Future Black Leaders, Inc.
The Black LEadership Summit
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7th Annual Black Leadership Summit
On February 28, 2025, the 7th Annual Black Leadership Summit: Collegiate Edition took place at the Eitel Jorge Museum in downtown Indianapolis, bringing together Black Student Unions from across multiple universities and institutions. The event featured students from Indiana University Bloomington, Purdue University, University of Cincinnati, Ball State University, Butler University, Indiana University Indianapolis, Notre Dame University, Marian University, and North Central High School.
This transformative event aimed to unite and empower Black college students, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks to become future leaders. Through a series of workshops, engaging keynote speakers, and creative showcases, attendees gained valuable insights, fostered meaningful connections, and were inspired to make a lasting impact in their communities.
What started as a small gathering of passionate individuals has evolved into a powerful annual tradition, continuously shaping the next generation of Black leaders and redefining the future of student advocacy.
Advisory Committee Panel
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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
FBL Media Team
Noir Thee Creative Guild
Chief Branding Officer
Origin
Origin
Origin
Book Photography
NABJ
NABJ
NABJ
NABJ - Chase Iseghohi CEO and Founder of FBL, Inc
NABJ - John Taylor ALC
NABJ - Leo Dewe Chief DEI Officer of FBL, Inc.
NABJ - Tearra Dotson Founder at H.O.P.S Heart of Charity 501c3
NABJ- Shayna Media Personality
NABJ- Nia Person Purdue BSU President
NABJ- Henry Suah Mu Beta Lambda Business Fraternity, Inc. President
NABJ - Anthony Hudson IU Northwest BSU President
NABJ - Jaden Edmonds IU Bloomington BSU President
Photos By: Indiana University Bloomington Noir Thee Creative Guild Photographer AB Sako
Photos By: Indiana University Bloomington Noir Thee Creative Guild Photographer Nana Addo
Photos By: Purdue Origin Black Creative Collective Photographer Kayode Olaoye
Photos By: Purdue Origin Black Creative Collective Photographer Nia Person
History of the B.L.S.
On March 9, 2019, the inaugural Black Leadership Summit sparked a movement, uniting Black Student Unions (BSUs) nationwide. Hosted in Fishers, this groundbreaking event fostered unity, empowerment, and leadership among Black high school students.
Through workshops, keynote speakers, and creative showcases, students gained knowledge, built connections, and left inspired to spark change in their communities.
What began as a single gathering has since become an annual tradition, shaping the next generation of Black leaders and redefining student advocacy.
2nd Annual Black Leadership Summit
The 2nd Annual Black Leadership Summit marked a new era of growth and inclusivity. Now hosted at Forum Credit Union in Fishers, Indiana, the summit expanded to include even more schools and, for the first time, 7th and 8th graders from all four junior highs in the Hamilton Southeastern district.
To further honor Black history and culture, the event was moved to February, aligning with Black History Month.
With a larger platform and a broader reach, the summit continued its mission of empowering Black student leaders, fostering unity, and inspiring lasting change in their communities.
3rd Annual Black Leadership Summit
The 3rd Annual Black Leadership Summit adapted to unprecedented times, moving entirely online due to COVID-19. Despite the challenges, the summit remained a powerful space for Black student leaders to connect, learn, and grow.
Through virtual breakout rooms, keynote speakers, and interactive discussions, participants engaged in meaningful conversations and leadership development from their homes.
Though the format changed, the mission remained the same—empowering and uniting the next generation of Black leaders.
4th Annual Black Leadership Summit
On [date], the 4th Annual Black Leadership Summit took place at the Delaware Township Center in 2022, marking a significant moment for Future Black Leaders, Inc. (FBL). After the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the pivot to an entirely online summit in 2021, this in-person event was the first opportunity for FBL to reconnect and engage with students face-to-face. It was a moment of renewed energy and purpose, setting the groundwork for the future of FBL.
The 2022 summit also marked an important milestone as FBL secured its first sponsor, the American Licorice Company, coordinated by FBL Co-President Shania Byers. This partnership helped elevate the summit and made it possible for FBL to continue creating a platform for Black student leaders to gather, learn, and grow.
The event provided a space for students to connect, share knowledge, and continue to build on the legacy of leadership. The return to an in-person format brought even greater significance, symbolizing resilience and the continued commitment to empowering the next generation of Black leaders.
5th Annual Black Leadership Summit
The 5th Annual Black Leadership Summit saw its largest gathering yet, welcoming over 350 students to Butler University from multiple high schools.
With engaging breakout rooms and inspiring speakers, the event provided a dynamic space for Black student leaders to connect, learn, and grow. As the summit continued to expand, it reinforced its mission of empowerment, unity, and leadership development for the next generation.
6th Annual Black Leadership Summit
The 6th Annual Black Leadership Summit marked a major milestone by welcoming college students for the first time, expanding its reach beyond high schools. Held at Butler University, the event brought together students from multiple college campuses and connected Black Leadership alumni with first-time attendees.
Through breakout sessions, speakers, and mentorship opportunities, the summit fostered deeper connections, bridging the gap between past and future Black student leaders.
Why is Black Leadership Important?
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Black leadership provides representation and visibility for the black community in positions of power and influence. Seeing black leaders in various sectors, such as politics, business, education, and community organizations, helps challenge stereotypes and promotes a more accurate and diverse portrayal of black individuals. It sends a powerful message to young people that they can aspire to leadership roles and achieve their goals regardless of their race.
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Black leadership inspires and empowers others within the black community. When black individuals see fellow community members successfully leading and making positive change, it encourages them to believe in their own abilities and potential. Black leaders serve as role models, offering guidance, mentorship, and the motivation to overcome obstacles and pursue success.
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Black leaders are often at the forefront of advocating for social justice, racial equality, and the dismantling of systemic racism. They have a unique perspective and lived experiences that inform their advocacy efforts, leading to more inclusive policies, improved representation, and greater accountability in addressing racial disparities. Black leaders amplify the voices of marginalized communities and drive forward progress towards a more equitable society.
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Black leaders play a vital role in community development by addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by the black community. They work to create initiatives, programs, and policies that uplift and empower community members, such as educational opportunities, economic development, and access to healthcare. Black leaders understand the unique concerns and strengths of their community, enabling them to effectively address disparities and work towards positive change.
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Item descriptionare acknowledged and valued. Black leadership fosters pride and unity within the black community while encouraging others to learn about and respect diverse cultures.