Indiana Black Expo Rises

Local chapter re-introduces itself with August 14 event

Tabitha Ervin
Of Fort Wayne Ink Spot

The Indiana Black Expo-Fort Wayne Chapter (IBEFW) has a long history in the local community dating back to 1980 with a variety of activities all centered around the Pontiac Street area and beyond. Over the years the Expo, a chapter of the Indianapolis Black Expo (IBE), has held a variety of events including expo days, concerts, community fairs and so much more serving the black community and all others who wanted to attend.

I recently connected with Joe Jordan, now president of the board of the organization, to discuss the recent rebranding efforts and an event coming up on Aug 14.

Tabitha: Tell me about what is happening with the local Black Expo?

Joe Jordan: The local organization has been dormant for a while and as it has had great relevance in our community over the years, we are looking to re-introduce ourselves to the community with our mission to be an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans, as well as to demonstrate that African-American youth and families can achieve their highest potential and reflect pride in their ethnicity.

Our focus in 2021 will be to host several events and programs that will elevate, educate and empower many in the African-American community and other marginalized groups in our city.

How will you look to do this work in the community?

Our goal is to collaborate and create partnerships in the community with businesses and nonprofits. We will offer college scholarships and we look to focus on small businesses in our community. We also are focused on engaging young people, under 40 and others, to be a part of our leadership team as we move forward and rebrand ourselves in the community.

We appreciate the history of this organization and those who have come before us and we look forward to connecting with them as they are interested. We are very thankful for the roots that they have put down in this community for the IBEFW chapter.

Tell me about your event coming up this month?

On August 14 we have an event that we are calling a “Party With a Purpose”. It is a scholarship party in which we look to raise money to give out scholarships to local youth. This is an all-black-attire event and we will have comedy as well as the best local DJs in town, the Lovers Lounge DJs Polaris and Barrage. The tickets are $25 and that includes parking. This event will take place at the Coliseum Expo Center and tickets are available on eventbrite.com. The event will be hosted by Bigg Kess. Doors open at 7 pm, and we will start the Comedy and Cocktails at 8 pm.

This sounds like fun, can’t wait! What other information do people need as you all reintroduce yourselves?

We are always looking for sponsors I can be contacted at 260-515-5376 or any checks can be made payable to:

IBEFW
PO BOX 10692
FORT WAYNE, IN 46853

And thank you to our sponsors for our first event: Ruoff Mortgage and the Dyer Foundation at the "Elevating Hope and Opportunity" Level Chuck & Lisa Surack at the "Commitment to Community" Level. Also be on the lookout for many other events in our community as we look to have fun for our community while supporting and enhancing the quality of life for minorities and other marginalized groups.