Simply put, without our generous sponsors, the Melanin in May Festival would not be affordable to the vast majority of the Indianapolis community. As a result of their generosity, we’re able to provide a free experience for attendees to experience live performances, a venue for Black-owned businesses and patrons to network with others, and contribute to the landscape of Black joy and entrepreneurship in Indy. By donating to Melanin in May, each has furthered our mission to provide opportunities to celebrate Blackness in Bloom, and serve as a launchpad for these small businesses.
Vibranium Sponsorship
“Black Onyx Management, a benefit corporation, is a Black owned applied research firm and management consultancy with clients across the country. We believe the journey of diversity, equity, and inclusion is an intentional decision informed by empathy, a commitment to learning, and a desire to change. We advance diversity, equity, and inclusion by developing programs, implementing strategies, analysis and assessments, and training that are both action-oriented and produce results. Our advisors leverage their senior leadership experience in government, businesses including Fortune 500 companies, national think tanks, and major non-profit and civic initiatives to support clients on their diversity, equity, and inclusion journey. ”
PMPHASE is a consulting firm that believes “all jobs are projects”. The organization’s purpose is to assess, address and resolve issues that may be complicating or compromising daily business operations. Our goal is to promote platinum level service with integrity, quality and commitment.
The company has engaged with several top level organizations in the healthcare industry as well as one of the leading firms in the legal industry. We value our clients and their dedication to education, training and development, and process improvements for their staff and organization overall.
PMPHASE focuses on project management, education, training and development, business analytics, revenue cycle management, and process improvement. With over twenty five years of experience in the company, we offer the expertise needed to successfully complete all projects we are involved in.
Indiana University Health (IU Health) is Indiana’s most comprehensive health system. With hospitals, physician offices and allied services, IU Health provides access to a full range of specialty and primary care services for adults and children.
IU Health systems are dedicated to improving the health equity and quality of life in the communities we serve. We invest time and resources in organizations, programs and initiatives that focus on priority health needs that complement our mission and benefit all members of the community.
Platinum Sponsorship
Violet Vintage Rentals
Violet Vintage Party Rentals, an event, party and wedding rental marketplace in Indianapolis. Violet Vintage Party Rentals was established in 2013 with the purpose of providing party and wedding rentals that inspire and excite, giving our clients the rental resources they need to create truly memorable experiences.
Violet Vintage Party Rentals strives to be the ultimate and most sought-after event and party rental provider in Indiana. We aim to exceed the expectations of our clients by providing them with a party and wedding rental marketplace that has unique and innovative products that enables them to create compelling experiences for their events. We do this by:
- staying ahead of industry trends and continuously expanding and updating our inventory to provide the latest and most exciting party and event rentals.
- working closely with our clients to fully understand their needs and vision and exceed their expectations.
- providing exceptional customer service and offering competitive prices so that our clients can host their events without breaking the bank
24K Sponsorship
Republic Security, LLC
Republic Security provides a collaborative and efficient approach to security and personal protection services that helps our clients reduce costs, manage risk, while maintaining a safe working environment.
Exponentia Prime
Exponentia Prime is a book series about a girl named Prime who is a math genius. She and her friend Factor are tasked with using problem solving to save math worlds in the Exponentia Universe. The book serves as an introduction and inspiration into math and problem solving for Black children across the world. The book also serves as an opportunity for Black children to be introduced to the Exponentia Prime Math Experience, which is our form of math competition.
Will Jackson for Indianapolis City-County Council (District 20)
“As a formerly elected township board member, I know the importance of listening to residents to make sound decisions. Being a business owner and employer, I understand the distinguished level of responsibility and duty to have people counting on you. Now is the time for leadership that measures and balances the needs of every person in District 20 and this can only be achieved with working together. As the grandson of the first African American woman elected to the City County Council, my family has been blessed to have a long legacy of community leaders whose heart for service has carried us into a brighter future. I am humbly asking for your support of my candidacy as I run for City County Council. Please stand with me and meet this moment so we can rise together.”
National Minority Home Care Association
The mission of the National Minority Home Care Association is to unite minority home care owners. It is our hope that we’re able to build a lasting community of home care and healthcare professionals.
For more information on the National Minority Homecare Association, visit their website at http://www.nationalminorityhca.org
National Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion at Martin University
Martin University’s National Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion (NCREI) is to assist leaders, communities, and organizations in their efforts to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion. The NCREI will skill up DEI professionals for sustainable practices, advance capacity-building strategies and initiatives that address persistent racial inequities, and achieve more inclusion for communities, businesses, institutions, and organizations throughout our nation through education and training. We also recognize our responsibility to advance collaboration and collective impact with other organizations that seek to resolve racial equity gaps in our country.
