I was excited to be in Indianapolis in 2024. To be honest, I didn’t always feel this way. I recall many times looking online for things to do and coming up short. There used to be a lot of weekends with nothing too exciting listed on the city’s events calendar. I love a good pottery class, but surely that can’t be the only thing to do.
However, in 2024 I felt a little bit like a kid in a candy store. There were more treats and sweets than I could behold. Not only was the calendar full, but it was full of events that highlighted the rich cultural contributions this city has to offer.
The fun began in January with the Recorder Media Group’s Champions of Diversity Awards hosted by none other than the Recorder Media Group. I attended my fair share of galas; this one felt more like a reunion than an awards dinner. People were genuinely excited to see and celebrate one another and I was happy to take in the exuberance of the night.
I saw some fabulous theatrical productions. “Blackademics” at the Fonseca Theatre was hilarious, thought-provoking and superbly performed. The audience gathering in the lobby following the show to break down the themes of the play was an added bonus. I continued to unpack the show long after the applause ended.
When Broadway hit Indianapolis via “TINA: The Tina Turner Musical,” I was blown away. There was a point where I literally wept. From the music to the costumes, the show was a nonstop ride through Turner’s life. It took the audience on a journey far beyond entertainment. Turner’s story is the very embodiment of the American dream, sprinkled with heartache, triumph and a little razzle dazzle.
I also thoroughly enjoyed NAATC’s production of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and local playwright, Brandi Metzger’s “Voices of the Avenue,” which explored Indiana Avenue in its heyday.
Indiana’s Black history came to the stage in “Toni Stone” and “A Touch of Glory.”
The first production by the Indianapolis Black Theatre Company introduced audiences to Stone’s real-life story as a woman breaking barriers by playing on an all-men’s baseball team in the Negro Leagues. Stone played for our very own Indianapolis Clowns. Seeing her little-known story performed in the heart of the city where she once played the sport was phenomenal.
“A Touch of Glory,” which debuted during NBA All-Star weekend, told the story of Crispus Attucks High School’s road to their first championship with head coach Ray Crowe and star basketball player, Oscar Robertson. They did not receive a victory parade then, but may we always remember the trail they blazed to become the first all-Black team to win the state title.
NBA All-Star weekend was a highlight unto itself. The snow did not slow down the crowds from enjoying one event after another. All-Star weekend saw the city’s first Black Excellence Brunch with words of wisdom shared by special guests Mike Epps, Tamika Catchings and Mike Woodson. I’m also pretty sure the impassioned speech by honoree and entrepreneur Dr. Mya Smith-Edmonds counted as going to church.
The Indy Juneteenth parade brought back the tradition in full force, with people lining the streets and cheering for drill teams, steppers, drum lines, cheerleaders and pageant queens.
The first ever “I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll” festival brought together people from all backgrounds, ages and walks of life for a day of music. It was a delight to see babies and grandparents bopping and swaying to everyone from Gary Clark Jr. To headliner Janelle Monae—all while celebrating the origins of rock and roll in the Black community.
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Melanin in May, Butter, Afro Ball and the Steward Speaker Series were the best they’ve ever been. I still appreciate the inspirational words from Shannon Sharpe and Deion Sanders.
The diversity in the cultural scene in Indianapolis has grown exponentially over the years. Now, on a given day you are sure to find something interesting to do, and something new to explore.
In 2024, I attended the first ever Diwali celebration at the Statehouse and Asian Fest at the Indiana History Center. I also tasted Jamaican oxtails, a Korean hot pot and authentic baba ghanoush for the first time. I finished off the year seeing the Global Village Welcome Center’s Christmas trees from around the world.
Though some people are starting to see it as a bad word, diversity can actually be a good thing. The fact is that all kinds of people exist around the world and right here in Indianapolis. The occasions when we can coexist proudly and peacefully while celebrating one another’s cultural offerings are triumphs. It means more people in this city feel like they belong. It makes this city feel like home, not just to a chosen few, but to the many shades of people who happen to set down roots here.
I am looking forward to what Indy has in store for 2025. I just hope I can keep up.
Contact Editor-in-Chief Camike Jones at 317-762-7850 or camikej@indyrecorder.com.
