Controversy sparks activism, hopefully activism will spark change

Last week I wrote an editorial that some considered rather controversial.


Not so much because of my words, but more the actions of Indiana Black


Expo¹s (IBE) president Tanya Bell.


My editorial focused on the elimination of the organization¹s former Vice


President of Marketing and Sales, Tony McGee. However, McGee, considered by


many Expo insiders as a stellar employee wasn¹t only released from his


position, he was terminated without a severance package no pay beyond the


day he was let go and no insurance for his family.


I¹m disappointed to say that after McGee, two other IBE employees were


terminated, but more on that later.


What is important to point out now is the level of activism that last week¹s


article initiated. Before anyone can suggest that I¹m acting in an


egotistical manner, let me first say that nothing about last week¹s


submission was about me. Yes, I wrote the piece, but the focus was always on


the issues associated with Indiana Black Expo   I was merely the messenger,


doing my duty as a journalist.


Frequent readers of this column may recall the many times I¹ve chastised


African-Americans in general and our community specifically for not standing


up for what we believe in and voicing our concerns.


That all changed last week.


The Recorder¹s office was flooded with calls, e-mails and comments on our


Web site from the community, not only commending us for our coverage of such


a sensitive subject, but also providing personal insight and even


suggestions on what they felt should be Expo¹s next steps.


I commend the community for confronting this issue in such an aggressive


manner. Through my conversations with various individuals, I was reminded of


the tremendous adoration that people feel for the 39-year-old organization.


The people who contacted the Recorder weren¹t only the movers and shakers of


the Black community, but also ordinary people who have no professional


interest in Expo, yet a very strong personal sentiment for the organization.


As Bell and IBE¹s board moves forward in the ³restructuring² of Indiana


Black Expo, it¹s imperative that they remember the significant role that the


community plays in every aspect of IBE. Without the community¹s support, the


organization is sure to reach an early demise, particularly if sponsors


continue to limit or eliminate their level of support. I¹m not exactly sure


what Expo has planned for the future, because there has been no comment made


on the organization¹s behalf, but I can only hope that it¹s something that


is not only well thought-out, but also implemented in the appropriate


manner. Expo and its board have to stop being so tight-lipped about its


future. The best thing for a nonprofit organization to do is be transparent.


Especially since it relies heavily on the funding of sponsors and the


support of volunteers. This hasn¹t been the case since Bell assumed her role


at Expo. Perhaps part of that transparency should include the restructuring


plans, particularly since two other IBE employees experienced the wrath of


Bell last week as their tenure ended.


The first of the two to go was Marketing and Communications Coordinator


Rachele Salary. I¹ve had the pleasure of working with Salary over the years


as the Recorder planned its massive coverage of IBE and Summer Celebration.


I can certainly attest to her professionalism, dedication and work ethic.


I¹m sad to see her gone.


The other employee that was terminated last week was a shocker to a lot of


people. Marsha Bennett, IBE¹s general manager of special events, was fired


last Friday after 26 years. Many credit her for securing some of the best


sponsorships the organization has ever obtained.


Unlike McGee, Bennett was given a severance package, which included one


month of pay and insurance. The insurance will certainly come in handy, as


Bennett is a multiple sclerosis sufferer. I shudder to think of the problems


Bennett may encounter as she tries to get new insurance with her


pre-existing condition.


Indiana Black Expo isn¹t the only organization to eliminate positions. The


Madame Walker Theatre Center now joins the ranks. One Monday, Cynthia Bates


the Walker¹s was terminated. Bates became interim president in 2004 and


officially assumed the post in 2005. It¹s currently unclear exactly why


Bates was let go or who will assume the role of president. Hopefully the


Walker¹s board will learn from the mistakes of IBE¹s board and keep the


community abreast of the various changes that are sure to come.