An initiative aimed at improving the quality of life in the city’s Black communities is entering its final phase.

The Indianapolis Urban League and the African American Coalition of Indianapolis hope to bring millions in funding to local nonprofits, with $29 million is available to support programs aimed at improving the lives of Black residents across the city.

Applications are due by Aug. 11.

Tony Mason, president of the Urban League, is a co-director of the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative, “It’s about empowering communities and changing lives, so that’s what we’re doing through the IAAQLI.”

The initiative launched in 2022 with a $100 million grant from Lilly Endowment.

Mason said, “A third of African American families here in metropolitan Indianapolis are either poor or working poor. We have to put the opportunities and resources in place, to hopefully bring those families forward.”

So far, more than 150 local groups have received support for projects in education, health, housing, arts and culture, leadership and civic engagements, and Black-owned business development to prevent further gaps in the community. Willis Bright, chairman of the African American Coalition of Indianapolis, is the a co-director of the initiative. “From the need for individuals to have employment with a living wage, to a house that meets code, to children that can learn about their history through community centers, etc.”

The $29 million in new funding is available to eligible nonprofits. After funding goes out to this year’s recipients, the organizations plans to evaluate the impact the initiative has had on the Black community. Bright said, “They can let us know that it has had meaning that, it has improved quality of life, that there are more people who’ve been able to receive employment, better housing and other indices that suggest it has been a successful venture.”

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The wait is over! The Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration kicks off Friday!

About 88,000 people are expected for the 20-day event, organizers say.

The annual celebration of Black excellence in arts, entertainment, culture, an community begins Friday evening with an Ecumenical Service.

Other highlights include the IBE Film Festival, a Cultural Pavilion, a multi-day business conference, a health fair, the Music Heritage Festival Outdoor Concert on July 18 and the annual All-White Affair on July 19.

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Indiana is quickly becoming a hub for digital innovation, with over 9,000 tech firms calling the state home.

These tech companies are tapping into the potential of small and mid-sized businesses, creating a vibrant ecosystem in Central Indiana, said Emil Ekiyor, the CEO of InnoPower, a community development organization in Indianapolis. He is a contributor to WISH-TV.

In the last 10 to 15 years, Ekiyor said, Indianapolis has transformed into a tech hub in the Midwest, thanks in part to organizations like TechPoint and Elevate Ventures.

He said the Rally Cross-Sector Innovation Conference, to be held Sept. 24-25 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis, is being touted as the largest of its kind in the country, further cementing the city’s status as a tech leader.

Finally, Ekiyor emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum, noting that every business in the future will leverage technology, making them essentially tech companies.

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Sunday’s Carmel Pride festival is set to break the event’s all-time attendance record. It’s the fifth year for the Pride event.

The event is organized by volunteers between 12 and 18 years old in Carmel.

In 2021 a group of 15 Carmel high schoolers decided to put on the city’s first Pride festival. In its first year, 2,500 people showed up. The attendance has only grown since then.

The festival is the second biggest Pride event in central Indiana, following Indy Pride.

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June 26 marks 10 years since the Supreme Court ruled in the Obergefell V. Hodges case to effectively legalize same-sex marriage across the country.

The ruling came almost one year to the day after a separate decision temporarily legalized same-sex marriage at the state level in Indiana.

On Wednesday, 11 years ago, a federal judge ruled that Indiana’s then-ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.

Two days later, another judge blocked that federal ruling. Yet, in that window, numerous couples were able to rush to the City-County Building in Indianapolis to have their marriages legally recognized.

Earlier this month, delegates to the Southern Baptist Convention voted to call for the reversal of Obergefell.

The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law says about 591,000 same-sex couples have married in the 10 years since the Obergefell decision.

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It’s not just about square footage or school districts. For many LGBTQ+ people who are looking for a place to live in Indiana, it’s about finding safety and support.

“I would recommend traveling through different neighborhoods, and identifying areas and businesses that are affirming,” said Austin Lipking, president of the Indianapolis Chapter of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance.

