Indiana Black Expo is ready to once again highlight the art, history and economic accomplishments of African-Americans at the 37th annual Summer Celebration July 12-22.

With an anticipated attendance of more than 300,000, the Indiana Black Expo has become the largest African-American event in the nation. Summer Celebration is the signature fund-raiser for Indiana Black Expo, Inc., a nonprofit community organization with year-round youth and family programs. There are business workshops, employment fairs, activities for children and teens, concerts and spiritual enrichment.

Below are just a few highlights from the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration schedule. For a complete listing of events and more information go to www.indianablackexpo.com or call 317-925-2702.

July 15

IBE Movies at IMAX

Location: IMAX Theatre, Indiana State Museum

Time: 5 p.m. A Man Named Pearl
6:30 p.m. I Want To Be A Pilot
6:45 p.m. Tsotsi
8:20 p.m. Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes

Price: $3

Description: Screenings of Heartland Film Festival Crystal Heart Award Winners A Man Named Pearl and I Want To Be A Pilot, and the Academy Award-winning film Tsotsi. Also featuring Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes.

July 18-20

Children’s Day at the Circus

Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis

Time: Wednesday-Friday, various times

Price: $12

Description: Everybody’s favorite circus, UniverSoul, returns once again, bringing “the Magic of Soul” to the State Fairgrounds. UniverSoul Circus features ringmaster Tony Tone, aerial acts, ice skaters, the Gabonese acrobatic troupe, lions, elephants and many more exciting performances. For more information visit www.universoulcircus.com

July 19

WTHR-TV 13 Employment Opportunity Fair

Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom

Time: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Description: IBE offers jobseekers one of the best opportunities to meet potential employers. Come dressed to impress with your résumé in hand, be prepared for on-the-spot interviews and networking opportunities. Over 75 potential employers will be present.

July 19-20

IBE Poetry Slam

Location: Indiana Convention Center

Time: 7:30 p.m. (The final round will take place on July 20 from 9-10 p.m.)

Description: DJ Geno is presenting the first IBE Poetry Slam. Enter to win $100 and a chance to open for Erykah Badu.

July 20

Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy Viewing

Location: Indiana Convention Center, Hall D, Cultural Arts Pavilion.

Time: noon-3 p.m.

Description: The Colts Super Bowl Trophy will be on display, as well as a model of the new Lucas Oil Stadium. Members of the Colts team will also be present.

July 20-22

Kids’ World

Location: Indiana Convention Center, Hall F

Time: July 20, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; July 21, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and July 22, noon-8 p.m.

Description: Enjoy rides, games and interactive entertainment at this indoor amusement area for kids. This year is even better with events such as inflatable bounce houses, educational experiences and a host of other exciting activities.

July 21

IBE Fashion Show

Location: Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom

Time: 4-6 p.m.

Description: Join host Eva, from America’s Next Top Model, as she presents the latest fashions designed by Baby Phat and Phat Farm.

Music Heritage Festival

Location: Conseco Fieldhouse

Time: 7:30 p.m.
Price: $45.99 and up

Description: The signature event of every Summer Celebration, this year’s headliner is the incomparable Erykah Badu, who will be joined for the Music Heritage Festival by Anthony Hamilton and comedians Michael Colyar, Sheryl Underwood and Tony Sculfield. Tickets are on sale now at all TicketMaster outlets and the Indiana Black Expo box office.

Club Expo After Party

Location: Sagamore Ballroom

Time: 10 p.m.-3 a.m.

Price: $20 in advance

Description: The official after party for Erykah Badu and Anthony Hamilton. Hosted by Reggie Wayne and Bob Sanders of the Indianapolis Colts, and Darrin Henson from Stomp the Yard. (21+) For more information contact DJ Geno at 317-925-2702.

July 22

Gospel Explosion

Location: RCA Dome, East End

Time: 3-7 p.m.

Description: Come get your praise on during this inspiring and uplifting concert with some of your favorite gospel artists. Featuring the Rev. Bruce Parham, Earnest Pugh, Joshua, David Wyatt, The Choir Boys, Alvin Darling and Moses Tyson.

WhiteLies.tv Free Concert

Location: American Legion Mall

Time: 6 p.m.

Price: FREE

Description: Another great music event, and this one is FREE. The O’Jays, Atlantic Starr and Peabo Bryson with Norman Brown, Marion Meadows and Jeff Lorber will all take the stage in one of Indy’s best outdoor summer concerts.

The Grand Finale at Club Level

Location: 120 E. Market St.

Time: 9 p.m.

Cost: $10 for the first 100 people

Description: Party down to the last minute of Summer Celebration at Club Level with DJ Geno. (21+) For more information, call
317-925-2702.

Source: Indiana Black Expo, www.indianablackexpo.com