The only thing that is constant is change. Change, in its most simplistic form can be a wonderful and rewarding thing, or it can be damaging and even disastrous.
There has been a lot of change in Indianapolis as well as throughout the rest of the state. While some of the change is good — much of it is leaving a lot of people wondering, “What’s next?”
Since Tanya Bell became the president of Indiana Black Expo, there have been a lot of questions regarding her true ability to perform the necessary tasks associated with the job as well as her treatment of staff. I’ll be the first to admit that when I initially heard these rumblings from IBE employees and members of the general community, I was unwilling to believe all that was being said, particularly considering that as a people, Blacks are oftentimes very resistant to change. However, my opinion quickly changed after I heard things from qualified sources who are directly associated with the organization. My opinion also changed when I observed the actions, or lack thereof of Bell.
I know that there’s a tremendous adjustment period for any new position, particularly one involving the president and CEO of an organization the magnitude of Indiana Black Expo, but there are simply some things that should not have gone below the radar. I’ve heard from enough “leaders” as well as concerned citizens within the community to fully understand that I’m not the only one feeling this way.
From a media perspective, I question what Bell has done to elevate the organization, especially since we’re less than two months away from Summer Celebration. It’s no secret that IBE’s sponsorship commitments have dwindled recently. What has Bell done to establish and cultivate the relationship IBE has with its current sponsors? Since being at the helm of the organization has she sat down and conversed with this year’s Summer Celebration sponsors, particularity those who have shown support to IBE for years? What is she doing to let these sponsors as well as the general community know that they are important to her and the organization that she heads? I dare to say, not much.
People want to know that they count. The longtime supporters of IBE — and I don’t mean the powers that be — but the everyday people within the community who have shown their support since the very beginning — want to know that they are appreciated. Those people who were Rev. Charles Williams’ enthusiasts who loved and respected him and his vision in more ways than words can describe want to know that they matter. And even the powers that be that are located throughout the state want to feel as if Bell values them and all that they can bring to the table.
Simply stated, Bell is doing a highly ineffective job of courting the people who need to be courted. While it may seem as if she shouldn’t have to court anyone, doing so is the way of the land — it’s truly the most simplistic and strategic public relations move out there. Her aloof persona is not helping the organization whatsoever, in fact, it’s hurting it considerably.
Speaking of hurt, there are many Expo employees who are feeling very unappreciated and hurt by some of the things that Bell has done internally. While I understand the importance of establishing yourself as boss early on, there’s a certain level of decorum that should be followed.
Like the Recorder, Expo has employees that have been with the organization for several years, if not decades. These people have a genuine interest in the organization and the premise for which it was founded. Bell has got to start valuing her employees more and treat them with a higher level of respect. Many of those Expo employees (at all levels) can effectively do their job with both eyes closed and one hand behind their backs. It would be a considerable travesty to Summer Celebration as well as the organization as a whole if they became so fed up that they simply left — as a few key people have already done.
To be faced with these issues 100 days into her tenure would seem to be a struggle and cause problems for Bell. She and IBE’s board of directors need to devise some sort of damage control strategy because if not, Summer Celebration may quickly demise and all that Rev. Williams and others worked so hard to achieve will be lost.
