Pastor Alice Jones of The Worship Assembly of Indianapolis delivered a spirited invocation to open Indiana Black Expo's ecumenical service Thursday at Light of the World Christian Church.
*Families are key to community, Black Expo speaker notes*
The African-American family can be likened to the historical walls of Jerusalem, a Georgia church leader said Thursday in the opening event for the 40th annual Indiana Black Expo.
The Rev. Cynthia Hale, senior pastor and founder of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Ga., recalled that in biblical times, Jews were forced into exile after their fortress city was burned.
"The African-American family are the walls to our community," Hale said. "Whenever the family is crumbling, that means our safety . . . our community is crumbling."
Hale spoke about "Strengthening the Black Family" during the annual ecumenical service, which traditionally has kicked off Black Expo. She focused on family because of its importance.
"As an African people, family has been our greatest asset," Hale said. "We are a product of our family life, for better or worse, for richer or poorer."
Hale offered three main ways for African-American families to stay together and stay strong. The first is prayer; by staying faithful to God, families would always be able to find strength, she said.
The second imperative is purging. Hale said families need to rid themselves of things that could make them stray from each other and their values.
The third thing Hale said families need is partnership. Everyone in society has a role, and everyone needs to be faithful to those roles, she said.
"For example, a husband needs to be a husband, a wife needs to be a wife, a teacher needs to be a teacher and children need to respect their parents."
Hale's speech also touched on the struggles of blacks throughout the nation's history, including slavery and the fight for
civil rights.
"But yet, we survived," she said. "We survived because of the strength instilled in us by our foreparents."
Light of the World Christian Church had 2,000 seats prepared for the service, and almost all were filled. Some people stood in the back.
The service drew political figures such as U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and state Reps. Bill Crawford and Vanessa Summers.
Aaron Whitfield, Indianapolis, said everything he heard at the service corresponded with how his grandmother raised him.
"I think it was ministered to everyone. And I think it was ministered directly at me," the 17-year-old said.
Wilma Ursery, 64, said Indiana Black Expo needs to continue to start with an ecumenical service.
"It's a good start, because they start by putting God first. If you put God first, that's the best you can do," said Ursery, Indianapolis.
Black Expo, which will run through July 18, continues Saturday and Sunday with a film festival at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Tanya Bell, Black Expo president and CEO, said history will play an important factor in this year's event. The group will reflect heavily on the history and legacy the founders created, she said.
Bell expects around 300,000 people to show up for Expo events this year. That number could go up because it is the Expo's 40th anniversary.
HIGHLIGHTS
Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr., coordinaor of the service, sits with guest speaker Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale from the Ray of Hope Christian Church, Atlanta, GA. Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration opened Thursday evening 7/8/10 with an Ecumenical Service at the Light of the World Christian Church on Michigan Road.
People take part in the musical portion of the service. Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration opened Thursday evening 7/8/10 with an Ecumenical Service at the Light of the World Christian Church on Michigan Road.
EVENT TIMELINE: JULY 8,2010 through July 18, 2010
Expo's 40th anniversary.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Ecumenical Service
Saturday, July 10, 2010
IBE Black Film Festival
Sunday, July 11, 2010
IBE Black Film Festival
Monday, July 12, 2010
SOLD OUT! Black Business Conference - Mayor's Breakfast
Black Business Conference - Doing Business Globally
Black Business Conference - How To Do Business With Indiana State Education
Institutions (SEI)
Black Business Conference - Legal Issues for Small & Emerging Businesses
Children's Day Featuring The Farmers Market
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Black Business Conference: New Business Opportunities in Indianapolis
Black Business Conference: Stretch for Success
The Ohio Valley "Star Quest 2010" The 25th Silver Anniversary Edition
Youth Entrepreneur Seminar (CEO Camp) Day 1
Black Business Conference - Professional Networking & Business Card Exchange
Black Business Conference: Winning Strategies for Minority Businesses
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Youth Entrepreneur Seminar (CEO Camp) Day 2
2010 MWBE Resource Fair & Empowerment Workshop Series
Black Business Conference - Media Reception "Honoring Minorities in the Media"
Black Business Conference - Governor's Reception
Black Business Conference - Contracting Opportunities with U.S. Housing and Urban Development
IBE Career Development Workshops
Thursday, July 15, 2010
INSHAPE Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair Opening & Seniors Night
I Am IU Extravaganza
Cultural Arts Pavilion Opening Reception Presented by State Farm
IBE Statewide Educational Conference Presented by Cummins Inc., July 15-16, 2010
WTHR-TV 13 Employment Opportunity Fair
Circle City Classic College Readiness Workshop
Pacers Sports & Entertainment Corporate Luncheon Presented by Hoosier Lottery
Children's Day at the Circus
Friday, July 16, 2010
IBE Statewide Educational Conference Presented by Cummins Inc., July 15-16, 2010
Youth Empowerment Summit Presented by Purdue University, July 16-18, 2010
All White Kick-Off Party
Consumer Exhibits Open - July 16-18, 2010
DJ Geno's Music Seminar
IBE Chairman & President's Reception
INShape Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair
IBE History Exhibit
Kids' World Featuring IBE's YoungSTARS
Cultural Arts Pavilion Presented by State Farm Featuring The Artists' Market, the Authors' Parlor/Literary Cafe', The Cultural Gallery, IBE History
Exhibit and The Heritage Room
Black Business Conference - Elected/Appointed Officials Reception
Children's Day at the Circus
Saturday, July 17, 2010
IBE Fashion Show: "Make It Clear"
National Body Gospel Premier
Diversity Volunteer Recognition Breakfast
Bishop Eddie Long's Financial Boot Camp
Entertainment Hall
Consumer Exhibits Open - July 16-18, 2010
Amp Harris & Reggie Wayne "Saving Our Youth" Celebrity Basketball Game
Teen Bling Concert with Live Performances by Dondria Black, Durrough and others
Holla Back Teen Forum
IBE History Exhibit
INShape Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair
Kids' World Featuring IBE's YoungSTARS
Purdue Black Alumni Reception
Cultural Arts Pavilion Presented by State Farm Featuring film star and new author, Pam Grier in the Authors' Parlor/Literary Cafe', The Artists' Market, The Cultural Gallery, IBE History Exhibit and The Heritage Room
Indiana University Neal Marshall Alumni Connection Reception
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Bishop Eddie Long's Financial Boot-Camp
IBE Praise & Worship Service Featuring Gospel Explosion
INShape Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair
IBE History Exhibit
Kids' World featuring IBE's Young Stars
Consumer Exhibits Open - July 16-18, 2010
Music Heritage Festival Outdoor Concert Presented by Visa Prepaid featuring Teena Marie, Keith Sweat and Zapp
Cultural Arts Pavilion Presented by State Farm Featuring The Artists' Market, The Authors' Parlor/Literary Cafe', The Cultural Gallery, IBE History Exhibit and The Heritage Room
**THANKS FOR STOPPING BY....
AND AS ALWAYS...
READER BE BLESSED!
getting another B-I-G hug 
opening envelops>
laughter 