Indiana Black Expo
Indiana Black Expo (IBE) celebrates cultural diversity and inclusiveness across all races, ethnicities, nationalities, generations, socioeconomic levels and religious affiliations. We continue to strive for excellence by providing unique events and programs that reflect the changing landscape of Indiana and the world. Our commitment to excellence through personal enhancement and community development exemplify our dedication to improving the quality of life for all. With a statewide infrastructure now including 12 chapter affiliates, IBE continues to be a major economic and social contributor to our youth and the Indiana community.
Connected in Community
Connected in Community creates a space where Black, Queer, and otherwise marginalized people can seek wellness, tackle complex emotions, and build community. Our mission is to promote collective liberation by offering inclusive, emotionally safe healthcare and community education focused on health equity. We specialize in providing mental health services for people who have been marginalized historically, using anti-oppressive frameworks and increasing our client’s access to quality and emotionally safe healthcare.
Bond Behavioral Services
Bond Behavioral Services is an approved Indiana Medicaid Company offering Behavioral Management for individuals with developmental disabilities and Autism. We use person-centered therapy along with focusing on bonding and empowering all clients to achieve their goals!
Silver Sponsorship
DOPE Lemonades
Dope Lemonades is not your average lemonade stand. Offering ‘Fresh Ingredients and Dope Flavors’ – we specialize in gourmet lemonades, iced teas, frozen beverages, and sugarless drink options at festivals, private parties, and public indoor and outdoor events. You may have had lemonade before; but you’ve NEVER tasted anything like this. We present a fun and delicious alternative to soda – with flavors that appeal to the people we serve. From fruity and fun, to exotic cultural drink varieties, seasonal treats, and customized options. We serve our cold drinks in clear cups or glass mason jars with fresh fruit. Our visual aesthetic is just as important as our taste – and with some of the dopest flavors around – you’re bound to find something you like!
Victor the App
NBMBAA Indianapolis Chapter
The NBMBAA Indianapolis chapter has been in existence for 33 years. We have about 140 members locally. On the National level we have 42 local NBMBAA chapters and over 20,000 members throughout North America. The Indianapolis Chapter is looking to grow our local chapter, so we are needing folks to get involved in our local NBMBAA chapter to participate in programs, networking events and to contribute to the intellectual and economic development of our community. We are black, MBA, we are black excellence!
circle City Icon
Circle City ICON Indy’s premier 360 video experience provider. It’s the perfect addition to any corporate event, school function, wedding, private party, or interactive brand activation looking to separate themselves from the rest. Let us make your next event ICONIC!
DJ MaryJane
DJ MaryJane has provided musical entertainment at special events for Grammy Award Winner and Vocalist Brandy, along with Actress Lisa Raye and Rapper, Trina! DJ MaryJane is well-known in Indianapolis, Detroit and surrounding cities. DJ MaryJane won the 2020 Midwest Leak Awards for Indy’s Favorite Breakout DJ! Book DJ MaryJane, you will NOT be disappointed!
A Klassy Life
A Klassy Life is unlike no other! We’re a kreative (yes with a “k”) media and design agency committed to helping your business and brand level up its digital presence! We’re also a proud minority and woman-owned and operated agency. From audio production and voiceover to graphic and web design, our collective team of creatives are here for you! Start today for better branding & marketing tomorrow…the klassy way!
RecZone Indy
At RecZone Indy, their mission is to improve the overall quality of life for the individual and their communities through recreation, wellness, and personal and professional development. offer various programs such as yoga, martial arts, professional development, business coaching, space rental and event services, and much more.
ResumeMe
Freetown Village Living History Museum
Robert goodman Jewelers
Bronze Sponsorship
Guys Cooking Creation
Guy’s Cooking Creation was launched in 2017 by owner, Phillip Guy. Phillip has always had a passion for making connections through creating amazing dishes and incredible sauces. Phillip Guy was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, he comes from a lineage of cooks. After high school he immediately entered the workforce exploring several career opportunities before deciding what he didn’t mind waking up doing the rest of his life. Phillip decided to make Guy’s Cooking Creation official, and the rest has been history. Guy’s Cooking Creation has continued to create e a buzz due to its creative dishes and incredible sauces. Phillip currently has 17 Sauces ranging from Barbeque Sauces, Hot Sauces, and International Sauces. The company is committed to providing a premier service with a personalized touch. As business continues to grow Phillip finds himself in high demand, however he never grows weary in seeing his vision that was once a dream come true.
Coochie Cane LLC
Bring back that youthful glow with our Handmade Luxurious Exfoliating CBD Sugar Scrub, powerful enough to rejuvenate your dry skin, yet gentle enough to use every day and leaving your skin feeling as soft and smooth as a baby. The oils that we use and our sweet scents leave your body feeling so silky! The aftertaste from the coconut oil and essential oils leaves just a little treat for your partner. We specialize in pain relief, pleasure, and pampering. The ultimate goal is to help you look good, feel good, smell good and taste good!”
