INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — One of the premiere black events in the nation is getting under way in Indianapolis with the city's clergy pressuring street gang leaders to keep the event peaceful.
Indiana Black Expo's annual Summer Celebration was set to begin with an ecumenical religious service Thursday night. The event continues through June 17th.
Ten people were shot and wounded last year in downtown Indianapolis when a street gang member opened fire on a crowded street.
WRTV-TV reports clergy including the president of the faith-based Ten Point Coalition in Indianapolis met with gang leaders on Wednesday to pressure them to observe a truce during the event.
Black Expo has taken steps to reduce violence including enlisting volunteers to walk downtown streets and staging youth-oriented events in close proximity to family events.
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Information from: WRTV-TV, http://www.theindychannel.com/index.html
