Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration

Overview

Summer Celebration, Indiana Black Expo’s largest event that showcases Black Culture in Indiana is in its 54th year. As a pillar of the state, IBE’s priority focus areas include economics equity, education equity, community empowerment and health equity. All proceeds from Summer Celebration help support IBE’s year-round initiatives, including its Education Conference, Black Business Training Institute, Scholarship Fund, Performing Arts Academy, Community Learning Hub, and more.

Schedule:

July 11, 7 pm - Ecumenical Serivce, New Direction Church - East Campus

The annual Ecumenical Service brings together the community for an evening filled with inspiration, unity, and spiritual empowerment. This year’s service featured a powerful message from nationally renowned speaker Pastor Tolan Morgan, drawing a diverse audience and reinforcing the importance of faith and togetherness in our celebration.

July 12, 3:30-7 pm - IBE Film Festival, Indiana Black Expo
Beyond The Frame: Black Voices Amplified . Each year, IBE screens independent films produced and written by African American and African filmmakers. These artists have a distinct message to share in their films about their culture and the challenges and triumphs of the human spirit. In addition to the films, there will be discussions about selected titles and film making in general. Please join us for this free event.

July 14, 8 am-5:15 pm, and July 15, 9:30 am-4 pm - Business Conference, Indiana Convention Center
This annual conference offers real and meaningful opportunities for Black, Brown, women, veteran, and disabled business owners. Every year, we host key decision-makers who share business development initiatives and multi-million-dollar contracting opportunities. Past conferences have included established executives and business owners sharing insights on doing business with public, private, and international companies.

July 14-15, 9 am-2 pm - IBE Youth Entrepreneur Series, Indiana Convention
The IBX Youth Entrepreneur Series (YES) is designed to empower current middle and high school students who aspire to be entrepreneurs.

The IBX YES workshops are designed to introduce young people to the basic concepts, activities, and skills necessary for launching, leading, and growing a successful business. The workshops offer engaging activities that help participants develop a comprehensive business plan with financial literacy and prepare a convincing pitch. Youth participants get to present their business plan and compete for prizes. The pitches will be judged, and the winners will receive $500 (First Place), $250 (Second Place), and $100 (Third Place).

July 17, 8 am-5:30 pm - Education Conference, Indiana Convention Center
Bringing Your A-Game: Engaging, Inspiring, and Leading in Education. Indiana Black Expo hosts one of the nation’s leading education conferences, focused on advancing equity, excellence, and innovation in teaching. The event brings together hundreds of educators for impactful workshops, leadership development, and insight from national thought leaders. The 2025 keynote speakers are Brandon P. Fleming (Veritas Schools Founder) and Dr. Shaun Woodly (Teach Hustle Inspire).

July 18, 11 am-2 pm - Pacers Sports & Entertainment Corporate Luncheon, Indiana Convention Center
Continuing the theme of Our Legacy, Our Influence, Our Future, the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Corporate Luncheon presented by Indiana University will honor those individuals who have made significant contributions to the community as well as those who continue to tell the story about who we are and pave the way for our communities.

July 18, 2-4 pm - Policy Summit, Indiana Convention Center
The Policy Summit will gather businesses, policymakers, and thought leaders from around the state to focus on the shared challenges and opportunities facing the community. A brief presentation on the plight of Black Hoosiers in Indiana will begin an essential conversation towards the development of shared policy goals.

July 18, 6-11:30 pm - Music Heritage Festival, IU Michael A. Carroll Stadium
During the Summer Celebration #AllStarEdition Weekend, the stars will shine bright at the Music Heritage Festival! As a beloved tradition of our Summer Celebration, this annual showcase brings legendary artists to the stage for a night of unforgettable music under the open sky. It’s the ultimate Red- Hot Summer vibe – iconic talent, a vibrant crowd, and the magic of live music lighting up the night! Featured artists include Keith Sweat (the six-time platinum producer, songwriter and R&B singer (“I Want Her,” “Make It Last Forever”) helped usher in the New Jack Swing Era and later formed supergroup LSG (“My Body”) with Gerald Levert and Johnny Gill.), SWV (the New York City trio’s debut studio album, “It’s About Time,” produced top 20 R&B chart singles – “Right Here,” “I’m So Into You,” “Weak,” “Right Here/Human Nature Remix,” “Dowtown,” and “You’re Always on My Mind”

