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Pacers Sports & Entertainment

Corporate Luncheon

Friday July 17th, 2026

Continuing the theme of Our Legacy, Our Influence, Our Future, the Pacers Sports and Entertainment Corporate Luncheon will honor those individuals who have made significant contributions to the community as well as those who continue to tell the story about who we are and pave the way for our communities.

On behalf of our organization, thank you in advance for supporting IBE’s year-round youth and family programs by joining us in celebration of cultural excellence at our luncheon. 

Time: Doors Open at 10:00 AM; Program Begins at 11:00 AM
Cost: Table $900, Single Seat $100
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom
Sponsors: Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Eli Lilly Corporation, Hoosier Lottery, Kroger, Ice Miller, Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium, AES

corporate luncheon honorees

Our 2025 Award Recipients

Deniece Williams

Living Legend Award
Deniece Williams, a four-time Grammy winner and 12-time nominee, is a legendary vocalist with a four-octave range and a career spanning five decades. Raised in Gary, Indiana, she was mentored by Minnie Riperton and went on to shape R&B, Pop, and Gospel music with #1 hits and powerful anthems of self-empowerment. Her multi-platinum classics include Let’s Hear It for the Boy, It’s Gonna Take a Miracle, Free, Black Butterfly, I’ve Got The Next Dance, and I Surrender All. Known for blending soul, disco, and gospel, she remains a musical force. Williams is now set to return with her new single When You Love Somebody from her upcoming album Gemini. Her influence continues to inspire a new generation of vocalists, cementing her place as an enduring icon in American music.

Alfre Woodard

Lifetime Achievement Award
Oscar-nominated actor Alfre Woodard earned BAFTA and Spirit Award nods for her role in Clemency. She stars next in Apple TV+’s The Last Frontier and Netflix’s The Boroughs, produced by the Duffer Bros. Recent work includes Salem’s Lot, Summer Camp, and The Book of Clarence. She voiced “Mimi” in Disney’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and starred in Apple TV+’s See and Netflix’s Juanita and Luke Cage. Other highlights: 12 Years a Slave, The Gray Man, Captain America: Civil War, The Lion King, Fatherhood, Annabelle, Love and Basketball, Crooklyn, Scrooged, Mandela, and Miss Evers’ Boys. She’s won 4 Emmys, 3 SAGs, 1 Golden Globe, 9 NAACP Image Awards, and was Oscar-nominated for Cross Creek and BAFTA-nominated for Clemency.

Wendell Pierce

Screen Image Award
Wendell Pierce is an award-winning actor with 30+ years across stage, film, and TV. He currently stars as Captain C.W. Wagner on CBS’s ELSBETH, earning an AAFCA TV Honor and Critics Choice Celebration award. He also recurs as Ishmael “Snaps” Henry on Starz’s Raising Kanan. Known for iconic roles like Det. Bunk Moreland on HBO’s The Wire and Antoine Baptiste on Tremé, he also played James Greer in Amazon’s Jack Ryan opposite John Krasinski. This summer, Pierce appears in Marvel’s Thunderbolts, James Gunn’s Superman for Warner Bros., and Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, which premiered at Cannes 2025. In 2022, he returned to Broadway as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, earning a Tony nomination for Lead Actor in a Play.

Chiney Ogwumike

Excellence in Media Award
Chiney Ogwumike is a two-time WNBA All-Star and ESPN host seen on NBA Today, NBA Countdown, First Take, and Women’s College Gameday. The 2014 No. 1 draft pick and Rookie of the Year from Stanford also served as WNBPA VP (2018–2022). She became one of ESPN’s youngest full-time NBA analysts while still playing professionally. In 2020, she made history as the first Black woman to host a daily national sports radio show. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and executive producer of the ESPN film 144, she’s also a U.S. advisory council member on African Diaspora Engagement. A passionate advocate, Ogwumike works with NBA Africa to lead youth sports programs, including Nigeria’s first Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA camps. She holds a Stanford degree in International Relations and was mentored by Dr. Condoleezza Rice.

corporate luncheon honorees

Our 2026 Award Recipients

Anthony Anderson

Lifetime Achievement Award
Anthony Anderson is an Emmy- and Golden Globe–nominated actor best known for playing Andre “Dre” Johnson on the hit ABC sitcom Black-ish. His film and television credits include Transformers, The Departed, Barbershop, and Law & Order. He has also served as an executive producer on Black-ish and Grown-ish.Beyond acting, Anderson is an accomplished host, leading shows such as To Tell the Truth, We Are Family, and Netflix’s reboot of Star Search. Most recently, he starred alongside Viola Davis in G20 and co-founded AC Barbeque with Cedric the Entertainer.A passionate advocate for diabetes awareness, Anderson supports organizations including the American Diabetes Association and the Boys & Girls Club of America. A native of Compton, he has earned numerous honors, including multiple NAACP Image Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and recognition as a Disney Legend.

