The year was 1970. Religious and civic leaders from Indianapolis had attended an expo in Chicago. The focus of the expo was to improve race relations following the turbulent 60s and post civil rights movement.
The Indianapolis leaders recognized the need to display positive African-American ideas and contributions in Indiana. Thus, Indiana Black Expo was formed.
In this picture to the right, courtesy of Indiana Black Expo, some of our "older" followers may recognize former Senator Birch Bayh, Jr. (far left), along with IBE President Jim Cummins (third from left), Mayor Richard Lugar, (second from right) and Governor Otis Bowen (far right). Seen here with expo queens, they cut the ribbon for the start of a three-day event, later coined "Summer Celebration." The event would be attended by 50,000 people and gross $70,000.
So here we are, 43 years later, as the 2013 Black Expo Summer Celebration is well underway. With music, sporting events and a wide range of family fun, Indianapolis boasts the celebration as the nation's longest-running African American cultural event. Over a quarter of a million people are expected to attend this year and the event is estimated to bring more than $20 million dollars to the great city of Indianapolis.
On Thursday, July 18, 2013, WTHR Channel 13 hosts the Employment Opportunity Fair in the 500 Ballroom of the Indiana Convention Center. From 12 pm to 5pm, visitors can meet face-to-face with some of Indy's top employers. The WTHR Employment Opportunity Fair is free to the public.
Marian University for St.Vincent Health will have a booth to share information about our 16-month accelerated nursing program in Indianapolis. As a participant for many years, I always enjoy meeting a wide variety of people from diverse backgrounds.
For those holding a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing discipline, our program provides a wonderful opportunity to become a baccalaureate-educated nurse in as little as 16 months. This year, our booth is next door to that of our clinical partner, St.Vincent Health.
Stop by and see us. Tell your friends.
Kris Shallenberger serves as the outreach coordinator for the Marian University for St.Vincent Health ABSN program. Connect with her at [email protected], attend one of her information sessions or call 866.892.6463.