# Event Details - **Event Name**: BACK TO THE AVENUE Indianapolis Recorder Community Picnic - **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 27 Jun, 2026 at 12:00 pm – Sat, 27 Jun, 2026 at 04:00 pm (-04:00) - **Event Description**: Join us for the BACK TO THE AVENUE picnic, fun vibes, great food, and community good times in Indy!About this EventJoin Us at the BACK TO THE AVENUE Indianapolis Recorder Community Picnic!For generations, the Recorder Community Picnic was one of the most anticipated gatherings in Indianapolis’ Black community. What started decades ago as a way to bring families, neighbors, businesses, churches, and community leaders together became a powerful tradition rooted in joy, connection, culture, and pride along historic Indiana Avenue.This wasn’t just a picnic.It was a reunion. A celebration. A reminder of the strength and spirit of our community.Now, the Indianapolis Recorder is proud to bring that tradition back home.Join us for BACK TO THE AVENUE as we honor the legacy of the Recorder Community Picnic and create new memories for the next generation. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/indianapolis/back-to-the-avenue-indianapolis-recorder-community-picnic/100001989232408683 - **Event Categories**: trips-adventures - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Indianapolis - **state**: IN - **country**: United States - **location**: 501 Indiana Ave - **lat**: 39.7749075 - **long**: -86.1654083 - **full address**: 501 Indiana Ave, 501 Indiana Avenue, Indianapolis, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: BACK TO THE AVENUE Indianapolis Recorder Community Picnic - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/f818161a4f5abeceeb34f16e42285807222366617f3b9de8d15b5764eb79308c-rimg-w1200-h600-dc151614-gmir.jpg?v=1778643435 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is BACK TO THE AVENUE Indianapolis Recorder Community Picnic being held? - **A:** BACK TO THE AVENUE Indianapolis Recorder Community Picnic takes place on Sat, 27 Jun, 2026 at 12:00 pm to Sat, 27 Jun, 2026 at 04:00 pm at 501 Indiana Ave, 501 Indiana Avenue, Indianapolis, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing BACK TO THE AVENUE Indianapolis Recorder Community Picnic? - **A:** BACK TO THE AVENUE Indianapolis Recorder Community Picnic is organized by Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** BACK TO THE AVENUE Indianapolis Recorder Community Picnic is ideal for foodies, craft beverage enthusiasts, and festival fans looking for the best local flavors and experiences. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Indianapolis, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If BACK TO THE AVENUE Indianapolis Recorder Community Picnic sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast. ## Structured Data (JSON-LD) ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "BACK TO THE AVENUE Indianapolis Recorder Community Picnic", "image": "https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/f818161a4f5abeceeb34f16e42285807222366617f3b9de8d15b5764eb79308c-rimg-w1200-h600-dc151614-gmir.jpg?v=1778643435", "startDate": "2026-06-27T12:00:00-04:00", "endDate": "2026-06-27T16:00:00-04:00", "url": "https://allevents.in/indianapolis/back-to-the-avenue-indianapolis-recorder-community-picnic/100001989232408683", "eventStatus": "https://schema.org/EventScheduled", "location": { "@type": "Place", "name": "501 Indiana Ave", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "501 Indiana Avenue", "postalCode": "46202", "addressLocality": "Indianapolis", "addressRegion": "IN", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "39.7749075", "longitude": "-86.1654083" } }, "eventAttendanceMode": "https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode", "description": "Join us for the BACK TO THE AVENUE picnic, fun vibes, great food, and community good times in Indy!", "offers": [ { "@type": "AggregateOffer", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "priceCurrency": "USD", "availabilityStarts": "2026-05-13", "availabilityEnds": "2026-06-27T16:00:00-04:00", "validFrom": "2026-05-13", "lowPrice": "0.00", "highPrice": "0.00", "price": "0.00", "url": "https://allevents.in/indianapolis/back-to-the-avenue-indianapolis-recorder-community-picnic/100001989232408683" }, { "@type": "Offer", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "priceCurrency": "USD", "availabilityStarts": "2026-05-13", "availabilityEnds": "", "validFrom": "2026-05-13", "url": "https://allevents.in/indianapolis/back-to-the-avenue-indianapolis-recorder-community-picnic/100001989232408683", "price": 0, "name": "General Admission" } ], "organizer": [ { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper", "url": "https://allevents.in/org/indianapolis-recorder-newspaper/26333583", "description": "About the Indianapolis Recorder NewspaperPublication: Indianapolis Recorder NewspaperYear Founded: 1895Founding Publishers: George P. Stewart and Will PorterLegacy Publisher: William G. MaysCurrent Leadership: Robert Shegog, President & CEOOverviewFounded in 1895 as a two-page church bulletin by George P. Stewart and Will Porter, the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper has grown into one of the most enduring and influential African American newspapers in the United States. Initially created to serve Indianapolis’ Black church community, the publication quickly evolved into a weekly newspaper in 1897, setting a precedent for journalistic excellence and community advocacy.By 1899, with Stewart as sole publisher, the Recorder became known for its deep commitment to local news, advancing beyond national competitors like The Freeman and Colored World. The Recorder has provided a trusted platform for marginalized voices for more than a century through focused reporting, editorials, and community contributions.Historical SignificanceIn the early 20th century, the Recorder addressed issues such as housing, education, and public health, while championing anti-lynching laws and voting rights.During both World Wars, the Recorder advocated for African American enlistment while promoting the Double V Campaign—victory abroad and at home.During the Civil Rights era, it covered the movements and legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Thurgood Marshall, and others.As a community-focused publication, it consistently spotlighted Black institutions like Crispus Attucks High School and the Madam Walker Manufacturing Company.Milestones and MovementThe Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper