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Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, which starts earlier than usual, is in full swing

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2 years ago

June 22, 2024

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Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, which starts earlier than usual, is in full swing

The Summer Celebration is on.

The Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration 2024 kicked off Thursday with an ecumenical service at Kingdom Apostolic Ministries, 4900 E. 38th St. and is in full swing through June 30.

That means films, art exhibits and concerts celebrating Black American culture, along with conferences and summits focused on business, health education and youth leadership.

The Summer Celebration is one of the major events produced by Indiana Black Expo, a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic advancement of African Americans through year-round initiatives, including its Black Business Training Institute, Scholarship Fund, Performing Arts Academy and Community Learning Hub.

If you think it seems early for Black Expo, you’re not wrong. Normally Summer Celebration takes place in July but this year it’s a few weeks earlier because another large event is coming to town next month.

Here’s what to know about the 53rd Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration:

The 2024 Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration is in June

This year’s events, including a three-day exhibition at the Indiana Convention Center, take place June 20-30, to accommodate the National Eucharistic Congress being held at Lucas Oil Stadium July 17-21.

Indiana Black Expo will go back to its traditional July dates next year.

2024 Indiana Black Expo: Summer Celebration will come early this year

Celebrities appearing at the 2024 Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration

Notables are appearing at various conferences, receiving awards and performing throughout the Summer Celebration. Look for:

Atlantic Starr, recording artists
Kid Capri, DJ and producer
Morris Day and The Time, recording artists
Rick Fuson, recently retired Pacers Sports & Entertainment chief executive officer
Johnny Gill, recording artist
Ed Gordon, broadcaster and BET/CBS Special Correspondent
Ginuwine
Lalah Hathaway, recording artist
Joe Hogsett, Indianapolis mayor
Edgerrin James, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Indianapolis Colt
Next, recording artists
Soledad O’Brien, journalist and documentarian
Leon Robinson, actor
Karyn White, recording artist

IBE Film Festival

4 p.m., June 22

Indiana Black Expo, 601 N. Shortridge, Indianapolis

The annual fest has IBE screening independent films produced and written by African American and African filmmakers. The event is free and features discussions about selected titles and filmmaking in general.4 p.m. – Opening Remarks and Welcome4:05 p.m. – Short film screening: “Rasheeda’s Freedom Day”4:40 p.m. – Short film screening: “Black Girls Play”4:58 p.m. – Panel discussion5:28 PM – Feature film screening: “Black Barbie”

IBE Business Conference

June 24-25

Indiana Convention Center

This conference allows business owners to hear from key decision-makers about business development initiatives and multi-million dollar contracting opportunities as well as learn tips on doing business with public, private and international companies.

It includes a mayor’s breakfast and a governor’s awards reception.

IBX Youth Entrepreneur Series

9 a.m., June 25

Indiana Convention Center, Room 236-238

The IBX Youth Entrepreneur Series (YES) introduces middle and high school students to the basic concepts, activities and skills necessary for launching, leading, and growing a successful business. Workshops will help participants develop comprehensive business plans and prepare pitches that will be presented in competitions for prizes.

IBE Education Conference

June 27

Indiana Convention Center

The educational summit provides a platform for educators to explore innovative strategies and learn best practices to create a more equitable and impactful educational system.Keynote speakers are journalist O’Brien and Dr. Kymyona Burk, the senior policy fellow for early literacy at the Foundation for Excellence in Education.

Black & Minority Health Fair

June 27-30

Indiana Convention Center

The annual health fair aims to increase minority awareness of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and cancer, and how to prevent them.

It offers free health screenings and services; wellness resources; and engaging fitness activities for the Black and minority communities.

June 27 is a special night for seniors.

Admission is free.

Mental Health Symposium

June 27, June 29

Indiana Convention Center

The Indiana Black Expo will introduce its Mental Health Symposium to the Summer Celebration this year.

The two-day educational series, in partnership with the Indiana State Department of Health, is part of IBE’s new year-round mental health educational series meant to boost knowledge of and address the stigma about brain health, particularly among Black Indianapolis residents.

Journalist Ed Gordon will host the event.

Part one of the symposium will take place 4:45-5:30 p.m. June 27 during the Black & Minority Health Fair, when expert panelists will discuss the importance of self-care and how to seek mental health support when needed for seniors and senior caregivers. Part two will take place 12-2 p.m. June 29 in the 500 Ballroom of the Indiana Convention Center. Topics will include the basics of brain health; lifestyle choices; cognitive decline and dementia management; and navigating healthcare systems and resources.

