Recently, Ms. Mills made her feature film debut in Lifetime’s “Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story.”

About Dru Hill

Founded in 1992 as “14K Harmony,” the group, discovered by manager Kevin Peck, evolved to become “Dru Hill” in 1996, engraving itself into the legacy of R&B music and bringing a dynamic sound to the ever-changing industry. Known for hits like “Tell Me,” “In My Bed,” “Never Make a Promise,” and “How Deep Is Your Love,” the group has given the world music for the ages. Over the last 25+ years, Dru Hill has sold over 40 million records worldwide. Recording new material and continuously performing at sold-out venues around the globe, Dru Hill continues to solidify its legacy as one of the greatest groups of all time. In honor of their 25th Anniversary in the music industry, Dru Hill is featuring all members of the group, past and present, to give fans an experience they will never forget. Alongside founding members SisQo, Nokio, Jazz, and the latest additions Smoke and Black from the R&B group “Playa,” former members Scola and Tao rejoin the dynamic lineup. The group has exciting surprises in store for its expanding fan base everywhere.

About Howard Hewett

Howard Hewett is one of the most gifted vocalists in the post-Marvin Gaye era of pop R&B. Hewett got his mainstream break as the male vocal lead in Shalamar, a centerpiece of Dick Griffey’s SOLAR (Sound of Los Angeles Records) label. The group gave the world feel-good dance favorites, The Second Time Around and A Night to Remember, For the Lover in You, as well as a number of beautiful B-side ballads like You Can Count On Me and Somewhere There’s a Love. In the mid-eighties, Howard sets out on his solo career, releasing I Commit to Love in 1986 on Elektra from the first single, Hewett made magic, giving his amorous voice and whimsical lyrics to Stay, I’m For Real and the title track. Most beloved track on this freshman release would be his spiritually grounded Say Amen. This single soared on the Inspirational charts and has enjoyed the status of a modern gospel classic. Subsequent projects have solidified Hewett’s place in the high ranks of R&B balladeers by writing and collaborating and lending his voice within an intimate group of crooners, including George Duke, Quincy Jones, James Ingram, Anita Baker, Prince, and Stanley Clarke. With Elektra, he released Forever and Ever (1988- Once, Twice, Three Times), Howard Hewett (1990- Show Me), and Allegiance (1992- Can We Try).

For more information about Summer Celebration, visit www.SummerCelebration.net.

About Indiana Black Expo, Inc.

Indiana Black Expo, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) statewide organization with 12-chapter affiliates. The mission of IBE is to serve as an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. IBE is known for its two major events, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic, and provides year-round youth and family initiatives, including its Education Conference, Black Business Training Institute, Performing Arts Academy, Community Learning Hub, Education Day (college fair), Summer Internship Program, Scholarship Fund, Statewide Anti-Tobacco Initiative, Youth Leadership Summit, Employment Opportunity Fair and Business Conference.

The post The Legendary O’Jays, Grammy Award-Winning Stephanie Mills, Dru Hill, and Howard Hewitt Announced as Indiana Black Expo’s Free Concert Lineup appeared first on Indiana Black Expo.

]]> Actor and Director Blair Underwood Announced as Recipient of Lifetime Screen Image Award https://www.indianablackexpo.com/blair_underwood_lifetime_screen_image_award/ Sun, 03 Jul 2022 13:34:49 +0000 https://www.indianablackexpo.com/?p=2578 The post Actor and Director Blair Underwood Announced as Recipient of Lifetime Screen Image Award appeared first on Indiana Black Expo.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Junely 3, 2022

Media Contact:
Bryan Kelley, Vice President
bkelley@indianablackexpo.com
(317) 925-2702

Actor and Director Blair Underwood Announced as

Recipient of Lifetime Screen Image Award

 

Indianapolis, IN – Today, Indiana Black Expo announced that it will honor Blair Underwood with the Lifetime Screen Image Award at the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Corporate Luncheon presented by Indiana University. The luncheon will take place on Friday, July 15 at 11:00 AM in the Sagamore Ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center. Doors open at 10:00 AM.

The Lifetime Screen Image Award is presented to celebrate an artist who has made historic contributions to the film and television industry. It also recognizes exceptional performances and achievements in the arts by people of color.

Blair Underwood currently filmed a starring role in the new Showtime series, Three Women, alongside Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin.

