A powerful performance blending spoken word, dance, and music is set to take center stage this weekend at the Indiana State Museum. “Seeds of Freedom: The Spiritual Roots of the American Civil Rights Movement” aims to educate and inspire audiences while bringing history to life in a creative way.

Deborah Asante, founder of the Asante Art Institute, stopped by Daybreak to chat about the performance and its impact.

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A group of young leaders on Friday made an impact in central Indiana.

Fishers High School’s Future Black Leaders student organization hosted its seventh annual Black Leadership Summit in Shelton Auditorium at Butler University.

Over 350 students from 16 predominately white central Indiana schools gathered at the private university in Indianapolis. The students had discussions and workshops on leadership, career readiness, and social justice.

A group of students at Fishers High School started Future Black Leaders in 2016, and it’s grown to include other predominantly white schools. The group’s goal is to promote racial equality and make a difference.

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This week marks the launch of Black Week at the Statehouse, an event designed to create open and meaningful conversations between lawmakers and the Black community.

The initiative, spearheaded by Chaka Coleman, a respected lobbyist and lawyer, aims to make the legislative process more inclusive.

Black Week runs Monday and Tuesday, offering a two-day opportunity for attendees to participate without needing formal registration. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on the third floor of the Statehouse, welcoming anyone interested in sharing their experiences and engaging in the dialogue.

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A newly-crowned beauty queen is using her title to bring attention to a cause close to her heart.

Miss Black Indiana 2025 has a campaign dedicated to raising awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 26 children in the U.S. have autism spectrum disorder. Many families struggle to find the resources and support they need.

Miss Black Indiana 2025 is determined to change that.

Ashia Howard is more than just a titleholder: She’s an advocate. She’s using her recently launched nonprofit to spread awareness about autism’s impact on individuals, families, and the community.

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The creativity and diverse talents of local artists is being showcased at a new Indianapolis Public Library exhibit called “Meet the Artists.” Opening this week, it offers a unique opportunity for Indy residents to connect with Black artists.

Found at the downtown Central Library, the exhibit features a curated selection of works from a variety of local artists, spanning different mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media. Each piece reflects the individuality of the artists and their personal perspectives.

“Meet the Artists” continues until Saturday, March 29. The library will host a free gala opening reception titled “Pearl Experience.” It honors 30 years of the iconic fashion show at “Meet the Artists” – a fast-paced runway event Feb. 15, from 5:30-10 p.m.

Expect an array of entertainment, including a fashion show, live music, and a comedian.

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One local faith-based leader is at the forefront of community efforts to curb crime and promote safety, particularly in Indianapolis.

The mission started in 1999. The Indianapolis TenPoint Coalition is a clergy-led group of community volunteers and law enforcement with a mission to make Indy a safer place, and to have better communication between the police and local neighborhoods, especially African American communities.

The Rev. Charles Harrison of Barnes United Methodist Church is at the helm of the coalition.

Harrison and other pastors got the inspiration to start their own group by Boston’s TenPoint Coalition which launched in the early 90s.

Over the years the organization has connected with over 160,000 people in Indianapolis by walking the streets daily in 12 hotspot areas including: Crown Hill, Mapleton-Fall Creek, Butler-Tarkington, and Riverside neighborhoods.

Community leaders take the time to stop and talk to at-risk youth. Harrison says he can relate to many of the kids he talks to. He takes the passion from his church congregation to the streets.

The group also works with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and local neighborhood groups to connect people with resources. Hunger, drug trafficking, and an increase of interpersonal conflicts are some of the root causes of violence, Harrison said.

Hundreds of young people have been supported through activities like mentoring, sports, job training, and educational programs.

Expanding their safety model to more communities continues to be their goal. Harrison says the relationships he’s built are long-lasting and he hopes the church stays at the forefront of the mission.

Indianapolis TenPoint Coalition says its work is far from over. They’re calling on the community to join their mission and help create a safer, brighter future for Indianapolis youth.

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In a time when support for immigrant communities is more crucial than ever, one Indiana organization is stepping up to provide resources and guidance.

Recent executive orders from President Donald Trump and another from Indiana Gov. Mike Braun requiring state police to assist federal authorities when asked has left immigrants scrambling for help.

Maria Yuquilima, marketing and communications manager at the Immigrant Welcome Center, said, “The need has increased, the emotions have increased as well, so we serve the community the best way we can.”

Support from the local community and understanding is what the immigrant population needs most right now.

Resources also include rides to important meetings, hotel stays, and access to food or legal services.

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A ban on diversity practices in Indiana, combined with President Trump’s dismantling of federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, has sparked major concerns among lawmakers and community advocates.

The Indiana Black legislative Caucus says these bans threaten progress for marginalized communities in the Hoosier state and across the country.

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In a conversation centered around the evolving landscape of the media industry, Emil Ekiyor, CEO of InnoPower and a WISH-TV contributor, discussed the importance of programs that focus on preparing diverse talent for career opportunities in the sector.

Ekiyor gave insights into the growing need for initiatives like the Multicultural Media Producing Program, a collaboration between InnoPower and WISH-TV. The program aims to provide hands-on experience and mentorship to individuals from minority backgrounds, opening doors to careers in the media industry.

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The Baptist Ministers Alliance on Wednesday hosted its annual Emancipation Proclamation Service at Olivet Baptist Church, bringing faith and city leaders together to discuss building a stronger Indianapolis. The event is also touted as a call to action as community leaders say it’s a step toward building a healthier and more united community.

One of the event highlights was Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears and Mayor Joe Hogsett addressing the community. The Democrat leaders Hogsett emphasized the importance of community collaboration in tackling crime, social inequities and city initiatives.

Issues including health disparities in the Black community and even having opportunities for youth to succeed are top of mind for many members of the alliance.

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