As the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper marks its remarkable 130-year legacy of storytelling and community engagement, it continues to break new ground by partnering with the Aspire Higher Foundation for a special live segment of its acclaimed Awakened: Past to Progression podcast. This extraordinary event, held in honor of the 128th Birthday of Historic Firehouse 23 at Aspire House Indy, will spotlight the often-overlooked Black voices, stories and histories that have shaped Indianapolis.

Join us on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, for an evening of celebration, reflection and connection. Doors open at 6 p.m., allowing guests to explore Aspire House Indy ā a vibrant space dedicated to community wellness and connection. The evening will feature live music, a wellness suite, art activities, delicious food, and the unveiling of the Deeply Rooted History project. At 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., attendees will experience two live podcast recordings filled with powerful storytelling, guest speakers and audience interaction, all celebrating the contributions of the Near Northwest Neighborhood and Riverside Park area to Indianapolisās cultural and historical tapestry.
Podcast moderator and feature speakers
Moderator: Ellise A. Smith, Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper Columnist and DEI Home Girl
Speakers:
- Judith Thomas, Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement, Office of Mayor Joe Hogsett
- Tamara Winfrey-Harris, President, Womenās Fund of Central Indiana
- Kisha Tandy, Curator of Social History, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
- Pastor John Girton, Jr., Producer and co-founder of UniteForChange.org
A legacy of empowerment and connection
āThe Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper has always been more than a newspaperāwe are a voice for the community, and our mission has always been to engage, empower, and educate,ā said Robert Shegog, President & CEO of Recorder Media Group. āThis podcast event allows us to dive deeper into our shared history and foster conversations that build a stronger, more connected future. Weāre excited to partner with Aspire House Indy on this meaningful celebration.ā
A celebration of history and resilience
Awakened: Past to Progression podcast is renowned for exploring Indianapolisās Black history and uncovering the stories and events that have defined the community. This collaboration with Aspire House Indy aims to:
- Illuminate Black history: Highlight the often-overlooked stories of the Near Northwest Neighborhood and its role in shaping the cityās progress.
- Foster cultural understanding: Examine how historical events continue to influence todayās culture, challenges, and identity.
- Celebrate resilience: Honor the strength and advocacy of individuals and communities driving progress in Indianapolis.
- Engage the community: Inspire pride through stories of sports, cultural achievements, neighborhood pride and advocacy.
An interactive podcast experience
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness live podcast recordings featuring local historians, community leaders, advocates, and residents sharing their expertise and personal stories. Each 30-minute segment will be followed by a live Q&A, allowing the audience to engage directly with the speakers and contribute their own reflections. This interactive format creates a space for meaningful dialogue about Indianapolisās past, present, and future.
A shared commitment to community
āThe Aspire Higher Foundation is honored to grow alongside a collective of enduring and impactful institutions, such as the Indianapolis Recorder, a beacon of Black excellence and leadership for an extraordinary 130 years,ā said Sharon Clark, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Aspire Higher Foundation. āAs a steadfast champion of elevating Black voices, the Indianapolis Recorder embodies resilience, vision, and purpose. Each year, the Aspire Higher Foundation embraces the privilege of shining a light on the hidden gems that enrich our city. With deep gratitude and unwavering excitement, we remain committed to uplifting our community and celebrating its remarkable legacy.ā
This collaboration between the Indianapolis Recorder and Aspire House Indy is more than a celebration of history ā itās a call to action. This event aims to inspire pride, understanding, and unity within the community by hosting conversations that connect the past to contemporary challenges.
Event details:
- Date: Friday, Feb. 7, 2025
- Time: Open House begins at 6 p.m., with live podcast recordings at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Location: Aspire House Indy, 1002 Udell St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
RSVP and more information:
For more details, register here or visit aspirehouse.org or contact Anisa Cobb at anisa@aspirehigherfoundation.org or 301-661-7111.
Donāt miss this opportunity to celebrate Indianapolis’s resilience, history and future. We look forward to seeing you there!