The Indiana Black Expo recognized six notable figures Friday at its annual corporate luncheon in Indianapolis, celebrating contributions across entertainment, faith, music and sports.
Honorees and civic leaders attend
The organization presented awards to: Anthony Anderson, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award; Delroy Lindo, given the Screen Image Award; Jeffrey Johnson Sr., awarded the Legacy Award; October London, presented with the Music Heritage Award; and Terri Carmichael Jackson, recognized for Excellence in Sports for her work with the WNBA Players Association. Indiana Black Expo President and CEO Alice Watson and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett also appeared on stage during the program.
- Anthony Anderson — Lifetime Achievement Award
- Delroy Lindo — Screen Image Award
- Jeffrey Johnson Sr. — Legacy Award
- October London — Music Heritage Award
- Terri Carmichael Jackson — Excellence in Sports
Why the WNBA award mattered
Carmichael Jackson framed her recognition in the context of the WNBA’s recently negotiated collective bargaining agreement, calling the deal transformative for women’s professional sports. She said her award honors the players’ leadership and the union’s gains.
"This award is so meaningful. I accept it on behalf of them and their work, and their leadership, and their courage. What we achieved in this CBA, I told the players, I was going to say it every time they put a mic in front of me. What we achieved is truly transformational," Carmichael Jackson said.
She added that the CBA produced a significant salary increase, describing it as the largest such boost across professional sports — men’s or women’s — and said the result was historic for the league and its players.
Local impact and context
The luncheon reinforces Indianapolis’ role as a gathering place for cultural and civic leadership in the state. Indiana Black Expo’s annual corporate event spotlights Hoosier connections in entertainment, faith and sports while providing a platform for national figures to discuss issues affecting Black communities and professional athletes.
| Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Lifetime Achievement | Anthony Anderson |
| Screen Image | Delroy Lindo |
| Legacy | Jeffrey Johnson Sr. |
| Music Heritage | October London |
| Excellence in Sports | Terri Carmichael Jackson |
By honoring the WNBA Players Association leader, the event highlighted labor and equity issues that resonate beyond Indianapolis, drawing attention to professional women's sports' economic and cultural trajectory.
The awards luncheon is among several high-profile moments at Indiana Black Expo gatherings that connect local civic priorities with national conversations in entertainment and sport.
