Center for Black Literature & Culture’s Black Health Fair Brings Resources, Screenings, and Experts to Central Library

The Indianapolis Public Library's Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) invites the community to its first Black Health Fair on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Central Library.

This event will feature more than 30 health vendors offering resources, screenings, and services designed to support overall well-being. Attendees can connect with community organizations and hear from dynamic speakers addressing health and wellness in the Black community.

Featured speakers include:

• Beatrice Beverly – A passionate advocate with expertise in conflict management, community activism, and youth leadership. Beverly will lead a candid and inspiring conversation on wellness and empowerment.

• Dr. Virginia Caine – Director and Chief Medical Officer of the Marion County Public Health Department. Dr. Caine will share vital insights on the state of community health and the importance of access to care.

Bryanna Barnes, public services librarian at the Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC), said the goal of the event is to help advance health equity in Indianapolis.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black Americans face shorter lifespans and higher rates of infant and maternal mortality. They are also disproportionately affected by chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

“We want to empower individuals to thrive through wellness, education, and connection,” said Barnes. “In addition to hearing from our powerful speakers, attendees can connect to resources right here in the community that will improve their overall health and wellness. This ties into the Library’s strategic priority of supporting wellbeing.”

Attending Organizations Include:

• American Heart Association

• BU Wellness

• Catholic Charities

• Center of Wellness for Urban Women

• Children’s Express Care Clinic

• CICOA

• Covering Kids

• Damien Center

• Eskenazi Health

• Fathers & Families

• Gennesaret Free Clinics

• Genesys Solutions (with guest speaker/activity by Beatrice Beverly)

• Indiana Donor Network

• IU Health LifeCare (HIV Services)

• Kishia Dokes

• Little Red Door Cancer Agency

• Marion County Public Health Department (with guest speaker Dr. Virginia Caine)

• Nurse Practitioner Abby Wantz

• Oak Street Health

• Raphael Health Center

• Eskenazi Health – Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Services

• St. Vincent de Paul

• Women in Motion

• YMCA of Greater Indianapolis

• MCPHD Nutrition Services

• Step-Up, Inc.

• Kroger Pharmacy (on-site vaccinations)

• Aspire Indiana

• Adult & Child Health

• Assessment & Intervention Center

• Anthem

• Clinician-Led Community Response Team (CLCR)

 

This event is made possible through a grant made by The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.