YOUTH Mentorship
Indiana Black Expo, Inc
Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (IBE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the African American community through economic, educational, and health-related initiatives. Founded in 1970, IBE is best known for hosting the annual Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, one of the largest cultural events in the country that celebrates Black excellence, legacy, and leadership.
IBE’s programming spans the entire year—offering advocacy, youth development, business support, and access to vital resources that uplift the Black community across Indiana.
Our Role: How Future Black Leaders Collaborated with IBE
Future Black Leaders, Inc. proudly partnered with Indiana Black Expo for the Youth Leadership Summit as both a collaborator and content contributor. Our team supported the Summit in the following ways:
Led student workshops focused on leadership development, community activism, and identity-building.
Engaged students in interactive discussions around what it means to be a leader in today’s world—especially as a young Black student.
Provided college ambassadors and mentors who shared personal experiences and served as role models throughout the Summit.
Helped coordinate breakout sessions and youth panels that emphasized real-world action, civic responsibility, and self-expression.
Jack and Jill, Inc
IJack and Jill of America, Inc. is a historic membership organization founded in 1938 that is dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders through chapter-based programming, community service, leadership development, and cultural awareness. With over 230 chapters nationwide, Jack and Jill engages Black children and teens through carefully curated experiences that prepare them to lead, serve, and thrive in every area of life.
Their mission is to “empower children, by providing them with educational opportunities and experiences that foster leadership and development.” Through a combination of civic engagement, volunteerism, and family-centered events, Jack and Jill cultivates a strong foundation of excellence for Black youth.
How Future Black Leaders Collaborated with Jack and Jill
Future Black Leaders, Inc. was honored to collaborate with local chapters of Jack and Jill to support and expand leadership development for middle and high school students. Our partnership was rooted in our shared goal of building Black student leadership across generations.
Key areas of collaboration included:
Hosting leadership workshops and panels during regional and local Jack and Jill programming.
Providing college ambassadors and peer mentors to speak about the transition from high school to higher education and the power of student activism.
Creating joint community service projects that empowered students to take action locally and understand the importance of giving back.
Supporting educational enrichment opportunities with resources on college readiness, civic engagement, and career pathways.
Together, we created spaces where young Black leaders could grow in confidence, knowledge, and community—while affirming the power of legacy and the strength of working together.
Indy Juneteenth, Inc
Future Black Leaders, Inc. proudly partnered with Indy Juneteenth, Inc. to support their College & Career Fair—a dynamic event designed to connect Black youth and young adults with higher education institutions, career opportunities, and professional development resources.
The fair provided a powerful platform for students and families to:
Explore college options from across Indiana and beyond
Engage with corporate recruiters and nonprofit organizations
Attend career readiness workshops focused on resume building, interview prep, and goal setting
Network with professionals, alumni, and peers who reflected their aspirations
Future Black Leaders played a key role in:
Coordinating participating colleges, HBCUs, and community partners
Engaging student leaders and ambassadors to help facilitate the event
Designing youth-centered programming that emphasized self-discovery, leadership, and long-term planning
Why is Black Youth Leadership Important?
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Black youth leadership is particularly important because it empowers the next generation to become active agents of change in their communities. By engaging in leadership roles early on, young black individuals develop essential skills such as problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, which are vital for personal growth and future success.These experiences not only open doors but also transform lives, giving youth the power to overcome barriers and achieve greatness.
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Youth leadership within the black community inspires and empowers younger generations. When young black individuals see their peers successfully leading and making positive change, it encourages them to believe in their own abilities and potential. Young black leaders serve as role models, offering guidance, mentorship, and the motivation to overcome obstacles and pursue success. This early exposure to leadership can instill confidence and ambition, helping young people to envision themselves in leadership roles and strive for excellence.
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Young black leaders are increasingly at the forefront of advocating for social justice, racial equality, and the dismantling of systemic racism. Their unique perspective and lived experiences as youth inform their advocacy efforts, often leading to more inclusive policies, improved representation, and greater accountability in addressing racial disparities that affect young people. Youth leadership in the black community amplifies the voices of marginalized young individuals and drives forward progress towards a more equitable society for future generations.
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Young black leaders have a unique understanding of the concerns and strengths of their generation within the community. This insight enables them to effectively address disparities and work towards positive change in ways that resonate with their peers. By empowering youth leadership, the black community invests in its future, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to tackle ongoing challenges and create sustainable, long-term solutions.
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Youth leadership initiatives often focus on cultural preservation and celebration, organizing events and programs that highlight black history, art, music, and literature. These efforts not only enrich the cultural landscape of their communities but also provide young people with a sense of connection to their roots and a deeper understanding of their place within the broader cultural tapestry.