Lipking said that can look like a neighborhood where people hang LGBTQ+ flags, and have supportive stickers on cars and business windows. He also recommends checking out local coffee shops to get a feel for the atmosphere and connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations.

Lipking said one of the biggest challenges clients face is finding gender-affirming or LGBTQ+-friendly real estate and mortgage professionals. He said clients are often concerned about outing themselves.

Other unique challenges include updating legal names, and navigating documents with outdated or incorrect gender information. Lipking suggests having all documents ready before the rental or homebuying process begins.

As Lipking sees it, utilizing the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance is a good way to find a realtor that can maintain a client’s privacy, and have a better understanding of what their needs are going to be.

The Indianapolis Chapter of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance hopes to connect with the community on July 16 for an axe-throwing social where everyone feels welcome.

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The Madam Walker Legacy Center is gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of the summer this weekend. It’s a celebration of legacy, music, and community.

The 2025 Legacy Fest kicks off this Friday with a benefit concert headlined by The Isley Brothers. The weekend is dedicated to honoring the life and mission of Madam C.J. Walker.

Crews are setting the stage for what’s expected to be the biggest Legacy Fest yet. For one weekend each year, Indiana Avenue transforms into a tribute to the legacy of Madam C.J. Walker.

Saturday is the free family-friendly block party from noon to 8 p.m. Families will be able to enjoy live performances by up-and-coming artists, eat from local food trucks, connect with vendors, and play games.

The fourth annual Legacy Fest wraps up Sunday with an afternoon conversation featuring Madam Walker’s great-great granddaughter, author A’Leila Bundles.

The benefit concert with The Isley Brothers is a ticketed event, while the block party and book chat are free and open to the public.

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To honor Black history and celebrate when enslaved Americans first learned of their freedom — more than two months after the Civil War ended — Indiana Landmarks is hosting a Juneteenth celebration.

Black resilience is the theme for Indiana Landmarks’ Juneteenth event. Leaders at Indiana Landmarks say Black resilience refers to the extraordinary ability of African Americans to overcome challenges and adapt to changes in life despite systemic racism and racial trauma.

Indiana Landmarks wants to share stories of Black communities like Lyles Station, Weave Settlement, Lick Creek and more. They were places build by African Americans who were not allowed to assimilate into other spaces.

The keynote speaker at the Juneteenth celebration is Dr. Lasana Kazembe, and award-winning poet and scholar. Speaking about spiritual resilience is the Rev. Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones and Dr. Danielle Henderson, a clinical IU psychologist and frequent News 8 correspondent, will speak on emotional resilience.

Indiana Landmark’s event is sold out, but you can still participate via Zoom on Thursday at 6 p.m.

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An LGBTQ+ event for kids and families in Indianapolis is navigating a change in support as some businesses re-evaluate their diversity, equity and inclusion priorities.

Trinity Haven’s third annual Skate Fever will be back July 17 although some sponsors pulled out, citing internal changes to their companies’ diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.

Trinity Haven is Indiana’s first residential facility and host-home program helping Indiana’s LGBTQ+ young people between ages 18-24 who are experiencing housing instability or homelessness. The program says LGBTQ+ youths and young adults are 120% more likely than heterosexual and cisgender peers to experience homelessness in the U.S.

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Indy Pride‘s Girl Pride event will take place Thursday, celebrating queer women, trans, and nonbinary individuals with an expected attendance of 800 people.

Girl Pride is a declaration of identity and a celebration of community, featuring a headline performance by The Aces, who are known for their queer anthems.

The event promises a high-energy experience with performances from drag queens, aerialists, DJs, and artists, offering a multidimensional celebration of expression. Accessibility is a key focus, with ASL interpretation and inclusive designs ensuring everyone can participate.

Indy Pride is expecting record attendance this year, with 60,000 people anticipated to participate in events throughout the weekend. If you can’t make it Thursday, there are still plenty of events happening this Saturday, including a parade on Massachusetts Avenue.

Girl Pride starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, but the festivities continue throughout the weekend, offering numerous opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate.

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