Underwood recently directed Viral, a feature in which he will also play the lead, opposite Sarah Silverman and Alfre Woodard. He can currently be seen playing Vernon Jordan, opposite Clive Owen, Edie Falco and Beanie Feldstein, in megaproducer Ryan Murphy’s Impeachment for FX, as well as the role of William Jackson Harper’s father in the second season of Love Life on HBO Max. Underwood co-starred in the Netflix limited series, Self-Made, opposite Octavia Spencer. His performance earned a nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Limited Series for the NAACP Image Awards, as well as a Black Reel Award. While audiences were streaming that performance, Underwood was onstage, starring on Broadway opposite David Allen Grier in the Roundabout Theatre revival of A Soldier’s Play at the American Airlines Theater. His performance garnered accolades and was recently nominated for a Tony Award, as well as a Drama League Distinguished Performance Award.

In 2019 he recurred on the Netflix comedy series, Dear White People, and in Clark Johnson’s Juanita, opposite Alfred Woodard, also for Netflix. He spent two years as a series regular on the ABC drama series, Quantico, while also recurring on another hit ABC drama, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. He also had a co-starring role in The After Party, from writer/director Ian Edelman, which Netflix released late in 2018. He can be seen co-starring in Justin Simien’s horror comedy, Bad Hair, which premiered on Hulu in October 2020.

Past television credits include series regular roles on Dirty Sexy Money, The New Adventures of Old Christine, In Treatment, L.A. Law and The Event. Film credits include Rules of Engagement, Madea’s Family Reunion and Full Frontal, for director Steven Soderbergh. Underwood co-starred opposite the late Cicely Tyson in the Lifetime telefilm, A Trip To Bountiful, based on the Tony Award-winning play. In 2012 he made his acclaimed Broadway debut in the iconic role of “Stanley” in Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, for which he earned a Drama League Distinguished Performance Award nomination.

“We look forward to honoring Mr. Underwood for his dynamic performances and work in the television, film and theater throughout his decades-long career, said IBE President Tanya Mckinzie. “In addition to his work on the screen, Mr. Underwood has also used his platform to advocate for civil rights and advance our communities,” added Mckinzie.

To purchase tickets for the luncheon, visit indianablackexpo.com.

 

About Indiana Black Expo, Inc.

Indiana Black Expo, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) statewide organization with 12-chapter affiliates. The mission of IBE is to serve as an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. IBE is known for its two major events, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic® and provides year-round youth and family initiatives, including its Education Conference, recent Black Business Training Institute, Performing Arts Academy, Community Learning Hub, Education Day (college fair), Summer Internship Program, Scholarship Fund, Statewide Anti-Tobacco Initiative, Youth Leadership Summit, Employment Opportunity Fair, and Business Series and Conference.

 

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]]> GEO Academies Announced as Recipient of Rev. Charles E. Williams Excellence Award https://www.indianablackexpo.com/geo-academies-announced-as-recipient-of-rev-charles-e-williams-excellence-award/ Thu, 23 Jun 2022 19:48:45 +0000 https://www.indianablackexpo.com/?p=2551 The post GEO Academies Announced as Recipient of Rev. Charles E. Williams Excellence Award appeared first on Indiana Black Expo.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 23, 2022

Media Contact:
Bryan Kelley, Vice President
bkelley@indianablackexpo.com
(317) 925-2702

GEO Academies Announced as Recipient of 
Rev. Charles E.  Williams Excellence Award  

 

Indianapolis, IN – Today, Indiana Black Expo announced that it will honor GEO Academies with the Rev. Charles E. Williams Excellence Award at the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Corporate Luncheon presented by Indiana University.  The luncheon will take place on Friday, July 15 at 11:00 AM in the Sagamore Ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center.  Doors open at 10:00 AM. 

The Rev. Charles R. Williams Excellence Award is given to those who have helped shape, contribute, or strengthen IBE’s vision of promoting African-American achievement in academics, athletics, business, education or the arts.  The recipient must be a leader who has demonstrated courage, vision and dedication to diversity in the community.   

GEO Academies currently serves 3500 students in eight schools located in Gary, Indianapolis and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  The student population served is 99% African-American and 100% low-income.  Nearly all schools are led by minority leaders and more than 80% of GEO Academies’ staff is African-American.  21st Century Charter School in Gary is its flagship school that serves 1300 students.  21st Century Charter School regularly posts high school graduation rates of 90% or better and has one of the highest college and career readiness ratings in the state surpassing several of our state’s richest communities. The school focuses on college immersion and regularly graduates students having earned two full years of college, an associate degree, while in high school. These students earn these degrees at no cost to them. 21st Century Charter School has the only student in Indiana history to earn a full bachelor’s degree (from Purdue University) while in high school and has two more students in the pipeline who will accomplish this goal in 2024. It has had 16-year-olds earn associate degrees and this year, a 13-year-old earned his associate degree when he should be in 7th grade.  

