Thousands from around the world visited the Indiana Convention Center this week for Rally 2025. The global cross-sector innovation conference focuses on innovation in the Hoosier state and across the globe. Innopower is co-hosting Rally 2025. WISH-TV Contributor and Innopower CEO Emil Ekiyor stopped by to provide a closer look at Rally 2025 and give some insight into the hope for economic transformation. Rally’s mission includes talent mobility, building a business, cultivating meaningful relationships, and feeling re-energized. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dia de la Familia has launched in Carmel to honor Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s in stark contrast to the cancelled La Fiesta Indianapolis. The in-person festival that’s been held for more than 40 years was cancelled due to security reasons related to immigration policies and potential ICE raids. Claudia Escalante, an organizer for Dia de La Familia, said her community can’t hide in fear. Hundreds of residents attended to sing, dance, and eat in Midtown Plaza. There were food vendors, art installations, Zumba, a conga line, and murals. “The best feature of Indiana are the people,” Escalante said. “There’s no beach here. There’s no Wall Street. There’s the Indy 500 and sports, but the greatest feature are the people are the Hoosiers.” Escalante said Hoosiers also include the Latino and Hispanic community. She is a Columbian immigrant who came to Indiana more than 20 years ago. Escalante said ICE wasn’t one of the security concerns. She said Carmel police are on standby for safety, and the people who spoke to News 8 said they felt safe attending. Pablo Solano is a Carmel Resident and is originally from the Dominican Republic. He and his wife were enjoying warm arepas. “This event here sends a message that we can have an event safely and we can enjoy ourselves,” Solano said. Escalante said when it comes to security concerns, ICE wasn’t one of them. Escalante said the event is an opportunity for local Latino entrepreneurs to get exposure, like baker Dioselim Garcia, who sold out her cookies. “We are not in the shadows. We are seen as Latino People,” said Dioselim Garcia, founder of Waldis Artisan Bakery. Escalante said the event is not just about celebrating Latino and Hispanic heritage, but also about sharing it with others. Escalante moved to Indiana more than 20 years ago. She is a Colombian immigrant who embraces her Carmel Community. “We only ask for an opportunity,” Escalante said. “We’re here because we love this country and we want to make it better. So, give us an opportunity. We love you. We’re here. We’re part of your community, and it’s only going to get better.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Indianapolis Black Theater Company is set to open “The Mountaintop” at the District Theater on Sept. 18. It’s a two-person play, offering an unconventional look at the final day of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life. The play, which runs through Sept. 28, features Daniel A. Martin as Dr. King and Dija Renuka as Camae, a character inspired by playwright Katori Hall’s mother. The two actors will carry the narrative for 95 minutes each night. Renuka and Martin visited WISH-TV’s Daybreak on the morning after America’s latest act of political violence, the shooting of Charlie Kirk. Martin says the play underscores the ongoing need for leadership and change, themes central to Dr. King’s legacy. “We were in need of a Dr. King as much then as we do now,” Martin noted. “So the political violence that took place yesterday is horrible. Yeah, we need new leaders. We need people to stand up for us all.” “But it’s entertaining the entire time,” Martin said. “It’s a fun show. You’re going to love it.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana has become a global hub for artificial intelligence empowerment with the launch of the Hoosier AI 1000 program, aimed at expanding AI access and training. Emil Ekiyor, CEO of InnoPower, is a contributor to the program. He spoke about it Thursday on News 8. The initiative, developed in collaboration with Indiana Wesleyan University, focuses on providing AI literacy and prompt engineering skills to people across Indiana and beyond. The program has trained 50 certified master trainers, who are now equipped to teach AI fundamentals to communities. The Hoosier AI 1000 program began earlier this year with the goal of addressing the lack of AI training resources in Indiana. Trainers underwent 48 hours of intensive training over six weeks, led by Chris Daly, the program’s master trainer. The program’s reach extended internationally when Dr. Olu Manje, president of Tubman University in Liberia, requested training for his staff and students. The training was conducted virtually, with 40 staff members and 35 students completing the program. Ekiyor highlighted the importance of AI literacy, noting that while many people use AI tools like ChatGPT, they often lack a deep understanding of how to use them effectively. Despite concerns about the rapid advancement of AI, Ekiyor believes that embracing technology is essential for competitiveness. He compared the evolution of AI to historical technological advancements, emphasizing the need for responsible use. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Health insurance provider Managed Health Services is using a $1.2 million investment to improve youth mental health resources across 28 Indiana counties.  18 community organizations will benefit from the investment, distributed through MHS Serves; a partnership with Black Onyx Management and the Indiana Minority Health Coalition.  The organization uses collaborative partnerships to address health inequities and the disparities caused by service gaps. WISH-TV contributor Emil Ekiyor joined News 8 at 5 p.m. Thursday to talk about how efforts to expand access to mental health resources will not only benefit individual clients, but the community as a whole. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A downtown event Thursday night aimed to give audiences a better understanding of the role Indianapolis had in the musical road that led to rock ‘n’ roll. Noted author and music historian Preston Lauterbach spoke, focusing on the historical significance of Indiana Avenue in the development of American music. Lauterbach is well-known for his extensive research into Black culture and music, as highlighted in his 2011 book, “The Chitlin Circuit and the Road to Rock ‘n’ Roll.” The book revealed that the famed touring strategy that many musicians used began in Indianapolis, not the south as many presume. “It was invented by the owners of a club on Indiana Avenue, Denver Ferguson and his brother, C. Ferguson,” Wilkerson explained. “They became not just club owners, but promoters and agents, and provided safe passage (to) places were where black musicians could play.” Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino, and other famed musicians performed on Indiana Avenue, contributing to its role as, in Lauterbach’s view, a “true birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A month-old Indiana law targeting chronic absenteeism in K-12 schools aims to collect data on student attendance to better understand and address the issue. The law defines chronic absenteeism as missing 18 days of school, which is approximately 10% of the academic year. The initiative seeks to gather detailed data on why students are missing school, whether due to illness, travel, or other reasons, to develop strategies to reduce absenteeism. Emil Ekiyor, a community leader and entrepreneur who is a contributor to WISH-TV, said Friday on News 8 at 5 p.m., “We need to collect data on what’s happening in this situation, why are kids missing school. It was shocking to find out that we didn’t have a strong data-collection system.” The law does not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences when calculating chronic absenteeism. Even if a student has valid reasons for missing school, such as medical appointments or family travel, accumulating 18 absences categorizes them as chronically absent. Indiana state Sen. Andy Zay, a Republican from Huntington, was involved in clarifying misunderstandings about the law, emphasizing that the focus is on understanding the reasons behind absenteeism rather than penalizing students. It’s hoped the data collected will help educators and policymakers understand the correlation between absenteeism and academic performance, potentially leading to new policies or support systems to help students stay engaged in their education. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Madam Walker Legacy Center has elected two Indianapolis natives as board members: singer-songwriter Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and comedian Mike Epps. The board says the addition of Edmonds and Epps “reflects the Center’s ongoing commitment to expanding national programming and elevating the visibility of the historic venue as a cultural destination.” Board Chair Nicole Wilson shared, “We are thrilled to welcome Babyface and Mike Epps to the board. Their influence and commitment to Indianapolis will help us amplify our mission on a national scale.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There have been three IMPD officers attacked and injured on the job in the last week, according to the department, as the city works to get a handle on recent high-profile shootings.  Tuesday, an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer was shot three times while trying to arrest the driver of a stolen car.  The shooting ended with two suspects under arrest, both now charged, another suspect in the hospital in critical condition, and a fourth suspect still on the run. The officer, a four-year veteran of IMPD, left the hospital on Wednesday, surrounded by a crowd of cheering police.  Tuesday’s shooting happened in the Haughville neighborhood at an apartment complex just down the road from Pastor Dwight Harwell’s church, Latter House Ministries.  Haughville is an area where there’ve been multiple public efforts to build the relationship between police and the public. IMPD recruits helped paint over graffiti in the spring, and officers joined a show of unity when neighbors faced rampant vandalism.  IMPD has not identified the officer shot. He’s on administrative leave, pending a review of the shootout. Later Tuesday evening, IMPD said an officer broke their fibula while arresting a man for assault, marking the third line-of-duty injury in a week. Anyone with information on the other suspect or about the shooting was asked to contact Sgt. Brian Lambert at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LGBTQ+ seniors in Indianapolis are at the center of a new effort to ensure they’re not left behind. The Elder Pride Indy Collaborative just released results from a key community survey. The survey, led by the Damien Center, is part of a larger plan to close gaps for the LGBTQ+ older adults. Now that the responses are in, organizers say it’s time to act. The needs assessment also revealed concerns such as the lack of LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare, mental health support, fears of discrimination in long-term housing, and difficulties connecting with local resources. Many people said they wanted a dedicated community center. The organization is considering forming an advocacy network that includes representatives from various local groups to address ongoing needs. They’re also planning to create an information hub to help people stay informed and connected. Another public survey will likely be conducted next year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.