The Muncie Black Expo will hold its annual summer celebration this weekend catering to all people of the community.
"Indiana Black Expo works for unity within the community and to open minds and hearts," president of the Muncie chapter Maria Williams-Hawkins said.
Activities are designed to let people have fun together, Williams-Hawkins said.
"People hear the word 'black' and think it is an exclusionary group," she said. "The celebration is open to all people."
Indiana was the first state to initiate the Black Expo, Williams-Hawkins said.
"Indiana is a forerunner," she said. "Other states are now trying to buy franchises."
The Indianapolis Black Expo attracted more than 300,000 people last year and brought in more than $35 million to the city, Williams-Hawkins said.
Though the Muncie Black Expo is on a smaller scale, the chapter is in its twelfth year and helps to raise money for scholarships and the community.
A corporate luncheon to raise money was held in May that attracted more than 600 people.
The eighth annual Health Fair conducted through the Muncie Black Expo will be held at the Horizon Center on Aug. 5 along with the crowning of the new Miss Muncie Black Expo on Aug. 16.
Indiana Black Expo was created 33 years ago by two ministers who felt a need for an outlet for African Americans to learn more about each other, Williams-Hawkins said.
A plan was initiated to bring in speakers, singers, historians and praise, an aspect of the African-American community that Williams-Hawkins said is very important.
The Indiana Black Expo has since expanded to health and job assistance. People can come to the celebration to learn more about finding jobs, making resumes and getting into college, Williams-Hawkins said.
The Muncie celebration has grown this year with more retail shops and emphasis on Habitat for Humanity. Workshops will be held on household environment, health services, family finances and videography, Williams-Hawkins said.
Ball State students offer their support through working craft tables for children.
Assistant men's basketball coach Scot Bunnell and Ball State players will conduct an hour-long basketball clinic at noon on Saturday. A three-day basketball tournament will start at noon on Friday.
Children's games will be available, some of which are free.
This year a talent show will take place Saturday at 5 p.m. Entry is free for those who wish to participate.
The celebration's Gospel Fest, directed by Kevin Woodgett, is one of the largest events of the weekend drawing more than 900 people, Williams-Hawkins said. The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday and will feature local choirs.
This year the Boys and Girls Club will exhibit a baseball tournament at noon on Saturday. "We have found that children no longer know how to play baseball, and especially children in the African-American community have even less of an opportunity," Williams-Hawkins said. "The Boys and Girls Club organized this event themselves, and we are very excited about it."
Williams-Hawkins is hoping that the celebration will draw 2,000 to 3,000 people this weekend.
Other special events include:
-Ecumenical service at 7 p.m. on Friday at Christ Temple Church. Terrence A. Bridges, founder of Kingdom Force International Ministry, is the keynote speaker. "Unity" is the evening's theme under the direction of Bea Moten Foster, publisher of the Muncie Times.
-Parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday from the Fieldhouse to Heekin Park under the direction of Lynnetta Abram and Erika Quarles.
-Fun in the Park starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Events for children and adults are scheduled including music, food, games and prizes.
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