), Cameo (the funk band led by Larry Blackmon is best known for 80s hits “Word Up!” “Candy,” and “Single Life,” but charted with ballads “Why Have I Lost You,” “Feel Me” and “Sparkle”), Deniece Williams (the four-time Grammy Award winner with a four-octave range sang backup on some of Stevie Wonder, Minnie Riperton and Roberta Flack’s biggest projects before recording on her own hits, including “Free,” “Silly, “It’s Gonna Take Miracle” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy.” She dueted with Johnny Mathis on “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late” and teamed with him again for the “Family Toes” sitcom theme song “Without Us”), and Christopher Williams (coming onto the scene in the early ‘90s with hits like “I’m Dreamin’” and “Every Little Thing U Do” the singer also acted in the classic hip-hop film “New Jack City”).

July 18-19, 10 am-9 pm, and July 20, 12-7 pm - Cultural Arts Pavilion, Indiana Convention Center
“Court Vision: The Art of Resilience and Excellence,” will feature a special Art Exhibition celebrating the power of women and girls. This exhibition will highlight the stories of athletes, artists, and change makers who have pushed boundaries, broken barriers, and redefined excellence. The event will emphasize the intersection of athletics, artistry, and empowerment through dynamic visual and performance-based storytelling.

July 18-19, 10 am-9 pm, and July 20, 12-7 pm - Art Speaks Cafe, Indiana Convention Center
Art Speaks Café, a dynamic activation, providing a platform for local creatives across various disciplines to shine. This vibrant space offers musicians, poets, authors, speakers, podcasters, and more the opportunity to take center stage, share their talents, and connect with the community. Through engaging performances and presentations, Art Speaks Café offers meaningful connections and celebrates the diverse voices and talents within the local creative scene. Enjoy daily free community painting sessions, a schedule of phenomenal talent, the sounds of a local DJ, and a Sneaker Bar, a high-energy, culturally relevant activation that fuses streetwear, art, and community engagement.

July 18-19, 10 am-9 pm, and July 20, 12-7 pm - Indiana Health Fair, Indiana Convention Center
The goal of the Indiana Health Fair is to increase awareness of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and cancer, and how to prevent them. This annual event is the largest of its kind, offering over $4000 in free health screenings and services, vital wellness resources, and engaging fitness activities for the community. Whether you’re seeking to enhance your health knowledge, explore innovative wellness solutions, or connect with community resources, the Health Fair is your gateway to a healthier lifestyle. This event is free to all visitors!

July 18 and 20, 12-7 pm, and July 19, 10 am-9 pm - Exhibition Hall, Indiana Convention Center

The Exhibition Hallcaptures the vibrant culture and rich diversity of the community through a wide array of activities and programs. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with over 300 Black-owned businesses, explore valuable resources from major corporations and key stakeholders, and enjoy an energetic atmosphere filled with music, fashion, and interactive experiences. This year, the Style Zone will be hosted by Social Media Fashion Influencer and founder of Fashion Bomb Daily Claire Sulmers. Featuring PAA on location, style zone, boxing, fashion show, gospel explosion, Man Made Improv, sports pavilion, Black Wall Street (more than 300 exhibitors), and more.

July 18-20 - Youth Leadership Summit
Indiana Black Expo’s annual statewide Youth Leadership Summit empowers middle and high school students with essential leadership skills, STEM knowledge, and a deeper understanding of civic responsibility. This 2-day conference offers interactive sessions with professionals, encouraging students to become positive change-makers in their communities while enhancing academic and social success.

July 19, 10 pm-2 am - All White Affair, Indiana Convention Center
Celebrating over five decades of Indiana Black Expo’s contributions to the African American community, this affair is more than just a party, it’s a showcase of culture, unity, and empowerment.

Attendees can anticipate an upscale experience with live music and networking opportunities with celebrity guests and renowned artists, while dressed in elegant all-white attire. This event promises an unforgettable night of entertainment.

July 20, 3-7 pm - Gospel Explosion, Indiana Black Expo
We begin and end our celebration with praise! Prepare to be uplifted by the soul-stirring rhythms and heavenly melodies IBE’s Gospel Explosion! Join us for an electrifying celebration of faith and community as talented choirs, and dynamic entertainers come together to ignite spirits and light up hearts. From traditional hymns to contemporary praise, experience the power of gospel music like never before in an unforgettable explosion of joy, love, and divine inspiration.