INDIANA BLACK EXPO SUMMER CELEBRATION
July, Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana Black Expo Inc.’s (IBE) “Summer Celebration” is the largest African-American cultural event in the United States. The 10-day celebration brings 100,000 people to Indianapolis every July for social, educational, and spiritual events.
Concerts, exhibits, business seminars, luncheons, job fairs, health fairs, and children’s activities are only a few of the wide variety of events Summer Celebration offers.
The Indiana Black Expo was established during the post-Civil Rights Movement to create a structure in the community that reflected positive African-American ideas. From their humble beginnings in 1971 with one two-day event, IBE has grown to be a national leader in cultural organizations hosting two multi-day major events and several small events throughout the year.
Events during the week-long celebration are targeted to all ages and interests. Kicking off the week is the IBE Film Festival followed by Children’s Day. For professionals, Summer Celebration offers the Black Business Conference and Corporate Lunch. Reaching out for community and health initiatives, IBE hosts the Employment Opportunity Fair and InShape Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair.
Later in the week the parties start to really heat up with the All White Affair Kick-Off Party, Live Entertainment Hall, Fashion Show, Teen Bling Party and Celebrity Basketball Game. Spiritually, Summer Celebration offers a Body Gospel Premiere, Gospel Explosion and Praise and Worship Service. As well as, cultural and heritage events include a Cultural Arts Pavilion, Music Heritage Festival Outdoor Concert, and a Consumer Exhibition with an IBE History Presentation, IBE store and Kids’ World.
Some of the most popular events and celebrities in recent years included:
• All White Affair Kick-off Party with co-hosts Idris Elba, Mike Epps, and Taraji P. Henson and featuring Kid Capri and Case.
• Entertainment Hall at the Indiana Convention Center offered live music by Dru Hill, Chubb Rock, Rob Base and DJ Kool.
• Praise & Worship Service with the likes of Bishop Eddie Long and special music guest, Trent Cory.
• Music Heritage Festival Outdoor Concert was hosted on the American Legion Mall and free to the general public. Artists Teena Marie, Keith Sweat and Zapp rounded out the selection last year.
Other past celebrity appearances include Reggie Wayne, Robert Mathis, Pierre Garcon, Andre Johnson, Courtney Roby, Donna Richardson-Joyner, Pam Grier and Roland Martin.
Admission to events range from free to tickets sold as general admission, three-day passes and event specific.
For more information on the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration visit www.indianablackexpo.com/summercelebration.asp
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