BLACK: A Festival of Joy

Unapologetically Joyful: The Spirit Behind BLACK: A Festival of Joy

In a world that often highlights struggle, BLACK: A Festival of Joy stands as a bold and beautiful counter-narrative. It’s more than just an event; it’s a movement—a deliberate and unapologetic celebration of Black music, art, food, and culture. Born from a collective of dedicated volunteers and Black-led organizations in Indianapolis, this annual festival is a powerful statement about the transformative power of joy as a form of resistance.

At its core, the festival is a revolutionary act. For Black communities, joy is not merely an emotion—it is a powerful tool for resilience. It’s the force that fuels our spirit, strengthens our bonds, and shapes our collective future. With this belief, our dedicated committee of organizers has united their diverse talents, resources, and creative vision to curate a festival that honors the vibrancy, strength, and unity inherent in Black identity.

The Pillars of Our Community

Every aspect of BLACK: A Festival of Joy is built upon five foundational principles that guide our mission and amplify our impact.

Joy as Resistance

We believe that reclaiming joy is a revolutionary act. In the face of systemic challenges, choosing joy is a powerful form of defiance. It’s a force that not only fuels our community’s resilience but also reminds us of our strength and humanity.

Centering Black Narratives

Our festival is a platform dedicated to amplifying Black voices and celebrating the richness of Black diversity. We honor the shared experiences that have shaped Black identity and create a space where these stories can be told, heard, and celebrated.

Unity

We foster connections across generations, cultures, and socio-economic lines. The festival serves as a vibrant tapestry of Black identity, a welcoming space where all who support and celebrate Black joy are invited to join in the celebration.

Collective Advancement

Our commitment goes beyond a single weekend of celebration. We are dedicated to long-term impact by driving economic development through the support of Black-owned businesses. We also foster civic engagement and invest in initiatives that create sustainable futures for the Black community.

Unapologetically Black

This festival is an empowering space for Black people to be their full, authentic selves. We honor their voices, stories, and traditions in an inclusive environment that respects individual truths and unique experiences. Here, being Black is not just accepted—it’s celebrated.

Meet the Visionaries

This festival is the result of countless hours of passion and dedication from a group of community leaders who are committed to making a difference. We are proud to introduce the committee behind BLACK: A Festival of Joy:

• Mali Bacon
• Alan Bacon
• LeDeana Brown
• Okara Imani
• Mariah Oliver
• Nigel Long
• Wildstyle Paschall
• Pam Ross
• Roman Coffer
• Sherrell Robinson

Join us as we continue to build a legacy of joy and resistance—one festival at a time.

Categories

• Festival

Regions

• Indianapolis, IN.

Location