Steward Speakers

10/17/2026

The conversations are powerful, and the focus is on ACTION! 🙌🏾

From this morning’s press conference and opening remarks to the panel discussion moderated by Roland S. Martin, today’s Steward Speakers 40th Anniversary Kickoff is bringing “Black in America: From Conversation to Action” to life at the Madam Walker Legacy Center.

We’re talking about the issues, exploring solutions, and discussing how advocacy and community involvement can move us forward.

Take a look at today’s conversation in action! 🎥

10/17/2026

Black in America: From Conversation to Action

This panel is AMAZING! 🔥

Roland S. Martin and our panelists are bringing powerful perspectives to the issues facing our community, with advocacy, solutions, and action at the heart of the discussion.

Our panel features:
• Rev. Nicole Barnes, Executive Director Faith in Action
• Attorney Anthony Murdock, Founder and Principal of the Black Liberation Ecosystem
• Amy Nelson, Executive Director of Fair Housing Center of. Central Indiana
• Dr. Clyde Posley, Senior Pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church

Moderated by Roland S. Martin, this is what Black in America: From Conversation to Action is all about. The energy at the Madam Walker Legacy Center is incredible!

Steward Speakers. More Than Just Talk.

10/17/2026

Black in America: From Conversation to Action” is happening NOW!

Tracy Boyd and Matthew Steward opened the day, but the press conference with Roland Martin and our panelists happened behind the scenes. You can get some insight from our snippet of pictures.

We’re kicking off Steward Speakers’ 40th anniversary with meaningful dialogue, community connection, and a call to action! It’s not too late to join us at the Madam Walker center! It’s free and open to the public.

10/15/2026

For four decades, Steward Speakers has brought nationally recognized African American leaders, scholars, activists and artists to Indianapolis, creating a forum for intellectual exchange and civic dialogue while challenging the perception that the city is merely a stopover. Founded in 1986 by Matthe...

10/14/2026

Roland Martin opens the 40th anniversary of the Steward Speakers on Oct. 17, 2026.

Will you be there?

Thanks to Latasha Boyd Jones and the Indianapolis Recorder for this article highlighting the Steward Speakers 40th year celebration. Read the full article here:

For four decades, Steward Speakers has brought nationally recognized African American leaders, scholars, activists and artists to Indianapolis, creating a forum for intellectual exchange and civic dialogue while challenging the perception that the city is merely a stopover. Founded in 1986 by Matthe...

10/14/2026

The conversation matters. What we do next matters even more.

Steward Speakers kicks off its 40th Anniversary Celebration Season with BLACK IN AMERICA: From Conversation to Action, moderated by national broadcast journalist Roland Martin.

This day is designed to move beyond talking about what is happening in our communities to asking an essential question:

What can we do about it?

Together, we will challenge assumptions, elevate voices, explore solutions, and identify meaningful ways that each of us, individually and collectively, can help turn dialogue into action.

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Madam Walker Legacy Center
🎟️ FREE and open to the public. Seating is limited. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-in-america-a-day-of-critical-40th-anniversary-celebration-kickoff-tickets-2000660787271

Be in the room. Be part of the conversation. Be part of the action.

10/13/2026

40 Years of Steward Speakers. From Conversation to Action!

Thank you to “Unity in the Community” and host Pastor Jackson for welcoming Matthew Steward, Founder and President of Steward Speakers, and Larry Smith, Steward Speakers Board Member and President/CEO of Fathers and Families Center, to discuss our upcoming 40th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration!

This Saturday, October 17, we invite the community to join us for BLACK IN AMERICA: From Conversation to Action, a day of meaningful dialogue, reflection, and community engagement.

For 40 years, Steward Speakers has brought important voices and conversations to Indianapolis. Now, as we celebrate this milestone, we’re focused on turning those conversations into action!

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Madam Walker Legacy Center, Indianapolis
🎤 Moderated by Roland S. Martin

Watch a portion of the interview and join us Saturday as we celebrate 40 years of being More Than Just Talk!

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WCYpDIPTM0

Pastor James Jackson, Matthew Steward of Steward Speakers and Larry...