The Madam Walker Legacy Center had to make some adjustments to its holiday programming because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the organization will continue to keep the spirit of Christmas alive with Holiday on the Ave events.
The toy drive-in, in partnership with Radio One and Indianapolis Urban League, is 1-4 p.m. Dec. 22 at Indianapolis Urban League, 777 Indiana Ave. The drive-in will also feature Black Santa.
Register by Dec. 20 online.
The center will host a virtual comedy show at 7 p.m. Dec. 18, headlined by comedian Dominique Witten (from “Black Jesus” and Tyler Perry’s “Boo! A Madea Halloween”) along with Henry Welch and Janet Dollar.
The center will also host a virtual paint and sip event at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 with artist Deonna Craig and in collaboration with Sip & Share Wines.
Registration online is free for both events.
Devon Ginn, the center’s curatorial manager of programs and communications, said it’s important to finish the year with something that is hopefully fun and relaxing for people.
“We want it to be something that folks can do that doesn’t feel like work,” he said.
Virtual events don’t have the same energy as in-person events, but Ginn said one advantage has been the center’s ability to reach more of a global audience. During the Summer Institute, for example, there were families from as far away as Ireland and South Africa. Ginn said his goal is to continue a global push.
Madam Walker Legacy Center’s Winter Institute is Dec. 22-30. The free virtual camp, for students ages 8-14, will include social justice, Kwanzaa principles, dance and a New Year’s vision celebration. Students will meet for an hour on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Register online.
Griff, from the “Get Up! Mornings” radio show, will host the comedy show, sip and share event and Winter Institute.
Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.
