8th Annual Black Leadership Summit

Register for our 8th Annual Black Leadership Summit, taking place Saturday, February 21st, from 8 AM to 5 PM in downtown Indianapolis.

On February 21, 2026, Future Black Leaders hosted the 8th Annual Black Leadership Summit: A Century of Black Excellence at the NCAA Hall of Champions in downtown Indianapolis, bringing together approximately 160 students, educators, community leaders, and organizations from across Indiana and the Midwest.

This year's summit welcomed representatives from 10 organizations across Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, continuing the summit's growth from a local student gathering into a regional experience connecting the next generation of Black leaders across schools, cities, and state lines.

Centered around the theme "A Century of Black Excellence," the 2026 summit celebrated generations of Black leadership while challenging young people to consider the legacy they will leave behind. Students participated in conversations, workshops, networking opportunities, and experiences focused on leadership, history, community impact, and creating pathways for the future.

A defining moment of the 8th Annual Summit was the induction of activist and Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale, connecting the history of Black leadership and advocacy with the young leaders continuing that work today.

With support from partners including MyPath, JPMorgan Chase, the Indianapolis Airport Authority, and American Licorice Company/Sour Punch, the summit provided students with access to resources, mentorship, new relationships, and opportunities beyond their individual schools.

What began in 2019 as a gathering of students from across Central Indiana has grown into an annual tradition reaching young leaders throughout the Midwest. Eight years later, the Black Leadership Summit continues to create a space for students to connect across communities, develop as leaders, and carry forward Future Black Leaders' mission to Radiate Excellence, Promote Racial Equity, and Empower Black Leadership.

Advisory Committee Panel

Erica Buchanan Rivera

Author and Adjunct Professor at Butler University

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Gerodan Coleman

Vice President of Market for Bank Of America

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Tearra Dotson

President at H.O.P.S. Helping Other People Succeed

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John Taylor

American Licorice Company Senior CRM Manager

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Shayna Sawyers

Media Personality

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