INDIANAPOLIS, IN — As part of the 2026 HBCU All-Star Experience, HBCU student-athletes, coaches, and community leaders will come together to serve the Indianapolis community during the HBCU All-Stars Friday Fun Day Community Outreach & Engagement Initiative on Friday, April 3, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST at Sankofa School of Success, 801 30th St.
The initiative, presented by IU Health, is a purpose-driven community engagement event designed to uplift, inspire, and serve neighborhoods across Indianapolis during one of the city’s biggest sports weekends.
“At IU Health, we are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Nichole Wilson, Vice President of Community Health. “Serving as the Title Sponsor for Family Fun Day allows us to connect with families where they are—providing accessible health screenings, resources, and support in a welcoming and engaging environment. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to promoting equity and ensuring every family has access to the care and opportunities they deserve.”
The dual-site outreach will take place simultaneously at Sankofa School of Success and Windsor Village Park Food Pantry, reinforcing the HBCU All-Stars’ commitment to education, service, mentorship, and community impact beyond the basketball court.
“HBCUs have always been about more than athletics — they are about leadership, service, and community responsibility,” said Travis L. Williams, Founder and CEO of the HBCU All-Star Experience. “Friday Fun Day allows our student-athletes and coaches to directly engage with families, inspire young people to pursue higher education, and give back to the Indianapolis community that hosts this incredible event.”
At Sankofa School of Success, programming will center on youth empowerment and exposure to higher education opportunities and HBCU culture. HBCU All-Star players and coaches will interact directly with students through mentorship, educational encouragement, and community activities that emphasize leadership, academic excellence, wellness, and social responsibility.
The event will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, including a legacy Court Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, youth basketball clinic with HBCU All-Star athletes, an Easter Egg Hunt, bounce houses, face painting, community giveaways, a health fair and wellness resources
Community support will also include a donation of 800 books for Sankofa’s school library, 300 backpacks filled with school supplies for students, 200 books for children to take home, and an additional 150 backpacks to be raffled to community families.
During the event, HBCU All-Star participants will volunteer at the Windsor Village Park Food Pantry, helping to meet immediate community needs through food access and volunteer support. The service component reflects the HBCU All-Stars’ belief that impact is measured not only by visibility but by meaningful action.
The outreach effort is backed by a wide network of community partners, including Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army, and Noble Characteristics. The Indianapolis Fire Department will bring a fire truck, a mascot, fire safety resources, and free ice cream for families. Family Fun Day is made possible through a strong coalition of community partners dedicated to making a lasting impact.
“It is important for Dynasty Title to be a community partner in an HBCU Friday Fun Day because it demonstrates a commitment to supporting education, opportunity, and the advancement of historically underrepresented communities,” said Attorney Maurice Scott. “As a proud HBCU alumnus of Albany State University, I understand the importance that Black-owned businesses play in uplifting our community through mentorship, funding, and education. By partnering with Friday Fun Day, we invest not only in the success of students and alumni but also in the long-term growth and stability of the communities we serve.”
Texas Roadhouse, which will donate food and provide kids’ meal coupons for all children attending, stated, “At Texas Roadhouse, we truly love and care about our community.” “We know our success is only possible because of the incredible support from the people around us. That’s why we’re committed to giving back, supporting, and uplifting the community both inside and outside our four walls.”
“The Indianapolis Black Firefighters Association’s presence at HBCU Friday Fun Day is vital because it connects legacy, service, and opportunity directly to the next generation,” said Trasey Graham, Community Outreach/Social Media Specialist. “It shows young people that leadership, courage, and community impact are not just ideas but real paths that they can walk. We want to be right there to take those steps with them.”
Additional contributions from partners will include thousands of Easter eggs, books, backpacks with school supplies, a community book fair, fire safety education, free ice cream, and interactive experiences designed to engage and inspire youth and families.
The HBCU All-Star Game seeks to change that narrative by providing a professional-level platform where graduating seniors can showcase their talents to NBA, international, and professional league scouts. Beyond the on-court competition, the event honors the cultural and athletic legacy of HBCUs while emphasizing the ongoing influence these institutions have on the landscape of college basketball.
Tickets and event information are available through the HBCU All-Star Game official website at www.hbcuallstargame.com.
