For more than 40 years, the significance of Indiana Black Expo has impacted those both in our community and throughout the country. Locally, the event is immensely respected by many of those who bring the world of sports to our televisions and radios every day.
“Indiana Black Expo has always been special to me” said WISH-TV Sports Director Anthony Calhoun. “As a teen, I traveled from my hometown of Evansville to take part in their Youth Corp program, which helped me become the person that I am today.”
The experience of Black Expo left a profound effect on Calhoun who offered, “By virtue of learning about integrity, setting goals, and the importance of attending college, it pushed me and other young people in the right direction.”
Calhoun is certainly not alone in the sports media world with his thoughts as demonstrated by the comments offered by WFNI 1070 executive producer Michael Grady, who grew up in Indianapolis and was also adamant about his feelings. “I look at Indiana Black Expo and all they do as a reminder to celebrate one’s own cultural heritage, while embracing the diversity in our communities,” offered Grady who can be heard weekdays on the Grady and Big Joe show.
While Calhoun and Grady have been familiar with the Indianapolis community for several years, WRTV sports reporter Jason Spells has quickly developed an appreciation for the events that surround Summer Celebration as well. “To be honest, I knew very little about Indiana Black Expo before arriving in Indianapolis,” said Spells who moved here from Raleigh, N.C., in 2009.
“While I had read about the events in various magazines and heard about it on syndicated radio, I did not experience the true meaning of it until residing here,” he said.
Like his colleagues, Spells also cherishes the opportunity to participate. “It gives us a forum to meet, share and express our thoughts in a very cooperative way.”
Their high profiles aside, all three individuals are indeed thankful for the various opportunities they have had bestowed upon them and continue to look for more ways to give back to their community.
“This city has supported me at WISH-TV for many years” said Calhoun. “God has given me so many blessings and it is the least I can do to try and give back to the city that has given so much to me.”
NOTES: You can follow all three of these fine young men on their twitter accounts. Calhoun can be followed at: @ACwishtv; Grady can be followed at: @mg_indy; and Spells can be followed at: @Jasonspells.
Danny Bridges, who is far too old for twitter but very appreciative of all three of the rising sports media stars that spoke to him for this story, can be reached at (317) 578-170 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
