The STR8UP Mentoring Foundation has partnered with various local organizations to host the Community Love Fest 2026 featuring events starting June 3 to June 7.
The Community Love Fest is a multi-day initiative designed to create a safe and productive start to summer through violence prevention, community service, youth empowerment, health engagement, and positive sportsmanship.
STR8UP Mentoring Foundation has partnered with the Mike Epps Foundation, Like No Other Academy, Fathers & Families Center, Indy Parks, CareSource, and numerous local organizations to host this event.
“STR8UP Mentoring Foundation is dedicated to supporting at-risk urban youth on their journey to success,” the organization said in a statement. “Our mission is to meet at-risk urban youth exactly where they are in their journey, offering educational partnerships, intramural sports, and character/team building outreach events.”
Event schedule
Community Love Fest Kick-Off Rally
Wednesday, June 3
7 p.m.
Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 4958 Ribble Road
Community Clean-up Day
Thursday, June 4
5 p.m.
3036 N. Sherman Drive
This event will give Indy residents an opportunity to clean their neighborhood and participate in community service events to promote safe summer engagement and youth empowerment.
Community Love Fest Dust Bowl Basketball Tournament, Health & Resource Fair
Saturday, June 6 – Sunday, June 7
10 a.m. Kick-off
Washington Park, 3130 E. 30th Street
The Dust Bowl Basketball Tournament will have food, live music and a chance to see community teams participate in a local basketball event. Vendor & team registration is now open. Tournament information can be found on the event’s Facebook page or click here for more information.
For more information visit str8upmentoringfoundation.com/.
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