Due to its success in Gary, GEO has been invited to start schools in Indianapolis and Baton Rouge and has the highest performing charter schools serving their demographics in Baton Rouge.  

GEO’s work and student success has been featured on ABC’s Good Morning America, CBS Evening News, Fox News, USA Today and many other news outlets.  

“This year, IBE has been intentional in its efforts to uplift our educators and a battered and undervalued profession that is needed to advance our youth and families academically, socially and economically.  We are providing a vehicle, cash awards and other tokens of appreciation to educators at our statewide Education Conference as a small gesture of how we appreciate their contributions to our youth and community.  This honor is no different,” said IBE President & CEO Tanya Bell Mckinzie.  “At a time when African Americans and low-income families continue to face the consequence of income inequality and lack of access to affordable higher education, the work of GEO Academies supports the upward mobility of economically disadvantaged and underserved African American students and, as such, contributes to the wellbeing of our state and country,” added Mckinzie. 

“I’m grateful to Indiana Black Expo for recognizing the work of our staff and our families at GEO Academies over the past 20 years. We firmly believe students are capable and want to do so much more than tradition expects. Our staff works hard to support our students and their aspirations every day.  This award recognizes their efforts and hopefully will inspire others to consider doing the same for their communities,” said Kevin Teasley, Founder & President of Geo Academies.  

 
About Indiana Black Expo, Inc. 

Indiana Black Expo, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) statewide organization with 12-chapter affiliates. The mission of IBE is to serve as an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. IBE is known for its two major events, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic® and provides year-round youth and family initiatives, including its Education Conference, recent Black Business Training Institute, Performing Arts Academy, Community Learning Hub, Education Day (college fair), Summer Internship Program, Scholarship Fund, Statewide Anti-Tobacco Initiative, Youth Leadership Summit, Employment Opportunity Fair, and Business Series and Conference. 

 

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]]> Delta Faucet Company Collaborates with Indiana Black Expo on its Economics Equity Work, and Will Serve as this Year’s Business Conference Presenting Sponsor https://www.indianablackexpo.com/2473-2-2/ Fri, 03 Jun 2022 02:29:27 +0000 https://www.indianablackexpo.com/?p=2482 The post Delta Faucet Company Collaborates with Indiana Black Expo on its Economics Equity Work, and Will Serve as this Year’s Business Conference Presenting Sponsor appeared first on Indiana Black Expo.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2022

Media Contact:
Bryan Kelley, Vice President
bkelley@indianablackexpo.com
(317) 925-2702

Indianapolis, IN – Today, Indiana Black Expo and Delta Faucet Company announced their collaboration to help advance IBE’s economics equity work to build the capacity and growth of Black and minority-owned businesses in Indiana.  As part of the partnership, Delta Faucet Company will serve as the presenting sponsor of this year’s Business Conference that will occur on Monday, July 11 and Tuesday, July 12.  The conference includes workshops geared towards certification and procurement opportunities for businesses.  The conference also includes networking opportunities, the Mayor’s Breakfast hosted by Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and the Governor’s Reception hosted by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb.  Conference workshops are free and will return in-person inside the Indiana Convention Center.   

“IBE is excited to grow its relationship with Delta Faucet Company in the economics equity space and looks forward to partnering on this year’s Business Conference,” said IBE President & CEO Tanya Mckinzie.  “The goal of the business conference is to provide a venue to empower diverse business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals with information and resources that will assist them in building their capacity and ability to access procurement opportunities and capital,” added Mckinzie.     

 

 

“We’re excited to once again work with Indiana Black Expo,” said Ken Roberts, President, Delta Faucet Company. “Diversity, coupled with a mindset of equity and inclusion where we welcome different ideas and opinions, drives how we win at Delta Faucet Company. Our collaboration with IBE is more than a great opportunity to pair our passion and resources with this critically important organization; it also fully aligns with our internal priorities, including attracting and retaining diverse talent.”  

 

IBE is also conducting its Black Business Training Institute with more than 120 Black business owners.  The training is supported by a three year grant from KeyBank, the former presenting sponsor of the Business Conference.  More than 100 business owners that are currently participating in training are expected to be present at the Business Conference presented by Delta Faucet Company for additional opportunities.  IBE will present a $5,000 cash award to its top business and honor its businesses at this year’s Mayor’s Breakfast on July 11.   

 
About Indiana Black Expo, Inc. 

