Holly Robinson-Peete, Greg Oden, Dr. Dwight Holland, and Barbara Thompson to Headline Indiana Black Expo’s Mental Health Symposium During Summer Celebration

Indiana Black Expo (IBE) is proud to announce its highly anticipated Mental Health Symposium, taking place during this year’s Annual Summer Celebration. The symposium will spotlight critical conversations around mental health in the Black community, featuring a distinguished panel of celebrities and experts who bring personal insight and professional expertise to the topic.

WHEN: Saturday, July 20, 2025 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

WHERE: Indiana Convention Center, Wabash Ballroom 2

MODERATOR: Carolene Mays, founder of Building Leaders+Legacies, Inc., and creator & host of “Community Link” on WISH-TV, Indianapolis

PANELISTS: Holly Robinson Peete, an award-winning actress, author, advocate, and founder of the HollyRod Foundation, shares her family’s journey with autism and Parkinson’s awareness.

• Greg Oden, former NBA player and Director of Player Development at Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment, is opening up about athlete mental health.

• Dr. Dwight Holland, Owner and Co-CEO of Family and Community Partners Counseling Services, is lending professional expertise on community behavioral health.

• Barbara Thompson, Executive Director of NAMI Indiana, is addressing advocacy, resources, and the importance of reducing stigma.

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The symposium is designed to empower attendees with tools, strategies, and shared experiences that underscore why mental health matters for individuals, families, and communities. Guests will also have access to an extensive lineup of featured mental health resource exhibitors, including:

• NAMI of Central Indiana

• Genesys Mental Health Solutions

• Coping and Healing Behavioral Health Services LLC

• InTouch Outreach

• A Blossoming Rose Inc.

• We Bloom

• Family and Community Partners

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This year’s event is generously supported by IU Health and AES Indiana.

In addition, IBE will debut its Our Mind Matters exhibit and PSA campaign video inside the Cultural Arts Pavilion (CAP), further amplifying the conversation around mental health awareness.

“Our communities cannot thrive without mental wellness,” said Alice Watson, President & CEO of Indiana Black Expo. “Through this symposium, we are bringing together powerful voices to encourage open dialogue, reduce stigma, and connect people to vital resources.”

For more information about the Mental Health Symposium and other events during IBE’s Summer Celebration, please visit www.indianablackexpo.com.