INDIANAPOLIS- The Indiana Black Expo announced Friday, founder James C. Cummings, has died.
The IBE says Cummings was instrumental in the founding of the organization in the early 1970s. The goal was and continues to celebrate “cultural diversity and inclusiveness across all races, ethnicity, nationalities, generations, socioeconomic levels, and religious affiliations.”
What started as a two-day event celebration, now spans an entire month. IBE had planned on celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer, but was canceled due to the pandemic.
A full statement was released on behalf of the organization:
It is with a heavy heart that we at Indiana Black Expo mourn the passing of Indiana Black Expo founder James C. Cummings. He was instrumental in the founding of Indiana Black Expo. He led and served in various leadership capacities with IBE, including chairman of its board of directors. Jim also traveled the state of Indiana to help build IBE’s membership, infrastructure, and supporter base. He dedicated his life to service, activism, and shaping IBE into a statewide organization that provides year-round programs and initiatives across the state. His legacy will continue on in the work that we do to serve as a voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African Americans throughout the state of Indiana. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this time.
Indiana Black Expo