Indiana Black Expo, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) statewide organization with 12-chapter affiliates. The mission of IBE is to serve as an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. IBE is known for its two major events, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic® and provides year-round youth and family initiatives, including its Education Conference, recent Black Business Training Institute, Performing Arts Academy, Community Learning Hub, Education Day (college fair), Summer Internship Program, Scholarship Fund, Statewide Anti-Tobacco Initiative, Youth Leadership Summit, Employment Opportunity Fair, and Business Series and Conference. 

 

About Delta Faucet Company 

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Delta Faucet Company is a leader in faucets, bath and shower fixtures, and related accessories. The company manufactures Delta®, Brizo®, Kraus®, and Peerless® branded products. Combining design and innovation, Delta Faucet Company’s extensive product line suits both residential and commercial buildings. 

 

Delta Faucet Company exists to transform experiences with water. From inspiring kitchen and bath environments to smart and simple water usage, Delta Faucet Company innovates living and workspaces.  

 

Delta Faucet Company is a place where passion flows from employees and comes to life in products. For more information about Delta Faucet Company, visit deltafaucetcompany.com. 

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]]> Indiana Black Expo will present IU Head Basketball Coach Mike Woodson with the Excellence in Sports Award at the Corporate Luncheon https://www.indianablackexpo.com/indiana-black-expo-will-present-iu-head-basketball-coach-mike-woodson-with-the-excellence-in-sports-award-at-the-corporate-luncheon/ Wed, 01 Jun 2022 16:16:04 +0000 https://www.indianablackexpo.com/?p=2479 The post Indiana Black Expo will present IU Head Basketball Coach Mike Woodson with the Excellence in Sports Award at the Corporate Luncheon appeared first on Indiana Black Expo.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 31, 2022

Media Contact:
Bryan Kelley, Vice President
bkelley@indianablackexpo.com
(317) 925-2702

Friday, July 15, 2022, at 11:00 am

Indiana Convention Center

Indiana Black Expo will present IU Head Basketball Coach Mike Woodson with the Excellence in Sports Award at the Corporate Luncheon

Indianapolis, IN – Today, Indiana Black Expo announced that it will present IU Head Basketball Coach Mike Woodson with the Excellence in Sports Award at the Pacers Sports and Entertainment Corporate Luncheon presented by Indiana University on Friday, July 15 at the Indiana Convention Center. Individual luncheon tickets are $70 and tables are $700. Tickets and tables can be purchased at www.summercelebration.net. The luncheon will begin at 11:00 AM.

About Coach Mike Woodson

In his first year as IU’s head basketball coach, Woodson guided the team to a nine-win improvement, an NCAA Tournament win, built the top-rated defense in the Big Ten according to KenPom (22nd, nationally). IU also led the Big Ten in field goal percentage defense at 39.6% and finished second in blocked shots at 4.83 a game. In Big Ten games, the Hoosiers also led the league in field goal percentage defense at 41.3%.

He led the Hoosiers to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2003 and helped three players earn All-Big Ten status including Trayce Jackson-Davis, Race Thompson and Xavier Johnson. His team also ended nine-game losing streaks to Purdue and Michigan and his staff landed the fifth-best recruiting class in the country according to 247Sports.

Woodson returned to the Bloomington campus in the spring of 2021 with a vast experiences and knowledge after playing in the NBA for 11 seasons beginning in 1980 and serving as a coach in the league beginning in 1996 for seven NBA franchises, including nine years combined as a head coach with the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks. He was currently serving as an assistant coach with the Knicks.

Woodson was the 1980 Big Ten Player of the Year and NABC All-American as a senior in leading the Hoosiers to a conference title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet Sixteen. Despite undergoing back surgery in December and missing seven weeks, he was honored as the Chicago Tribune’s Silver Basketball Award Winner following the season.

As head coach of the Knicks, Woodson guided his 2012-13 Atlantic Division Champions to their first appearance in the Eastern Conference semifinals since 2000 and finished his tenure as New York’s coach with a record of 109-79 (.680). As an NBA head coach with Atlanta (2004-2010) and New York (2011-2014), Woodson saw his teams compile two 50-plus win seasons including a personal high of 54 victories during the 2012-13 season with the Knicks.

Woodson joined the Knicks staff following six seasons as head coach of the Hawks, where he guided the Hawks to the NBA Playoffs in each of his last three seasons (including 2007-08, ending Atlanta’s eight-year Playoff drought), and into the Eastern Conference Semifinals in his last two seasons. In the Playoffs, he piloted the Hawks to back-to-back Game 7 wins in the first round over Miami in 2009 and Milwaukee in 2010.

