Indianapolis' Black Expo
Celebrity basketball game offers chance for local celebrities to give back to black community July 17, 2015
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Allyson EdmondsThe true reason for celebrities coming together to play basketball is to invest in the future of the city’s young people.
“It’s all about taking the opportunity to invest back into our future,” said Amp Harris, a local celebrity DJ. “Young people today look up to these celebrities to give them hope for their futures.” Fans filled the stands of in the Indiana Convention Center Saturday for the Amp Harris and Reggie Wayne “Saving Our Youth” Celebrity Basketball Game and slam dunk contest. It is one of the most popular events at the annual Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration. Harris is a radio host and promoter of community events who has been a part of the celebrity basketball game for 20 years and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. “You can be successful in anything you do if you have a moral compass to go along with your talents,” Harris said. He is focused on giving back to the community and helping young people follow their dreams. "Always put God into your life. No matter what you do, if you have God, nothing can go wrong." He hopes to give youth the confidence to know that there are positive celebrities and kids should seek any opportunities that cross their paths. One of Harris’ closest confidants, he said, is Colts receiver Reggie Wayne. Wayne received the key to the city of Indianapolis the day before the basketball game. Harris asked Wayne personally to be a part of the annual celebration. “Before I got involved, Edgerrin James was hosting the event,” Wayne said. “Now that James has moved on and I’ve taken over, I don’t think I’m going to let anyone take it away from me.” Three-time world champion boxer Adrien Broner also played in the game and had no problem making sure people knew why he was there. “Any chance I see to help the young people, I take it,” Broner said. “For the kids, I’ll do whatever it takes. It’s very important to attend the Expo because we need to support our own culture.” The basketball game brought another celebrity to the spotlight who appeals to the young people. The young aspiring music artist and Indianapolis native Trevor Jackson made an appearance on the court, showing off not only his skills with a basketball, but his vocal skills as well. “I always have fun coming back home to be with my family and my community,” said Jackson. “This is my second year at the Expo and I love it. It just keeps getting better and better.” Wayne’s team, wearing white, took the victory with a 74-65 finish. Here are among the game’s other players: B-Swift Roosevelt Colvin Keshia Nicole Pat the Roc Kyle Dupree Eddie Gill Antoine Turner Jason Spells Anthony Sims George Hill Lil’ J Ty Hilton Wesley Jonathan Dewayne Allen Trevor Jackson Rev. Jeffrey A. Johnson Erika Ash Flex Alexander Stephen Bishop Bonzi Wells |