Caregivers, friends and family members of individuals who have experienced mental health challenges, medical professionals, policymakers, community leaders and mental health advocates are encouraged to attend.

The symposium is free to the public.

Attendees can register for the symposium at tinyurl.com/2cu8a7f4 or visit eventbrite.com for the Cherish Your Mind: Understanding the Importance of Brain Health Symposium.

2024 Corporate Luncheon

11 a.m., Friday, June 28th

Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom

The Pacers Sports and Entertainment Corporate Luncheon will honor contributors to African American culture, progress and achievement.

Among the feted will be O’Brien, James, Fuson and Robinson.

Tickets are available at summercelebration.net.

Indiana Black Expo awards: 2024 honorees in African-American culture

Youth Leadership Summit

June 28

Indiana Convention Center

This three-day annual summit helps Indiana middle and high school students become more aware of STEM-related careers and better understand leadership, advocacy and civic responsibility.

Exhibition Hall

June 28-30

Indiana Convention Center

Vendors will offer food and merchandise throughout the Exhibition Hall. Visitors can check out Indiana and regional companies and organizations.

Also in the Expo Hall:

Cultural Arts Pavilion with exhibitions of the works of local and national artists and authors, including the Art Speaks Café, platforming local visual and performing artists. Expect live music; spoken word performances; free paint nights; and interactive art installations and sessions. June 28-30

The Indiana Black Expo Midwest Invitational Boxing Showcase, a competition between top amateur boxing teams from across Indiana, Ohio, Texas, and Missouri. 12 p.m., June 29-30

Textures Institute of Cosmetology Hair Show with beauticians and barbers competing. 1 p.m., June 29

IBE’s Fashion Show, with dozens of models of all ages highlighting top brands in the industry. 4:30 p.m., June 29

Man Made Improv teen-focused variety show hosted by J. Bland Made Man and featuring unscripted improv games, comical sketches, interactive crowd participation and music by DJ Boogie Bang. 6 p.m., June 29

Gospel Explosion, featuring choirs and entertainers. 4 p.m., June 30

Music Heritage Festival

6 p.m., June 28

IU Michael A. Carroll Stadium, 1001 W. New York St., Indianapolis,

The traditional Outdoor Concert gets a new location and requires tickets, starting at $10 each.

Doors open at 4 p.m. with food trucks on-site. Kids ages 2 and under are free when seated on a parent’s lap. Ages 3 and up must have a ticket. To avoid Ticketmaster fees, purchase at ticketmaster.com.

The 2024 Indiana Black Expo outdoor concert lineup:

The Black Expo summer concert: The lineup and changes for 2024

The 2024 All White Affair and Concert

10 p.m., June 29

Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Guests in all-white attire will experience live music and networking opportunities with celebrity guests and artists. Tickets, available at Gainbridge Fieldhouse or ticketmaster.com, are required.

2024 All White Affair and Concert Lineup:

Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X: @cherylvjackson.

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Ty Simpson tells why he believes Indiana dominated Alabama in Rose Bowl

Published

11 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

Ty Simpson tells why he believes Indiana dominated Alabama in Rose Bowl

Ty Simpson was a guest on the “Downs 2 Business” podcast with Caleb Downs and Josh Downs, and he discussed why he believed Indiana beat Alabama in the Rose Bowl.

The Crimson Tide’s offense was unable to score a touchdown against the Hoosiers in the 38-3 loss. Simpson shone a light on why he felt Indiana had so much success against Alabama on X.

“From my point of view, I was like they don’t much,” Simpson said. “I was like they do the same thing every down and so when I get the ball, I knew exactly what was going to happen. They just didn’t mess up, bro. They were in the exact same spot they were supposed to be, and they were so well coached. It was so much different than the SEC. In the SEC, they’ll play man, they’ll do these unorthodox coverages because kind of how it is. That game was crazy to me. Of course, I got hurt; that was a bummer. But I just knew what they were going to do, but we couldn’t really run the ball. We didn’t really throw it. It was so crazy to me how it happened.”

Indiana went on to beat Oregon in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, and the Hoosiers defeated Miami in the National Championship after defeating the Crimson Tide.

Simpson and Caleb Downs are now both gearing up to be drafted this month.

