A Week to Remember!

Leroy Robinson Week in Elkhart, presented by the Elkhart Chapter of Indiana Black Expo, presents a week full of music, arts and culture, sports, and wellness

The Elkhart Chapter of Indiana Black Expo (IBE) hosts its fourth annual Leroy Robinson Week and Southern Soul & Soul Music Festival, Aug. 10-17, featuring a weeklong schedule of events to honor the life and legacy of Leroy Robinson, a founding member of the Elkhart Chapter of IBE and a longtime contributor to the organization. Robinson, who passed away in 2022, was instrumental in founding the Elkhart Chapter in 1973 and subsequently helped organize and start chapters in South Bend, Michigan City, and Fort Wayne. Robinson held many positions during his involvement in IBE on the state and local level. He was also involved in work for special needs children and was known for helping people in the Elkhart community with employment and educational opportunities.

Leroy Robinson Week kicks off on Sunday, Aug. 10, at 4 p.m., with “Lerner on the Lawn,” hosted by The Lerner Theatre, featuring a free outdoor concert with the acclaimed gospel group Lamar Campbell & Spirit of Praise. According to Elkhart IBE President Robert Taylor, the 2025 version of Leroy Robinson Week brings more excitement than ever to the City of Elkhart and presents activities and gatherings that are inclusive for all members of the community, including a Special Needs Family Day on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

“This year we have incredible national performers coming in, and more importantly we have something for everyone and we have the largest volunteer base we have ever seen in the history of this event,” said Taylor. “That all makes me feel so proud of the City of Elkhart and our community. That’s our goal, to get everyone working together and pulling in the same direction. A lot of people knew Leroy as ‘Mr. Black Expo,’ and this whole week is a tribute to his legacy in our community.”

Hip-hop pioneer Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, a founding member of the legendary group Run-DMC, presents the DMC Mental Health Symposium on Aug. 14 at The Lerner Theatre. Led by McDaniels, and free for students, this gathering blends music, mental wellness, inspiration, and motivation in an unforgettable and important community conversation and Q&A session.

The week also includes an inspiring community conversation with University of Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Niele Ivey on Aug. 13 at the Tolson Center; an African American Arts & Culture Pavilion; a youth basketball camp on Aug. 17 and a legends rivalry game between Elkhart Memorial and Elkhart Central; and musical performances from visiting national music acts including Grammy-winning recording artist Chrisette Michele, Syleena Johnson, Howard Hewett, Jeter Jones, Surface, and the aforementioned DMC, who is credited with selling over 40 million records and amassing 1 billion streams.

“Our work involves doing whatever is possible to make our community better and to uplift people,” said Taylor, 2023 winner of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Trailblazer Award. “I work in the music industry and as a DJ, and I’ve been blessed to travel around the world. I’m glad to be able to help bring well-known performers to Elkhart because I want our kids and our residents to be inspired. I want them to know they don’t have to leave Elkhart to experience some of the good things in life.”

Elkhart a draw for performers

Leroy Robinson Week, Taylor has learned, is also something of an attraction for many of the national touring musicians who perform at the event each year.

“We only invited DMC for one day, but he said, ‘I’m coming for four days,’” said Taylor. “A lot of our performers travel all over the nation, and they look forward to coming to a place where they can slow down their pace for a few days and relax a bit. They’ve also heard about Elkhart pride and spirit—and our challenges—and they know how much the music means to people in smaller towns. The performers who come here want to experience this place and bring their best. I thank all of our many planners, sponsors, and volunteers. Elkhart is home for me, and all of us with the Elkhart Chapter will keep working hard to support and build up our residents and communities.”

Leroy Robinson Week Schedule:

• August 10: “Lerner on the Lawn” event kickoff with Lamar Campbell & Spirit of Praise.
• August 12: Special Friends with Special Needs Family Day.
• August 13: Community conversation with Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Niele Ivey centered around health, wellness and mental fitness.
• August 14: Mental Health Symposium featuring Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC.
• August 15: African American Arts & Cultural Pavilion.
• August 16: The Calvin Richardson Experience (concert).
• August 17: 10th Annual South Side Parade.

For more information about Leroy Robinson Week, visit https://elkhartibe.com/events.