Before joining the Hawks, Woodson served for one season (2003-04) as an assistant coach with the Detroit Pistons, where he earned an NBA Championship ring as one of the chief architects behind Detroit’s suffocating defense that helped lift the Pistons to the 2004 NBA title. Prior to his six years at the helm of the Hawks, Woodson logged eight seasons as an assistant coach with Milwaukee (1996-97 through 1998-99), Cleveland (1999-2000 through 2000-01), Philadelphia (2001-02 through 2002-03) and Detroit (2003-04).

As an assistant, he has worked for greats such as Chris Ford (Bucks), George Karl (Bucks), Larry Brown (76ers and Pistons), Mike D’Antoni (Knicks), Doc Rivers (Clippers), and Tom Thibodeau (Knicks).

The Knicks selected Woodson with the 12th pick of the 1980 NBA Draft and he enjoyed an 11-year NBA playing career, averaging 14.0 points over 786 games for the Knicks (1980-81), New Jersey (1981-82), Kansas City/Sacramento (1981-82 through 1985-86), the LA Clippers (1986-87 through 1987-88), Houston (1988-89 through 1990-91) and Cleveland (1990-91). He scored a career-high 18.2 ppg with Kansas City in 1982-83. He also averaged 12.2 points in 13 career Playoff games over five post-seasons. Woodson’s NBA playing career began in 1980-81, when he averaged 4.7 points over 11.7 minutes in 81 contests with the Knicks.

He had the honor of playing for some of the most decorated coaches in league history including Red Holzman (Knicks), Larry Brown (Nets), Cotton Fitzsimmons (Kings), Gene Shue (Clippers), and Don Chaney (Clippers and Rockets).

Woodson played 104 games for the Hoosiers after graduating in 1976 from Broad Ripple High School and is the fifth all-time leading scorer with 2,061 points and his 19.8 points per game average is tied (Calbert Cheaney) for the second highest by a Hoosier who played four seasons in college. He averaged 21 points during his junior season and helped lead Indiana to an NIT Championship. Woodson captained the USA’s Pan American Games team to a gold medal during the summer prior to his senior year and was all set to have a perfect season with the Hoosiers who were ranked No. 1 in the preseason of the 1979-80 campaign. After five games, Woodson suffered a herniated disc in his back and had to undergo surgery. Upon losing Woodson, the Hoosiers went 7-5 in the Big Ten until he returned to spark Indiana back into action. IU finished the conference season with six straight victories and won the Big Ten title. Woodson was the MVP after playing in only six league games that season.

The 64-year-old was born on March 24, 1958 in Indianapolis. At Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis, he averaged 28.6 points as a senior, scored 1,154 points in his career, and earned All-State honors while being a member of the Indiana All-Stars. He was inducted into the IU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. Mike and his wife, Terri, have two daughters, Alexis and Mariah, who were volleyball players at Georgia Tech. Alexis also played one season at IU.

About Indiana Black Expo, Inc.

Indiana Black Expo, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) statewide organization with 12-chapter affiliates. The mission of IBE is to serve as an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. IBE is known for its two major events, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic® and provides year-round youth and family initiatives, including its Education Conference, recent Black Business Training Institute, Performing Arts Academy, Community Learning Hub, Education Day (college fair), Summer Internship Program, Scholarship Fund, Statewide Anti-Tobacco Initiative, Youth Leadership Summit, Employment Opportunity Fair, and Business Series and Conference.

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]]> Indiana Black Expo president Tanya Mckinzie to Stepdown in December and be Succeeded by senior vice president Alice Watson https://www.indianablackexpo.com/ibenews4112022/ Mon, 11 Apr 2022 18:28:43 +0000 https://www.indianablackexpo.com/?p=2383 The post Indiana Black Expo president Tanya Mckinzie to Stepdown in December and be Succeeded by senior vice president Alice Watson appeared first on Indiana Black Expo.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2022

 Media Contact:

Bryan Kelley, Vice President of Events
bkelley@indianablackexpo.com
(317) 925-2702

Indiana Black Expo president Tanya Mckinzie to Stepdown in December
and be Succeeded by senior vice president Alice Watson 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN –

Today, Indiana Black Expo announced Tanya Mckinzie’s plans to leave her current role at the end of the year and its Board of Directors’ selection of Alice Watson, Sr. Vice President, as her successor effective January 2023.  Ms. Mckinzie has led the statewide organization for 15 years.  “This experience has been life-changing.  I hold steadfast to the principle in Ecclesiastes that there is a season for everything.  As IBE continues to encourage so many aspiring entrepreneurs to step out on faith and use their gifts, talents and abilities to create generational wealth for their families, I have made the decision to join the ranks of so many others and start my own consulting business,” shared IBE President Tanya Mckinzie.    