has shaped civic and cultural life in Indiana and beyond for over a century. Its pages have documented movements, mentored generations of journalists, and served as a mirror and a megaphone for the issues that matter most to its readers. Key milestones in the Recorder’s history include:Championing Civil Rights: From the early 1900s through the civil rights era, the Recorder stood at the forefront of advocacy journalism calling for anti-lynching legislation, fair housing practices, educational equity, and voting rights. The paper gave voice to the voiceless while spotlighting national figures such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Mobilizing the Community: The Recorder has consistently used its platform to mobilize civic action, encouraging readers to register to vote, attend town halls, support Black-owned businesses, and engage in the democratic process. During World Wars I and II, the Recorder promoted the Double V Campaign: victory against fascism abroad and racism at home.Preserving Cultural Identity: The paper has long championed cultural pride and creative expression, spotlighting historic institutions such as Crispus Attucks High School, the Madam Walker Legacy Center, and Black churches as pillars of strength. It has covered the rise of Black art, music, literature, and entrepreneurship, ensuring the cultural contributions of its community are recorded and respected.Shaping Public Policy Discourse: The Recorder has consistently advocated for equitable policies in public education, healthcare access, criminal justice reform, and economic development. Editorials and op-eds from the Recorder have helped shift conversations in boardrooms, classrooms, and statehouses.Mentorship and Pipeline Building: Beyond reporting, the Recorder has nurtured young journalists and future leaders through decades of internship and mentorship programs, culminating in the formal launch of the JAWS (Journalism and Writing Seminars) program 2012. This initiative has become a vital pipeline for training high school students in writing, research, and responsible storytelling.Navigating Historic Transitions: The Recorder has survived and adapted through the Great Depression, Jim Crow segregation, urban renewal, the digital revolution, and the COVID-19 pandemic, remaining a resilient institution committed to public service journalism.As the longest-standing publication in Indiana, the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper is more than a newspaper—it is a living archive of the struggles, triumphs, and transformation of an evolving community.Modern Leadership & TransformationIn 1990, William G. Mays, the visionary founder of Mays Chemical Company, acquired the Recorder to preserve its legacy. Under his guidance, the paper underwent significant technological upgrades, strengthening its role as a trusted institution.In 1998, Mays’ niece Carolene Mays became Publisher and General Manager. She ushered in a new era marked by:Structural and financial restructuringUpgraded editorial quality and visual designThe launch of Recorder On Air Report (ROAR)Community service outreach and media innovationIn 2010, Shannon Williams became President and General Manager, solidifying her reputation as a dynamic media leader. Her contributions include:Transformed Business Operations: Modernized internal systems and improved financial and editorial infrastructure to ensure sustainability.Founded Recorder Media Group: Expanded the brand’s influence by launching the Indiana Minority Business Magazine and other media platforms.Established Recorder Advisory Council: Created a cross-sector council of leaders to guide strategy and community alignment.Amplified Civic Engagement and Youth Outreach: Deepened impact through Recorder Charities and initiatives focused on youth journalism, voter engagement, and community empowerment.Enhanced Civic and Youth Engagement: Deepened impact through Recorder Charities, voter initiatives, and the creation of the Journalism and Writing Seminars (JAWS) program in 2012, a youth development initiative designed to introduce high school students to the principles of journalism, writing, ethics, and media literacy.In 2018, Robert Shegog was appointed President and CEO of Recorder Media Group. Under his leadership, the Recorder has experienced a renaissance—doubling its mission, investing in journalistic talent, and leading with innovation. His achievements include:Over 100 journalism awards in five yearsExpansion of newsroom staff and investigative capacityLaunch of Minority Business Review, a national publicationDevelopment of digital-first strategies and multimedia platformsStrategic partnerships with civic, nonprofit, and corporate organizations across IndianaShegog has positioned the Recorder as not only a historical institution but a future media company.Awards & RecognitionThe Recorder has received numerous honors for journalistic excellence and community leadership, including:National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) – General Excellence, Best Layout & DesignSociety of Professional Journalists – Investigative Reporting, Community Impact AwardsHoosier State Press Association – Multiple reporting, design, and photography awardsIndiana Journalism Award (2000)National Enshrinement Award (2001) – Inducted into the National Black Archives2018–2025: Over 100 awards for reporting, design, health equity, business coverage, and civic storytellingThe Recorder TodayWeekly Reach: Over 120,000 readers through print, web, social media, and audio platformsPrograms: Journalism and Writing Seminars (JAWS) for youth, Recorder Charities, ROAR segmentsImpact Areas: Health, education, environment, civic justice, culture, entrepreneurshipAudience: Engaged, multigenerational, and deeply rooted in Indiana’s Black communitiesVision for the FutureAs the world of journalism evolves, the Recorder remains dedicated to preserving its legacy while pushing forward with innovation:Digital Expansion: Enhanced mobile, video, and social storytellingYouth Investment: Hands-on training and mentorship through Recorder Charities and JAWSMedia Partnerships: Collaborations with regional and national media for broader reachCommunity-Centered Journalism: Continued commitment to empowering underserved voicesContact UsAddress: 2901 N. Tacoma Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46218Phone: (317) 924-5143Fax: (317) 924-5148Email: newsroom@indyrecorder.comWebsite: www.indianapolisrecorder.com" } ] } ] ```