The Indiana Black Expo

In today's racially charged world, I have to wonder why Indiana continues to hold the "Black Expo". Each year, since 1970, Indianapolis has hosted the Black Expo. It is, as I understand it, a huge event. This Expo lasts a week and is sponsored by such groups as AT&T, Coca-cola, Coors, Eli Lilly, Fed Ex, McDonalds, NCAA, UPS, and Verizon Wireless, just to name a few.

I have only lived in Indiana for about 9 years, so I decided to do a little research into what the Black Expo really was about and what kinds of things it involves. So, I went to the Black Expo home page (found here). I thought it best to go straight to the source for my research.

I read the history of the Black Expo and it's purpose and goals. They seem okay. It's stated purpose: "It has encouraged, uplifted and celebrated the accomplishments and achievements of African-Americans throughout Indiana. Its mission, to be an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. Its vision, that African-American youth and families achieve their highest potential and reflect pride in their ethnicity."

Now, I find nothing at all wrong with this statement. In fact, I think that's a great goal. I have no problem with highlighting the accomplishments of African-Americans (or any Americans). I think it's great that African-Americans (or any Americans) have a voice in their social and economic situations. I certainly hope that all African-American youth and families (or all Americans) can achieve their highest potential and be proud of their ethnicity.

My problem comes in the way this is packaged. All the goals are great and noble. But my question is this: If I were to start a "White Expo" (for which I would most certainly qualify), would my intentions be perceived as noble and enriching in my community? Or would they, as I highly suspect, be perceived as racist and bigoted and harmful to the other people in the community? Would my efforts to highlight the achievements of whites-only be seen as laudable or be met with outrage and cries of "foul"? (Don't worry, you needn't answer as I think I can figure out the answer for myself.)

You see, today's society demands that we all be tolerant of one another and that we be color-blind. The problem is that color-blind seems only to apply to whites. It's okay for everyone else to celebrate their cultural heritage. It's fine for everyone else to hold exclusive events on the basis of skin color or race. It's just wrong if I, as a white person, decide to do the same thing. Then it's racist. There is a clear double standard.

(By the way, to my knowledge, the Black Expo does not exclude anyone from participating, that's not my point here.)

So, you might ask: Well then, what do you want? I don't know. I don't care if the African-American community feels that they need to hold a Black Expo. It doesn't offend me and who knows, maybe it does a lot of good for a lot of people. I don't care if the Hispanic community wants to hold a Hispanic Expo to discuss their heritage either. Hey, let the Muslims have a Muslim Expo if they want. (Just don't publish any derogatory cartoons of Muhammed if you value your town.)

The point here is this: If we're supposed to be color-blind in America, if we're supposed to not care about ethnicity and treat everyone equally, then how about working together to have an "Indiana Expo" or an "American Expo" and quit focusing on race. How about leaving the double standard behind. Quit being a hyphenated American and just be American. When this happens, and only then, will racism be a thing of the past.