Celebrate Juneteenth with a Powerful Tribute to Black Resilience in Indiana

In honor of Juneteenth—a federal holiday marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans—Indiana Landmarks’ Black Heritage Preservation Program will present a compelling evening of reflection, education, and empowerment at the Indiana Landmarks Center in Indianapolis on June 19.

Titled “Black Resilience in Indiana: Building on the Heritage of Survival,” the free public event invites the community to explore the enduring strength and spirit of African Americans who, throughout history, have turned adversity into action and survival into strength. Through this thoughtful program, organizers aim to shed light on the many ways Black Hoosiers have found joy, fostered community, and led transformative change amid generations of struggle.

“Juneteenth is a time for celebration, but also for education,” said Eunice Trotter, director of the Black Heritage Preservation Program. “We’re excited to present this enlightening program as a way to recognize the significance of the holiday and the legacy it honors. We hope the audience will leave with a toolkit of ways to not only survive these times, but also to excel.”

The evening’s keynote speaker is Dr. Lasana D. Kazembe, an award-winning poet, educator, and critical Black scholar known for his powerful insights on race, culture, and resilience. Following his address, a dynamic panel discussion will delve deeper into the topic of resilience—spiritual, emotional, mental, and financial—with a focus on how these dimensions intersect in the lives of African Americans today.

The panel will be moderated by Indianapolis-based psychologist Dr. Benetta Johnson and includes a distinguished lineup of voices:

• Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones, pastor of Witherspoon Presbyterian Church

• Danielle Rene Henderson, of the Indiana Association of Black Psychologists

• Cynthia Newman, registered investment principal at the Newman Group

Audience members will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A session following the panel discussion.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the program running from 6 to 8 p.m., both in person at the Indiana Landmarks Center (1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis) and virtually. Admission is free with advance registration, which can be completed online at blackresilience25.eventbrite.com or by calling 317-639-4534.

This Juneteenth, join a conversation not only about the past—but about how Black resilience continues to shape Indiana’s future.