Welcome back to Axios Indianapolis' "30 Over 30," a series celebrating the icons that have shaped our city for 30 years or more.

After more than 50 years of working to advance Black life in the Hoosier State, the Indiana Black Expo is making hard calls today to keep the mission moving forward for another 50.

Why it matters: IBE is one of Indiana's largest and longest-running civic organizations, touching small businesses, young people, seniors and voters statewide.

• Leaders said the stakes are too high to stop fighting. But transformation will remain a vital — and necessary — part of its evolution.

Flashback: Civic and religious leaders formally founded IBE in 1971, modeling it after the work of the Jesse Jackson-led Operation PUSH in Chicago in the late 1960s.

• IBE's first one-day exposition was held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on June 19, 1971, with an ABA game and a Donny Hathaway concert as the headliners.

President and CEO Alice Watson says IBE exists "to advance and empower African-American youth and families, and those who are underrepresented and marginalized in our communities."

What she's saying: "What we need in our community more than anything is to address the inequities ... the voices of need, not the voices of opinion," Watson said, noting that constant reinvention is required when leading a trailblazing organization.

Yes, but: Not every part of the IBE's past will be part of its future. For more than 40 years, the Circle City Classic football game has been a fall battle between HBCU teams.

• This September, it will be a high school and girls flag football showcase at Lucas Oil Stadium, a change made to save money.
• Watson says IBE lost nearly $700,000 in Classic sponsorship tied to the retreat from DEI funding.

Keep reading

One of Indiana's largest cultural events returns to downtown Thursday with an expanded focus on community health and a refined vision for the future.

Why it matters: The Summer Celebration is both Indiana Black Expo's flagship fundraiser and 11 days of civic events designed to make an impact year-round.

Driving the news: With the theme of "Our Legacy. Our Influence. Our Future," this year's event will host the 40th anniversary of the Summer Celebration Health Fair.

• This is the first time the organization is producing the long-running fair independently, which is poised to provide attendees with more than $4,000 in free health screenings and services.
• Mental health will also get the spotlight during a mental health symposium featuring basketball legend Sheryl Swoopes and a panel discussion centered on wellness and mental health in the Black community.
• The health fair takes place from July 17–19 in the Indiana Convention Center. A special seniors' night will take place 4–8pm on July 16.

State of play: The Summer Celebration lineup represents an organizational strategy of staying laser-focused on existing programs and improving them rather than creating new ones.

• Decisions like doubling down on Black wellness at the health fair and giving young Black entrepreneurs-in-training another opportunity to hone their skills during the two-day IBX Youth Entrepreneur Series exemplify that approach.

If you go

🔋 DC BLOX has scaled back its proposed data center project in Irvington in response to community pushback. The new plans call for one fewer building and a 35% reduction in energy needs. (IndyStar).

☕️ Illumine Coffee plans to open a near-north-side location later this month when it takes over the space at 140 E. 22nd St., vacated by Tea's Me Cafe last year.

• Illumine opened its flagship shop in Nora in 2023 and a downtown spot the following year. The South Meridian Street cafe closed last month.

🗳️ Indiana Democrats are vying for all but three of the 100 House of Representatives seats on the November ballot, while the GOP is sitting out 20 of the races. (Indiana Capital Chronicle).

Meet Andie Arana Gomez, an up-and-coming creator, mentor and curator who is passionate about increasing representation in the arts.

The inspo: Born in Guatemala, Arana Gomez immigrated to the U.S. with their family in 2015 and settled in Central Indiana, later studying studio art and French at Ball State.

​Zoom in: Arana Gomez graduated from Indy's Latino Artist Mentorship Program in December, and has had their work featured throughout the city at spots like Newfields, Eiteljorg Museum, the Indianapolis Liberation Center and Gallery 924.

Between the lines: Supporting young artists is a big part of Arana Gomez's work.

What they're saying: "I know for me it would have made a world of difference to be able to have an art teacher or mentor that had an insight of my particular struggles and identity and just (my) overall experience," they said.

What's next: Arana Gomez will host a coffee conversation for Eiteljorg members on July 29 to discuss their work as curatorial advisor for the Latino-American print exhibition Consejo Grafico Nacional on display at the museum through May 29, 2027.

Check them out

LeBron James is on the move again, and suddenly every NBA city thinks it has a shot.

Why it matters: Even at 41, James remains one of basketball's defining figures. He is the league's all-time leading scorer, a four-time champion and one of the only active players whose arrival could instantly alter the trajectory, relevance and national profile of a franchise.

Driving the news: The King has heard from front-office executives, but now it's our turn. Axios reporters across the country are making their best pitch.

• Atlanta thinks they're the perfect choice. Dallas says it has the best story, and Cleveland... Well, Cleveland thinks they've got it in the bag.

Yes, but: Nobody loves basketball more than Hoosiers. Nobody.

• So a move to Indiana means the undying support of a passionate fanbase that truly loves the game, and a spot on a Pacers team that came just one Achilles injury short of winning a championship in 2025.
• Plus, if you squint, a healthy Tyrese Haliburton and a motivated Pascal Siakam kinda resemble prime Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. And that combo worked out pretty well in Miami.