Mckinzie is known for making significant improvements to IBE’s finances, operations and infrastructure.  Certain accomplishments under Mckinzie’s leadership include: 

  • 14 years of clean financial audits while remaining debt free with sufficient funds in reserve;   
  • the purchase of a 45,000 square feet campus on the eastside of Indianapolis and investment of more than $1.6 million in building improvements without a capital campaign and no debt; 
  • the creation of IBE’s 14-year-old Education Conference where professional development is provided annually to thousands of educators and administrators across the country in the area of cultural competency; 
  • the distinct recognition by the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (MBKA) as a community to watch for IBE’s work to improve life outcomes for Black boys and young men in 2019;  
  • the launch of a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Academy and Community Learning Hub on the Eastside of Indianapolis that provides development and support to youth and families; 
  • the recent completion of a fully equipped and state-of-the-art Black Box Theater; and  
  • the recent launch of the Black Business Training Institute for 120 business owners in Central Indiana.   

“I am excited about IBE’s future and the unwavering commitment of our board, staff, members, volunteers and partners across the state of Indiana to take IBE and our community to higher heights,” added President Mckinzie. 

 Ms. Watson currently serves as IBE’s Sr. Vice President where she has led the day-to-day operations of the organization for the past 10 years.  Prior to working at IBE, she was appointed by former Governor Mitch Daniels as the Deputy Commissioner for the Indiana Department of Administration where she led the Department of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises Division from 2008 until 2010.  Prior to working for the state, Ms. Watson served as a national accounts sales executive where she leveraged her expertise in sales, advertising, marketing and financial planning. 

 “We are entering an exciting period for the organization and are grateful for the solid foundation that has been laid by Ms. Mckinzie.  I look forward to working with the IBE board, staff, and stakeholders on carrying out our strategic plan to implement impactful programming and advocacy, solidifying our place in history for the next 50 years.” 

About Indiana Black Expo, Inc.

Indiana Black Expo, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) statewide organization with 12 chapter affiliates. The mission of IBE is to serve as an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. IBE is known for its two major events, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic® and provides year-round youth and family initiatives, including its Education Conference, recent Black Business Training Institute, Performing Arts Academy, Community Learning Hub, Education Day (college fair), Summer Internship Program, Scholarship Fund, Statewide Anti-Tobacco Initiative, Youth Leadership Summit, Employment Opportunity Fair, and Business Series and Conference.

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]]> Black Business Training Institute Reception and Orientation – April 7, 2022 https://www.indianablackexpo.com/black-business-training-institute-reception-and-orientation-april-7-2022/ Thu, 31 Mar 2022 18:16:13 +0000 https://www.indianablackexpo.com/?p=2376         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 31, 2022  Media Contact: Bryan Kelley, Vice President of Events bkelley@indianablackexpo.com (317) 925-2702   Indiana Black Expo Expands Its Black Business Training Institute Cohort To Serve 120 Business Owners In Central Indiana   INDIANAPOLIS, IN – In response to the demand for hands-on business management training, IBE…

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2022

 Media Contact:

Bryan Kelley, Vice President of Events
bkelley@indianablackexpo.com
(317) 925-2702

 

Indiana Black Expo Expands Its Black Business Training Institute Cohort
To Serve 120 Business Owners In Central Indiana

 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – In response to the demand for hands-on business management training, IBE is expanding its new Black Business Training Institute.  The hands-on training program is adding 95 seats, now serving 120 business owners (rather than 25 as originally planned).

“Within 24 hours of announcing the initiative, IBE received over 60 applications.  Within 72 hours, we received over 100 applications,” said IBE President & CEO Tanya Mckinzie.  “Without putting much effort into promoting the initiative, this response indicates that multiple efforts are needed to provide adequate training, education and technical assistance to small businesses to help them properly navigate the ecosystem, enhance their business management skills, and access capital and opportunities that exist within our state.  IBE looks forward to partnering with other Black-led organizations, including the Indianapolis Urban League, Innopower, and the Indianapolis Black Chamber as well as Mid-States Minority Supplier Development to ensure that these businesses receive the support that they need,” added Mckinzie.

IBE and the Central Indiana Small Business Development Center has partnered to engage Jean Poole, CEO and founder of E Cubed Performance LLC as a business advisor that will work with business owners in the first inaugural cohort as well as other businesses that might need assistance.  Jean will be housed inside IBE’s headquarters on the eastside of Indianapolis.

“Over the past two years, the work the Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and IBE have done together to support the small business community has been powerful. Partnering to place an Indiana SBDC Advisor within IBE’s business programming is a natural extension of this work. We’ll immediately be able to tap into statewide and regional programs to offer better support to our community-based businesses,” said David Watkins, State Director of the Indiana SBDC.

