Indianapolis Public Library’s Fall Fest 2025 Inspires Youth with The Three Doctors’ Story of Perseverance
The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee, in support of the Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC), presents Fall Fest 2025 and Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge XIX. The celebration takes place Saturday, November 15, from noon - 4 p.m. at Central Library.
This year’s family-friendly Fall Fest will feature special guests, Drs. Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt, and George Jenkins. Fondly known as The Three Doctors, they are extraordinary role models for anyone who’s been through any kind of life challenge or major hardship. As teenage boys growing up on the tough inner-city streets of Newark, New Jersey, these three kindred spirits made a pact: they would stick together, go to college, graduate, and become doctors. Today, they share their formula for becoming prominent, successful men and provide opportunities for young people to participate in impactful activities.
In addition to The Three Doctors talk, local youth will perform their winning entries from this year’s Slammin' Rhymes Challenge, a contest for poets, rappers, and spoken word artists in grades 6-12. The event will also feature performances by GEO Next Generation Academy Drumline, 3BFIT, Elevation Dance Refinery, Steppin’ with Shayla, and speaker, author, and poet Kia Lanae.
“Fall Fest is a safe, enjoyable, family-friendly, and free event that introduces young people in our community to inspiring and relatable role models,” said Cordia Watkins, event organizer and Circulation Manager at The Indianapolis Public Library. “We want our young people to know that The Indianapolis Public Library celebrates their gifts and talents and believes in their potential. This event gives Marion County students the opportunity to develop their public speaking skills and build confidence and character. Attendees also enjoy dynamic performances and hear from impactful speakers.”
Fall Fest was founded by The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee as a celebration of African American culture through interactive programming. In previous years, Fall Fest has included face paintings, local school choirs, fashion shows, youth crafts, live entertainment, and interactive storytelling.
The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee was formed in November 1979 to increase awareness of the contributions made by African Americans to our society, to encourage more African American programming throughout the Library system, and to present the diverse accomplishments and heritage of African Americans to the general public.
Fall Fest is free, open to the public, and made possible by The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund and J. Steve and Donna D. Talley Fund through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.