Dear IBE and Indianapolis Community:

It’s that time of year. The Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (IBE) Summer Celebration has just ended, and it seems everyone is playing “Monday Morning Quarterback” now that the event is over.  Before I begin explaining why I believe change is necessary for IBE, let me first start by talking about why I really do love the institution and the powerful pillar of the community it has been for 45 years.

It’s no secret that I have history with IBE. I have been quite outspoken about it, but my relationship with the organization began much earlier than the short time I served as its Director of Communications and Public Relations. As a child, I was introduced to IBE by way of my mother who once served as Deputy Mayor for the city of Indianapolis not to mention our close personal relationship with Rev. Charles Williams’ family. I attended private school for the majority of my school-aged years and appreciated attending the IBE-sponsored events to learn about my culture and so much more. Because of IBE’s Circle City Classic, I was introduced to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Because of IBE’s Circle City Classic, I attended and graduated from Alabama A&M University (Go Bulldogs). I would not be who I am today if it hadn’t been because of the time I spent at Alabama A&M and thus IBE. My point? I will always have love for the institution that is IBE. It is an organization with so much potential, especially in these tough times we are currently experiencing.

Now…the real reason for this blog.

IBE is currently on life support, and I can hear the monitor slowing down even here in my home in Memphis, TN. Volunteers are few and far between (thank goodness for those who are still on board). Sponsors have been significantly reduced (remember the days when events such as the Free Concert were actually sponsored by a major company?). As someone said the other day, bridges have been so badly burned that many folks ran for the hills and those still around are hanging on by a thread. While word on the street is Sunday’s attendance in the Indiana Convention Center was significantly more than the previous days, what does that really say when photos from Saturday practically show tumbleweeds through the exhibition halls and downtown streets? Let’s not forget Sunday was absolutely free. If you can’t convince people to attend a free event, what does that say?

I believe IBE needs to hit Control+ALT+Delete. It needs a complete overhaul. With all due respect to the current IBE board members, it’s time for new blood, new faces, new ideas…..ones who more accurately represent the Indianapolis community and not just individuals who have deep pockets or political influence. Of course the biggest change needs to begin with the top. It is past time for Tanya Bell to be replaced as the CEO. For those who follow me on social media sites, I have likened the situation to a basketball and football coach. When they are no longer “winning,” a change of the guard is necessary.

IBE has lost touch with the Indianapolis community. So many have lost respect for the organization. So many suggestions have been given over the last several years and seem to fall on deaf ears. Change is necessary to grow. For example, DJ Kid Capri is a legend, but there are so many other great ones, many of which live right there in Indianapolis with a significant following…such as DJ Kenny Kixx, DJ Metrognome, DJ Limelight, DJ Skrill, DJ JF and so many more. The young professionals are the new generation of leaders and have launched very successful campaigns. Yet, I have heard from more than one of those leaders that their ideas have been dismissed.

Oh, let me also throw in this other suggestion. Social media is the new means of disseminating information. First of all, do not only post on social media when talking about buying tickets. When I was the Director of Communications, I posted a black history fact every single day. It was so popular I would receive emails on days when it wasn’t posted by 3:00 p.m. Partner with other organizations in Indianapolis. You can share their events and promote what they do. Surely the Indianapolis Urban League, Madame Walker Theater and many others would appreciate the support. Speaking of social media, it was listed on all the promotional materials yet I saw (from here in Memphis) the frustration from individuals who didn’t hear about the free concert being cancelled directly from IBE on social media.

Now, let me be very frank. Y’all (yes, that’s the Memphis in me now) can miss me with all the “Positive Rosy” comments about how things are better and folks are working together to make sure IBE doesn’t die. I have been privy to many offline conversations where individuals have expressed their frustration. I heard a comment on the Afternoons with Amos show on AM 1310 that made me literally laugh out loud. The caller was telling the listeners they need to volunteer and pay dues to the local IBE chapter. NEWS FLASH! No one will actually volunteer and give their hard earned money only to see the same results.

You want to save IBE? I know I do. It’s time for the Indianapolis community to band together and demand changes. I don’t mean just suggest them. The list of Board of Directors is on the IBE website (www.indianablackexpo.com). Not sure how accurate it is, but a simple phone call could confirm that. Look them up. Find out who they are. A simple Google search would give you their addresses. Tell them your demands. Tell them what you want to see changed.

We can’t keep having this same conversation every single year.  Change is necessary. The time is now. In 365 days, I don’t want to have to write a blog about how IBE no longer exists.

As always, these are just a few thoughts “From My Hart.”