The 10-week training sessions for the first cohort will begin on April 22, 2022.  The sessions will focus on practical business skills that can immediately be applied by small Black business owners.

Next Thursday, April 7th, IBE will host all 120 business owners at a Welcome Reception and Orientation at its headquarters in celebration of the launch. “We realize how special this moment is for the 120 business owners that applied and were selected and it is important for us to celebrate them and encourage them to put every ounce of energy that they have into the development of their business,” said Alice Watson, IBE’s Sr. Vice President.  “We are here to support them and help them grow their business,” added Watson.

Vop Osili, president of the Indianapolis City-County Council, will speak at the Welcome Reception and share pearls of wisdom with the first cohort.  The media is welcome to attend the reception.

KeyBank is a key partner and funder of the initiative. Due to the increased costs to serve the participants in the program, IBE is looking for additional sponsors to support this work.

 

About Indiana Black Expo, Inc.

Indiana Black Expo, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) statewide organization with 12 chapter affiliates. The mission of IBE is to serve as an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. IBE is known for its two major events, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic® and provides year-round youth and family initiatives, including its Education Conference, recent Black Business Training Institute, Performing Arts Academy, Community Learning Hub, Education Day (college fair), Summer Internship Program, Scholarship Fund, Statewide Anti-Tobacco Initiative, Youth Leadership Summit, Employment Opportunity Fair, and Business Series and Conference.

The post Black Business Training Institute Reception and Orientation – April 7, 2022 appeared first on Indiana Black Expo.

]]> KeyBank Foundation Invests $300,000 in Indiana Black Expo’s Black Business Training Institute https://www.indianablackexpo.com/ibe-announces-new-vice-president-2/ Thu, 24 Feb 2022 14:15:44 +0000 https://www.indianablackexpo.com/?p=2301 The post KeyBank Foundation Invests $300,000 in Indiana Black Expo’s Black Business Training Institute appeared first on Indiana Black Expo.

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KEYBANK CONTACT:
Matthew Pitts
Regional Communications Manager
716-270-4243 (work)
716-903-8468 (mobile)
matthew_pitts@keybank.com

INDIANA BLACK EXPO CONTACT:
Tanya Mckinzie
President & CEO
317-925-2702 (work)
tmckinzie@indianablackexpo.com

KeyBank Foundation Invests $300,000 in Indiana Black Expo’s Black Business Training Institute

Funding will assist IBE in its mission of working to eliminate racial disparities and increase the capacity of Black businesses to grow their workforce and strengthen existing minority small businesses

 (INDIANAPOLIS) – The KeyBank Foundation is making a $300,000 grant to the Indiana Black Expo’s (IBE) Black Business Training Institute. This investment is part of KeyBank’s $40 billion National Community Benefits Plan, which helps communities reach social, economic and racial equity. This funding will assist IBE in its mission of working to eliminate racial disparities that exist for African Americans and other underrepresented and disadvantaged individuals.

“IBE is a major economic and social contributor and force for change in our community. Now more than ever, the work they do to help entrepreneurs and small business owners is crucial to building strong, vibrant and sustainable neighborhoods,” said Juan Gonzalez, KeyBank Central Indiana Market President and Business Banking Sales Leader. ”This investment by KeyBank in the Black Business Training Institute shows that we are proud to stand with them and amplify their efforts to be a voice and vehicle for social and economic advancement across our state.”

The goal of the IBE’s Black Business Training Institute is to re-energize Central Indiana’s African American small business community by establishing more thriving businesses led by Black entrepreneurs. Doing so will increase the capacity of Black businesses to grow their workforce and strengthen existing minority small businesses. IBE plans to do this by:

  • Strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem to encourage personal development and increase peer resources for Black business development
  • Increasing the number of procurement opportunities for minority-led small businesses
  • Increasing Indiana business owners’ access to the best available talent from the Black and minority community

To accomplish these objectives, IBE will offer a robust 10-week business management program for two cohorts of 25 business owners in Central Indiana.  The first cohort training will take place in Indianapolis this spring and the second cohort will occur in the fall.  The training will focus on practical business skills that can immediately be applied by small minority business owners.

Other partners of the initiative include Innopower, Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (CI-SBDC) and Co-Hatch.

“IBE has been supporting and training small minority businesses since its inception 51 years ago and KeyBank has been a strong supporter of our Black Business Conference for more than a decade.  We are grateful for KeyBank’s continued investment in our economics equity work and the opportunity to intensify our supports provided to Black-owned businesses,” said IBE President & CEO Tanya Mckinzie.  This initiative has been two years in the making as we listened to business owners across the state share with us the areas where they need more support,” added Mckinzie.