Nei Natural Body Care LLC
Nei Natural Body Care LLC. is a Black-Owned Business run by a Licensed Esthetician and Herbalist soon to be CPT. NNBC produces Handmade Organic Fruit and Herb based Skin and Hair Care. Our Products are derived from the best Plants of Nature. We provide a variety of Handmade Soaps, Hair Care, Men’s Care and Body Butters which are Top Quality, Chemical and Soy Free. NNBC takes pride in giving Confidence and Beauty back to those who suffer from skin related issues such as Psoriasis, Eczema, Acne, Extremely dry skin, Stretch Marks etc. NNBC is skilled in Herbalism and has genuine concern for skin health. We are a fast growing company because we put our customers first. A customer centered shopping experience has been our goal and we pride ourselves in comprehensive policies that have put us in the realm above and beyond our competitors.
Maurice R. Scott for City-County Council
I am proud of the work I have done and want to continue to serve in our community by pushing sound policy that will improve our quality of life. If elected as your councilor, I will focus on:
- Saving homes in the tax sale due to special assessment fees by municipal organizations,
- Focus on the underlying issues that plague the increasing homicides.
- Direct more funds to local youth and non-profit organizations to keep kids safe and out the street
- and Redevelop Northwest Parkway, making it the premier park in Indianapolis.
BluePrint Ambitions
Thrival Academy
Thrival Indy Academy is a humanities-focused high school that exposes students to diverse global perspectives through experiential learning and identity exploration in order to incubate educated global citizens and passionate community leaders.
The Travel Snob, LLC
The Travel Snob, LLC is a full-service travel agency specializing in curated experiences. Whether you are looking for a world cruise or weekend getaway, I can make your travel dreams a reality. You can count on me to provide the best travel planning while providing you with the best value.
The Black Girls Eating Podcast
Co-hosts Tanorria Askew of Tanorria’s Table, and Candace Boyd of FoodLoveTog, talk, educate, and advocate for justice, Black Girl Magic, and well-seasoned food. Both leaders of the food scene in Indianapolis, Candace and Tanorria’s cadence over the airwaves is magical. They mesh. They are meant to do this. They learned about their special bond while sharing platforms and stages. They both work with Indy Women in Food as Community Engagement Leads and co-moderators of the DiverseCity Series. Candace and Tanorria don’t wait for opportunities to amplify Black voices. They make them. Grab a biscuit and a chicken wing, and tune in every other week for a celebration of sisterhood, food, and Black culture.
Find them anywhere you listen to podcasts and at BlackGirlsEating.com
Perry’s Boutique Vibe, LLC
B. Majors Publishing
Rooted with Ruby
ServeNSlay
Our brand represents cultural empowerment with an attitude while also planning and executing our mission and purpose through community service outreach and partnerships. We reflect the kings and queens we originated from all the way to the hustle and grind we experience to achieve our goals. Serve N Slay Apparel line includes non-formal items such as graphic tees, long sleeve sweatshirts, hoodies, custom jackets, tank tops and crop tees while our boutique offers styles to make every woman feel beautiful and sexy no matter their shape and size. Our motto “Serve Your Purpose. Slay Your Doubters. reflects serving a greater purpose within our community and not just living within it but being an advocate of positive change for it while slaying doubts, hindrances, obstacles, and naysayers that may come your way. We are a brand of pride, empowerment, and attitude.
#317GetAGrip
God’s Little Angels Inc.
God’s Little Angels Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that understands the hardships many teen parents face on a day-to-day basis. Many of these hardships affect their ability to better themselves for the sake of their children. One of the hardships that we see far too often, is the inability to afford child care. Through our efforts, we are able to provide scholarships to teen parents to be able to for child care. By being able to pay for child care, they now are then able to maintain employment, further their education, or both!
Tru Colors Consulting
At Tru Colors Consulting, we have to understand the power of now and not delay the impact of the youth voice until tomorrow when we need to listen today. We focus on four key areas: Professional Development, School & Community-Based Programming, Narrative Change, and Youth-Led Platform Support.
media Sponsors
Real 98.3 FM Indianapolis
iHeart Media’s affiliate home of Hip Hop and R&B, Real 98.3 FM Indianapolis!!! Naptown’s new home for Hip-Hop n’ R&B will officially be in the house for this year’s event to hold it down and Keep it REAL. “We are the Culture. Every single one of Us.”
E.G.O. Entertainment
Speak On It!
Brace yourself for the unexpected with Speak On It Media, LLC’s new TV Show, “Speak On It Media”. It’s All Things Indy! Hip Hop R&B Gospel music, Interviews, Black Owned Businesses, Small Businesses, Poetry, Podcast, and People all over the city: SPEAK ON IT!!!! Hosted by Lamont Stokes and packed with interviews, music videos, live performances, movie reviews, fashion, and so much more! It would be wise to…Become a Speakazoid & Join The Movement!!!