The
40th Anniversary Circle City Classic® Presidents’ Reception Gala took place on Friday, September 27th, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, celebrating four decades of impact and commitment to promoting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and post-secondary education.
The gala, which serves as a signature event of the
Indiana Black Expo (IBE), honored the leaders of this year’s Circle City Classic® universities,
Norfolk State University and
North Carolina Central University, and celebrated their contributions to education and African American excellence.
Among the distinguished honorees were
Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, President of Norfolk State University, and
Dr. Karrie G. Dixon, Chancellor of North Carolina Central University—both members of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
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Their presence and leadership were key highlights of the evening, as they represented not only their respective universities but also the rich legacy of HBCUs in shaping future leaders.
The event featured an impressive lineup of entertainment, headlined by Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter
Will Downing, known as “The Prince of Sophisticated Soul.” Downing captivated the audience with soulful performances of his classic hits like “I Go Crazy” and “Wishing on a Star.”
The evening also included a vibrant performance by
Bryan Thompson, Indianapolis’ own R&B saxophonist, who wowed the crowd with his skillful melodies.
Joe Torry, comedian and actor, served as the energetic host for the night, bringing his unique brand of humor to keep the audience entertained.
All proceeds from the gala benefited the
Circle City Classic® Scholarship Fund, which has awarded over $5 million in scholarships since its inception in 1984.
The gala underscored IBE’s continued dedication to fostering educational opportunities and empowering the next generation of leaders.
CIRCLE CITY CLASSIC 2024
