Madam Walker Legacy Center (MWLC) announced Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Mike Epps have been elected to the board.
Edmonds’ and Epps’ inclusion on the MWLC board “marks a pivotal moment in the Center’s evolution, reinforcing its role as a beacon of culture, history and progress,” according to a press release. As honorary board members, Edmonds’ and Epps’ inclusion reflects the historic institution’s ongoing commitment to expanding its national programming and increasing visibility of the venue as a cultural destination.
“We are thrilled to welcome Babyface and Mike Epps to the board,” Nicole Wilson, board chair, said in a statement. “Their influence and commitment to Indianapolis will help us amplify our mission on a national scale.”
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Edmonds, a 13-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer, is a longtime champion of the arts and an Indianapolis native. His global ties and deep roots to the city, make him a “powerful advocate for the Center’s mission to inspire, educate and empower,” according to a press release.
Edmonds is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and is the only music producer to win Producer of the Year four times. Edmonds headlined the MWLC’s 95th anniversary celebration in 2022, the same year he was inducted into the MWLC Walk of Fame.
Epps, also an Indianapolis native, is a celebrated comedian, actor and producer who has consistently used his platform to uplift his hometown. As the first person inducted into the MWLC Walk of Fame in 2021 while filming “Indiana Mike” in the Walker Theatre, Epps’ passion for community engagement and storytelling aligns with the Center’s vision of preserving Madam C.J. Walker’s legacy through arts and education,” according to a press release.
Epps has also won several NAACP Image Awards, including wins for Outstanding Supporting Actor in television and Film, and longtime supporter of the MWLC, through appearances, advocacy and spotlighting the Center’s cultural and historical significance.
“Having these two icons’ involvement is a testament to the power of legacy and hometown pride. With their support, we aim to attract more visitors to Indianapolis and solidify the Walker as a national landmark for Black excellence and innovation,” Kristian Stricklen, president of the MWLC, said in a statement.
For more information about the Madam Walker Legacy Center and upcoming programming, visit madamwalkerlegacycenter.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
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