Justin Smith is the Managing Editor and Lead Writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine with over 10 years of writing experience & expertise. Smith has consistently delivered high quality, extensively researched information on the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide football team that fans can trust. Smith is official credentialed media with the University of Alabama under Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He is also the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Enterprises, specializing in scouting and analyzing high school recruits around the nation, specifically focusing on recruits within the state of Alabama.

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3 Big Takeaways From Indiana Basketball’s Transfer Portal Dominance

Published

24 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

3 Big Takeaways From Indiana Basketball’s Transfer Portal Dominance

Indiana may be one of the most decorated programs in college basketball history, but a brand name no longer has the recruiting pull it used to. In the past, the Hoosiers had a foolproof sell: it’s Indiana. Nowadays, in the NIL era, the playing field has been leveled.

To win in the transfer portal and recruiting as a whole, a program like Indiana needs a premier recruiter – and it has one in Darian DeVries.

Heading into his second season as the Hoosiers head man, DeVries is on an absolute heater, as he just landed his sixth transfer (Villanova guard Bryce Lindsay) on Wednesday night.

With the addition of Lindsay, the Hoosiers have arguably the No. 1 transfer class in the nation and certainly one of the top three. Here are three takeaways from Indiana’s offseason thus far:

Indiana Hoosiers head coach Darian Devries reacts in the first half of the NCAA game at Value City Arena on Saturday, March 7, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. | Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indiana won’t have a talent problem in 2026-27

On one hand, the expectations are high in Bloomington – especially after the turnaround Curt Cignetti engineered in just two quick years on the gridiron. And an NCAA Tournament appearance isn’t exactly the Herculean task a College Football Playoff berth, let alone a national title, is.

Then again, DeVries didn’t have much time to craft his 2025-26 roster, and the end result wound up being less-than ideal from a talent perspective. All things considered, DeVries didn’t do a poor job given the roster he had. But it was also his roster.

Coaching is a balance of roster-building, X’s and O’s and culture. It’s up to DeVries to tailor a roster fit to his coaching strengths. Here in the 2026 offseason, he’s sent a message: recruiting will not be a problem. As a result, talent won’t be a weakness – it’ll be a strength.

The question now: can DeVries take advantage of an uber-skilled crew? Can he mesh the pieces and, ideally, create a product better than the sum of its parts? If the 2025-26 season was any sign, the answer is yes – which means a Big Dance appearance should be the bare minimum next year.

How will the backcourt depth chart shake out?

Notre Dame guard Markus Burton celebrates during a NCAA men’s basketball game against Missouri at Purcell Pavilion on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in South Bend. | MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Hoosiers are going to have a loaded guard rotation, and DeVries has a variety of options in terms of a starting backcourt.

Markus Burton is a surefire starter at lead guard, but then DeVries can choose between Bryce Lindsay and Jaeden Mustaf at the two, or, potentially, he could run both together at shooting guard and small forward.

What about Duke transfer Darren Harris, though? He’s more of a wing, but it’s not exactly clear how he’ll fit in the fold. And incoming combo guard Prince-Alexander Moody can also compete for minutes.

Fortunately, DeVries can’t exactly go wrong. A Burton-Lindsay starting backcourt would be undersized but loaded, chock-full of shooting and playmaking, while a Burton-Mustaf combo would be a slashing nightmare for opponents, strong defensively and tough on the boards.

And if Moody shocks the college hoops world and manages to sneak in over both Lindsay and Mustaf, that means the Hoosiers have a bona fide star on their hands.

With the addition of Lindsay, the Hoosiers have arguably the No. 1 transfer class in the nation and certainly one of the top three. Here are three takeaways from Indiana’s offseason thus far.

The Hoosiers should be much better on the glass

Indiana could have been a lot better on the boards a year ago. The Hoosiers were No. 296 in offensive rebounding rate and No. 122 in defensive rebounding rate, per Bart Torvik. As a squad, Indiana was often undersized – and sometimes by a huge margin. Naturally, the glass suffered, affecting both sides of the floor.

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Aiden Sherrell (22) shoots against Hofstra Pride forward Victory Onuetu (6) in the second half during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

In 2026-27, the Hoosiers should flip the script in that department. With incoming big men Aiden Sherrell (Alabama) and Samet Yigitoglu (SMU) combining for 14.1 total rebounds per outing despite neither playing more than 30 minutes per game in this past campaign, Indiana should have a dominant glass-cleaning unit in the frontcourt in 2026-27.

