Indiana Black Expo's Summer Celebration returns
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Johnny Gill, pictured here with an impressed Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, is one of the stars on the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration stage this year. Photo: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Indiana Black Expo's biggest event of the year is back in Indy with some big changes.
Why it matters: The IBE Summer Celebration has been a Circle City staple for more than five decades and serves as the largest annual fundraiser for the statewide nonprofit organization.
- All proceeds generated by the 10 days of culture, concerts and community-centered programming support IBE's year-round initiatives related to education, business development, community learning, performing arts, college scholarships and more.
- Since 1983, IBE has provided more than $5 million in college scholarships.
Driving the news: IBE's 54th annual Summer Celebration began Thursday night with an ecumenical service at Kingdom Apostolic Ministries and runs through June 30 with more than 50 total attractions on the docket.
- It's the latest iteration under the direction of Alice Watson, IBE's president and CEO, who stepped into the role in early 2023 to replace longtime leader Tanya Mckinzie.
State of play: Usually held in July after Independence Day, this year's celebration has temporarily shifted to make way for the National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium July 17-21.
The intrigue: Also new this year is a new location and charging admission for the Friday night music showcase long referred to as the "free concert."
- The concert is moving from its usual home of the American Legion Mall to Carroll Stadium, with general admission costing $10, and premium seating ranging from $50-$100.
Zoom in: Watson and concert promoter Amp Harris said safety and experience were two of the main reasons for the change. They say Carroll provides better sounds and lighting, and making it a ticked event ensures everyone has a good view and no one has to bring a lawn chair.
- Carroll having more limited points of entry also allows for better security, according to Harris.
- The show starts at 6pm June 28 and features Johnny Gill, Lalah Hathaway and Morris Day.
Flashback: The first Indiana Black Expo gathering took place in 1971 and was inspired by the Rev. Jesse Jackson-led Operation PUSH exposition held in Chicago in 1969.
- Indy's first Summer Celebration included a performance by a young Donny Hathaway, an NBA-ABA game featuring Jerry Harkness, and crowning Beverly Thompson as the first Indiana Black Expo Queen.
If you go: A complete schedule of the 2024 IBE Summer Celebration events can be found here.
- Here are a few standouts that IBE leaders have deemed "must-see."
📽️ The Black Film Festival on Saturday in IBE's Black Box Theater will feature "Black Barbie: A Documentary" produced by Shonda Rhimes as part of a larger IBE initiative.
💼 Monday and Tuesday's Business Conference at the Indiana Convention Center will offer free workshops for small businesses on topics like accessing capital and succession planning.
📚 The film "The Right to Read" will be screened Wednesday at IBE headquarters as part of this year's Education Conference.
🏆 The Pacers Sports & Entertainment luncheon on June 28 will honor people like Edgerrin James, Rick Fuson, Soledad O'Brien and Leon Robinson.
🩺 The 38th Annual Indiana Black and Minority Health Fair takes place from June 27-30 in the Indiana Convention Center, offering more than $4,000 worth of free health screenings.
🌹 DJ Kid Capri, Ginuwine and NEXT headline a grown and sexy night of music at IBE's All White Affair Concert June 29 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
⛪ IBE's Gospel Explosion will close things out on June 30 with gospel recording artists Ricky Dillard & New G. at the Indiana Convention Center.