Despite all the years of goodwill, IBE’s economic impact on the city, as well as the cultural celebration of African-American life, many viewed this year’s 41st Summer Celebration of Indiana Black Expo as a disaster waiting to happen.
Last year’s fiasco with gang members shooting downtown during Summer Celebration made national news. Many were poised to see “what would happen this year.”
However, in the words of Mark Twain and echoed by IBE spokesman Vernon Williams, “I am happy to report the demise of Indiana Black Expo has been greatly exaggerated.” We can say days after this year’s summer celebration because by any measurement or standard, IBE’s Summer Celebration was a safe and resounding success. It needs to be noted that this occurred because the greater Indianapolis community stepped up in a big way! Therefore, we need to say to the entire Indianapolis community – take a bow.
First, let’s start with Tonya Bell and the staff and board of IBE, who in the aftermath of last year’s events quickly developed a task force for this year’s Summer Celebration.
Moreover, IBE tinkered with its programming with the idea of safety and family atmosphere in mind. Then there was the office of Public Safety and the Indiana Metropolitan Police Department. Under the direct and serious direction of Deputy Chief Bill Benjamin, IMPD was ready. They were out in force, watching, ready, willing and able to respond to whatever.
Last, but certainly not least, the citizens of our community need to take a bow. In the aftermath of all that has taken place, parents have taken some degree of the blame. However, this weekend parental influence was evident.
Although preliminary numbers from Expo officials indicate that overall attendance was up, those on the street noted that there were less youth unsupervised on the street than in years past. This would seem to suggest that many parents took the many admonitions to heart and did not allow the streets to “baby sit” their kids.
For the most part youth on the streets during Summer Celebration weekend were courteous, respectful and followed the directives given to them by the police or the Faith Patrol.
This year, the Indianapolis Ten Point Coalition along with the motorcycle bikers, Community Resurrection Partners, and a whole host of local pastors, churches and concerned citizens were able to mount the force of over 300 volunteers. Their mere presence was invaluable and made a huge difference.
A big shout out must also go to the Street Outreach Workers (S.O.W.) of the Indianapolis Ten Point Coalition. These S.O.W.s had some dialog and discussion with leaders of many gangs in the city about not having any violence during the weekend. To their credit, these gang leaders assured the S.O.W. that there would be no trouble this weekend and for the most part they kept their word.
This weekend proves that “working together works.” It proves that as a community we can come together, have fun, and live in harmony. Indianapolis, you deserve to take a bow.
Rev. Charles Ellis is executive director of the Indianapolis Ten Point Coalition and pastor of 25th Street Baptist Church.