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Indiana Fever Free Agency Grades: Every Signing So Far

Published

1 day ago

April 17, 2026

Press Room

Indiana Fever Free Agency Grades: Every Signing So Far

The Indiana Fever were in a much better position than many other teams going into this offseason since two of their three best players were still under contract.

Nevertheless, the Fever made some significant moves in free agency to build a potential contender around Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. None of them were necessarily bad moves, but some are more impactful than others.

Re-signing Kelsey Mitchell: A+

Sep 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) in the second half during game four against the Las Vegas Aces of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Fever signed Kelsey Mitchell to a one-year supermax deal, and it’s worth every cent. Mitchell endured years of losing and still stayed loyal to the franchise. Last season, she was the driving force behind the Fever’s surprise run to the semifinals and a legitimate MVP candidate.

Re-signing Lexie Hull: A

Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) celebrates a 3-pointer Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, during Game 2 of a WNBA playoff matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Atlanta Dream, 77-60. | Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

When you have a star trio of Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and Caitlin Clark, you need strong defense and 3-point shooting around them. So, re-signing Lexie Hull was a no-brainer. She is the perfect role player next to the big three.

Re-signing Sophie Cunningham: A

Aug 17, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) warms up before the start of the game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

Cunningham’s first season with the Fever was cut short by an injury, but her versatility was on full display. She played the four and three, but also stepped into the point guard role when Clark, Sydney Colson, and Aari McDonald all suffered injuries. Keeping her around adds defense, 3-point shooting, and positional versatility that will come in handy for a team hoping to go on a deep playoff run.

Signing Monique Billings: B+

Sep 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries forward Monique Billings (25) warms up before the game against the Dallas Wings at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images | John Hefti-Imagn Images

Monique Billings may not be the free agency get that Azurá Stevens would have been, but she should still fit in well with the Fever’s core. She can provide inside scoring and rebounding alongside and behind Aliyah Boston, she runs the floor well in transition, and she should be a great pick-and-roll partner for Clark.

Signing Tyasha Harris: B

May 25, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Tyasha Harris (52) drives to the basket against the Chicago Sky during the first half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Signing Ty Harris as the backup guard behind Clark is an upgrade over Sydney Colson. She was also the starting point guard for Stephanie White’s Connecticut Sun team that finished the 2024 season with the league’s best defensive rating and the third-best record. Signing her is just a super solid get.

Signing Myisha Hines-Allen: B

Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings forward Myisha Hines-Allen (2) in action during the game between the Dallas Wings and the Washington Mystics at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Hines-Allen is another solid addition to the frontcourt. She rebounds well and finishes rather efficiently around the rim. When the Lynx added her ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, she emerged as an immediate contributor for a finals team. Hopefully, she can be the same for the Fever.

Re-signing Damiris Dantas: C

Jun 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Indiana Fever forward Damiris Dantas (12) warms up before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Holding on to Dantas is a fine move, but not one that will make or break the season. She can provide center depth off the bench and has experience playing with the core, but since the Fever signed Billings, she likely won’t get a chance to make much of an impact.

Signing Shatori Walker-Kimbrough to a training camp deal: C-

Aug 17, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (32) dribbles upcourt against the Golden State Valkyries in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Walker-Kimbrough adds a veteran presence and some guard depth, but doesn’t promise much production. She was in a similar position with the Atlanta Dream last season and averaged 1.7 points in about 8 minutes per game. If injuries pushed her into a bigger role, she could still contribute more, though. There just won’t be a lot of opportunities on a healthy Fever team, and she definitely wouldn’t be the kind of difference-maker Odyssey Sims was last season.

Signing Megan McConnell to a training camp contract: B

May 11, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Megan McConnell (16) against the Golden State Valkyries during a preseason game at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Megan McConnell only got to play one game in her rookie season before she suffered an injury. After that, she had a productive offseason in the WNBL, and her brother TJ McConnell plays for the Indiana Pacers, which makes her getting a shot with the Fever a great story. Giving her a chance to claim a roster spot in training camp, even if it’s one of the two developmental spots, is not a game-changing move, but a promising one.

Signing Kayana Traylor to a training camp contract: B-

Mar 27, 2023; Seattle, WA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Kayana Traylor (23) cuts down the net after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

As a second-round pick in 2023, Traylor fell victim to the limited number of roster spots in the W, and she has played overseas and in AU since. She won’t move the needle, but seeing if they can develop her into a future contributor certainly can’t hurt.

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