Delroy Lindo

Screen Image Award
Delroy Lindo is an Academy Award nominated artist who has earned numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career. In film, he's been awarded Best Actor by the New York Film Critics Circle, National Society of Film Critics, and Critics Choice Super Awards, in addition to receiving career tributes from the Gotham Awards and Santa Barbara Film Festival. On Broadway, Delroy received a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of "Herald Loomis" in August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone and an NAACP Image Award for Best Actor playing Walter Lee in Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun. He is also widely recognized for his collaborations with Spike Lee and for his Academy Award–nominated performance in Ryan Coogler's Sinners. Delroy will next be seen in the upcoming Godzilla v. Kong sequel and will make his directorial debut with the feature Jabari's People.

Terri Carmichael Jackson

Excellent in Sports Awards
Terri Carmichael Jackson is the Executive Director of the Women's National Basketball Players Association, where she oversees labor strategy, collective bargaining, governance, and group licensing. Since joining in 2016, she has helped strengthen players’ economic opportunities and expand the union’s influence through major sponsorship, licensing, and commercial growth.She led negotiations for the landmark 2020 and 2026 collective bargaining agreements, securing revenue sharing tied to league growth and historic gains in player compensation. Carmichael Jackson also guided the union through the COVID-19 pandemic and broadened its role beyond traditional labor issues.Previously, she held leadership positions at the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the University of the District of Columbia, founded the Back on the Block Foundation, and taught at several universities. She also served as executive producer of Shattered Glass: A WNBPA Story and has been recognized by Sports Illustrated and Sports Business Journal for her impact on sports and athlete advocacy.

Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr.

Legacy Award
Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr. is a renowned Indianapolis-born preacher who accepted his call to ministry at 17 and has spent 37 years leading Eastern Star Church — growing it to over 17,000 members across multiple campuses — earning him the lifelong title of Legacy Pastor. Under his leadership, the church has expanded its community footprint through JEWEL Human Services, the ROCK Initiative, and the Financial Freedom Institute, while he has also planted churches, launched Kingdom Word Ministries, authored seven books, and served as Assistant Chaplain for the Indiana Pacers. A graduate of Bishop College in Dallas with continued studies at Christian Theological Seminary, Pastor Johnson holds multiple honorary doctorates and remains a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life and leadership reflect an unwavering commitment to faith, family, and community transformation.

October London

Music Heritage Award
October London is a chart-topping R&B and soul singer-songwriter from South Bend, Indiana, who has emerged as one of the leading voices in contemporary soul music. Signed to Death Row Records by Snoop Dogg, London gained national acclaim with his hit single “Back to Your Place,” which topped the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart and earned multiple Soul Train Award nominations. Known for his smooth vocals, timeless sound, and influences from legendary artists such as Marvin Gaye, October London has captivated audiences nationwide with acclaimed projects including The Rebirth of Marvin and October Nights, solidifying his place as one of today’s most exciting and authentic soul artists.

Corporate Luncheon Table Sponsorship

IBE Corporate Luncheon Sponsorships Are Limited

Why Sponsor A Table?

  • Align your brand with one of Indiana’s most respected cultural and community organizations
  • Gain direct exposure to a diverse and influential audience
  • Demonstrate your commitment to community engagement and economic empowerment
  • Host your guests in a dynamic and meaningful environment

Reserve Your Table Today!

Corporate Luncheon table sponsorships are limited and expected to sell out quickly. We encourage you to secure your table as soon as possible to ensure your participation and maximize your visibility.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Supporter Table Sponsor - $5,000

  • Name on designated sponsored event signage
  • Listing on associated event printed material
  • Name and link on SC website
  • Name on video screens at Corporate Luncheon
  • 1 table of 10 at the Corporate Luncheon
  • 2 invites to the Sponsor Reception

Gold Table Sponsor - $10,000

  • Name on designated sponsored event signage
  • Logo on all sponsored event printed material Listing on associated event printed material
  • Name and link on SC website
  • Name on video screens at Corporate Luncheon
  • 1 table of 10 to the Corporate Luncheon
  • 1 table of 10 to the Mayor’s Breakfast
  • 2 invites to the Sponsor Reception

Platinum Table Sponsor - $15,000

  • Name on designated sponsored event signage
  • Logo on all sponsored event printed material
  • Name and link on SC website
  • Logo on video screens at Corporate Luncheon
  • 1/3 page color ad in SC Event Guide
  • 3 Public announcements in Exhibition Hall during the 3-day event
  • 1 table of 10 at the Corporate Luncheon
  • 1 table of 10 at the Mayor’s Breakfast
  • 2 invites to the Sponsor Reception

Corporate Luncheon Table Order Form

Please contact Indiana Black Expo for table inquires.

2026 Partners & Sponsors

Title Sponsor