For 49 years, the Indiana Black Expo has hosted the Summer Celebration right here in Indy. This year, the events start on Thursday, July 11 and ends the following Sunday, July 21.
The IBE Summer Celebration is the largest ethic-cultural event in the United States. Despite all the adversity we experience, it is the events like these that makes you be proud to be black in America. Being able to host an event at this magnitude that is inclusive, empowering and fun speaks volumes and keeps hope present.
From beginning to end you can experience film festivals, business leadership and education conferences, luncheons, employment fairs, fashion shows, concerts and more. For 11 days you and your family can learn about the culture, support businesses, gain knowledge at workshops, network, and have a good time.
Schedule of Events
- 7/13 - Film Festival - This annual film festival showcases some of the best independent films prodcuted and written by African American and African filmmakers. Held at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, the festival and artists' portayal of culture and the challenges and trimphs of the human spiritconstantly inspires guests throuhgout the entire 11 days of Summer Celebration. Full of reflection, inspiration, and discussion, these films are must-see staple to IBE Summer Celebration.
- 7/15-16 - Business Conference - This two-day conference, presented by KeyBank, is an energetic space to celebrate diverse businness owners. Gain insightlful suggestions on acheiving financial and professional success from businnes owners, entrepreneurs, and professional through workshops, symposiums, networking opportunites, and receptions.
- 7/18 - Education Conference - Education is the key to the future. For 12 years, IBE has hosted the Education Conference to address current issues confronting educators, students, and families. With a variety of keynote addresses, workshops, and discussions, the conference focuses on cultural competence, post-secondary access and retention and the removal of student barriers to learning and discipline in the classroom.
- 7/18 - WTHR-TV 13 Employment Opportunity Fair - More than 2,500 individuals seeking employment opportunities take advantage of speaking directly with multiple employers. One of the largest one-day job fairs in Indiana, the Employment Opportunity Fair gives you the opportunity to meet employers face to face.
- 7/19 - Pacers Sports and Entertainment Corporate Luncheon - Awardees: Teddy Riley (producer, songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist) receives the Lifetime Achievement Award, Dujuan McCoy (owner, president, and CEO of Bayou City Broadcasting LLC) receives the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and CICF (Central Indiana Community Foundation) receives the Rev. Charles R. Williams Excellence Award.
- 7/19 - Music Heritage Festival I - One of the best parts about IBE Summer Celebration! This free outdoor concert is held at the American Legion Mall, one of Indy's most beautiful outdoor spaces. There is something for everyone that wants to come and share in the experience.
- 7/19-20 - InnoPower Conference - The two-day event is deliberately designed to bring together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, investors and community advocates in an effort to identify frameworks and action guidelines on how innovation initiatives can lead to social and economic inclusion.
- 7/19-21 - Youth Leadership Summit - Focusing on success and real, hands-on STEM experiences, the Youth Leadership Suimmit allows future innovators, engineers, doctors and investigators to start strong in the work place.
- 7/20 - Love & Hip Hop Concert - Free concert featuring: Carl Thomas & Chubb Rock at Exhibition Hall in the Indiana Convention Center.
- 7/20 - Dance Heritage Showcase - Join a dance class with world class, industry-leading choreographers for a chance to take home $1000! Classes are taught by the same choreographers who work with Beyoncé, Usher, Jennifer Lopez, and many more. This is the first event of its kind at IBE Summer Celebration, and IBE wants you to be our first star performers. No previous dance classes requried, and each class is $10 to enter. Registration and check-in are 30 minutes before each scheduled class.
- 7/20 - Fashion Show - IBE's Fashion Show. Live on the IBE Entertainment Stage. Check out the designers and boutiques selected to show the latest fashion trends.
- 7/20 - Music Heritage Festival II - Every year they bring talent that excites and entertains at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. This concert is the gem of the IBE Summer Celebration, go and experience great live music from artists Joe, Marsha Ambrosius, Jazmine Sullivan, and Stokley of Mint Condition. Get your tickers here.
- 7/20 - All White Affair - Dress to impress in your all white, the biggest party of the year happens at The Pavilion at Pan Am. This year it will be starring the one and only DJ Kid Capri and special guest R & B Artist Lyfe Jennings.
If you happen to attend any of the events be sure to tag #LoveIndy and enjoy yourself! For more information on the 49th IBE Summer Celebration click here.