IBE will continue its Black Business Conference and Series to offer free webinars and workshops to the business community. The webinars are available for free on IBE’s website.

Business owners and entrepreneurs interested in participating in the first cohort can complete the application available on IBE’s website at:  https://www.indianablackexpo.com/contact-ibe/.

ABOUT KEYBANK
KeyBank’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, KeyCorp is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $186.3 billion at December 31, 2021. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

ABOUT THE INDIANA BLACK EXPO
Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (IBE) is a 51-year-old 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation headquartered in Indianapolis with twelve chapter affiliates throughout Indiana. The organization’s mission is to be an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African Americans. IBE’s vision is to help African American youth and families achieve their highest potential and reflect pride in their culture and ethnicity. IBE’s focus areas are Education Equity, Economics Equity, Youth Development, Health Equity and Community Empowerment.

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]]> IBE Announces New Vice President https://www.indianablackexpo.com/ibe-announces-a-new-vice-president/ Mon, 21 Jun 2021 17:42:49 +0000 https://www.indianablackexpo.com/?p=2048 The post IBE Announces New Vice President appeared first on Indiana Black Expo.

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Indiana Black Expo is pleased to announce that Mr. Bryan Kelley has joined its leadership team in the role of Vice President, Community Initiatives and Marketing. 

In service to Indiana Black Expo’s 50 years of proud service to Indiana’s African American community and aligned with its mission to serve as an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African Americans, the Vice President, Community Initiatives and Marketing will work in close partnership with IBE leadership (board and executive team), ecosystem partners, community leaders, staff, and volunteers to advance IBE’s goals and strategies outlined below:

  • Economic Equity: Increasing the number, strength, and impact of black businesses in Indiana;
  • Education: Expanding options and choices for Black youth and young adults to pursue their career and educational goals;
  • Community Empowerment: Facilitating a Sense of Belonging – Elevating Our African-American Voice and Promoting the cultural identity and voice of Indiana’s Black community; and
  • Health Equity and Justice: Promoting access to and awareness of community health resources to inspire healthy behaviors.

In this regard, Bryan’s strategic and operational focus will include, but not be limited to:

  • Developing plans to accomplish broader, ongoing collective-impact economic and health equity strategies and partnerships;
  • Evolving IBE’s education and performing arts youth development programming;
  • Facilitation and coordination of IBE’s community convening initiatives and events that promote a sense of belonging and African-American cultural identity;
  • Increasing the number of active participants, partners, and supporters with whom IBE actively collaborates and engages; and
  • Positively broadening the visibility of IBE’s brand.

Bryan received a Bachelor of Arts, General Studies degree from IUPUI and comes to IBE with over twenty years of seasoned, professional experience in relationship and business development, event management, marketing, nonprofit operations, partnership development, sales, and nonprofit fund development. 

Bryan’s prior professional experiences and expertise has been shaped by organizations that include United Negro College Fund – Indiana, the Indy Chamber, National FFA, and the Indiana Convention Center. Bryan’s professional associations, memberships, and volunteer work include: 

  • American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
  • Licensing Industry Merchandiser’s Association (LIMA)
  • National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) – Membership Chair for Mid-America Chapter
  • International Association Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
  • International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM)
  • Public Assembly Facility Management School
  • Youth Coach – Carmel Dad’s Club

I want to thank Tanya McKinzie and the Indiana Black Expo Board of Directors for the opportunity to join the Indiana Black Expo leadership team. It is an honor, and a privilege, to utilize my experiences from my career as the newest leader in the organization as we align our work to the needs of the black community. Tanya’s vision, along with the direction and support of the Board of Directors, is refreshing for a 50-year-old organization. The renewed energy, engagement, and expectations, when presented to me, solidified my decision that IBE is the organization I want to serve and lead.

We all know IBE for its high-profile annual events, such as Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic. It will be my pleasure to elevate the lesser-known programs, initiatives, and efforts that move the needle for African American youth, families, and black-owned businesses across the state of Indiana.

I am driven by my faith and my family. My belief in the power of prayer, and God’s will over mine, ensures I do not get in the way of where God wants me. My wife Stacy of 19 years has served as motivation to continually improve, always move forward, and never settle. My daughter Courtney (17) and my son Cameron (13) inspire me with the possibilities of what the future holds for our youth. Their positive spirits keep me in the right frame of mind.

I am excited to get started and to join the IBE staff, board, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders in what I believe will be great prosperity for the organization.

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