Black History Month Honorees 2025 Presented By Eskenazi Health
During this Black History Month, we are privileged to honor 10 outstanding individuals.
These remarkable honorees have made a significant impact in various fields, embodying the spirit of resilience, leadership, and innovation throughout Indianapolis.
From trailblazing activists and influential cultural icons to groundbreaking entrepreneurs and pioneering scholars, each honoree has left an indelible mark on history and continues to inspire future generations.
Join us in celebrating their achievements and recognizing the profound influence of black excellence.
Take a look at our honorees below!
*If an honoree’s video is showing then we have highlighted this individual on our social media account!*
1. Matthew Steward
Matthew Steward, founder and president of Steward Speakers, Inc., began developing speaker series events while a student at Indiana University’s Bloomington campus through the campus Union Board. The Union Board, a student-led campus entertainment program, planned and hosted guest lectures, plays, and theater events. Notable guest lecturers to the university community included Harry Belafonte, the late Dick Gregory and Bill Cosby. With the support of his family and help from local community leaders such as the late William Mays, founder of Mays Chemical Company and Sam Jones of the Indianapolis Urban League, Steward Speakers was introduced to the Indianapolis community in November 1986.
For more than 36 years, under his leadership, Steward Speakers has been dedicated to enhancing the community by providing opportunities to engage with America’s best leaders and brightest luminaries. More than 150 distinguished featured speakers including Secretary of State, the late General Colin Powell, award-winning actress, Viola Davis, gospel recording artist, Kirk Franklin, entertainer Steve Harvey, former special assistant to President Barack Obama, Valerie Jarrett, NBA legend and philanthropist, Ervin “Magic” Johnson and social activist, Dick Gregory have shared their personal and professional journeys with Steward Speakers’ audiences for more than three decades.
Committed to his community, Matthew Steward served with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department for 38-years, retiring with the rank of Sergeant. As a civilian, Matt Steward continues to serve the community as the Strategic Initiatives Liaison with Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s Community Engagement and Outreach Bureau.
Mr. Steward earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University’s College of Arts and Sciences. Steward is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and previously served as chairman of the deacon board at New Liberty Missionary Baptist Church. Matthew is married to his wife of 31 years, Laverne Steward, and has two adult daughters
2. Jessica Brand – Freelance Marketing Director
Jessica Brand is an accomplished freelance marketing director, responsible for revenue, prot, client and guest satisfaction. Her early experience as National Marketing Director for GE Capital built a strong understanding of business operations and the knack for creating innovative solutions that increase overall business performance. She has built a reputation for operational excellence, working with the highest level of integrity, and a deep passion for commitment to clients and guests. Jessica has more than 35 years of leadership experience in multi-cultural environments. Active in her community for many years, Jessica serves on the Board of Directors at Peace Learning Center, Chair of the Board of Directors at Indianapolis Art Center, Board of Directors and DEAI Committee Chair at Conner Prairie and is a 16 year member of Circle City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated chairing the Central Area of The Links, Incorporated Fund Development Committee. Though born in Chicago, Illinois and raised on the South Side, Jessica has called Carmel, Indiana her home for nearly three decades where she is a wife of 27 years to Scott and mother to Natalie, Lilah and Earl. She holds a BA from Siena College.
3. Dominic Dorsey – Husband, father, educator and accomplice in the mission of liberation and social justice
4. Tamara “Tammy” Franklin – Community Leader
Tamara Franklin. Tamara is the Director of Community Engagement at Eskenazi Health. She’s dedicated her career to improving community wellness in Indianapolis. From organizing over 90 health fairs every year at Eskenazi Health locations and leading several mobile blood drives annually, Tamara’s work impacts thousands, bringing preventative care and resources to communities across the city.
5. Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr. – Renowned Preacher and Leader
Tamara Franklin has spent nearly thirty years in community health, acting as an educator and as a director of community events that expand Indianapolis residents’ access to wellness resources and increase their knowledge of preventative care. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in community health education from Indiana State University in 1996, Franklin first interned with, then served as a health education coordinator for the Marion County Public Health Department. Leading a twelve-week curriculum in multiple local middle and high schools, she addressed the health concerns and questions students were reluctant to share with their teachers, covering such issues as risk taking, STDs and sex education. During six of her nine years with the health department, she also taught health skills in summer school camps through 100 Black Men of America, a mentoring program for minority youth.
After beginning in a coordinator role in community engagement at Eskenazi Health (then Wishard Hospital), Franklin was quickly promoted to manager due to the scope of her responsibilities, even though she would have no direct reports for nearly a decade. Franklin managed around 40 health fairs singlehandedly from the start of her tenure at Eskenazi Health, building relationships with numerous departments to staff these events while expanding services and clientele.
During the move from Wishard Hospital to Eskenazi Health, Franklin was selected as a change agent, trusted to work with groups and departments within the organization to communicate updates as the complex, multi-stage move was progressing. After the move was complete, Franklin played an instrumental part in the initiative to contact and coordinate local nonprofits, churches and other organizations who could make use of the old hospital’s remaining tables, copy machines, fridges and other supplies for their own use.
Franklin now has two direct reports, one of whom she advocated for being bilingual to expand patient access. With her small team, she manages hundreds of volunteers and thousands of health care fair visitors. In her 18 years at Eskenazi Health, Franklin has more than doubled her health fair coverage (now 92 fairs total), while dramatically expanding the services offered at each. These offerings, which were limited to informational literature when she started, now include (at the bigger events) blood pressure checks, financial counseling, advice on burn prevention, guidance from imaging services professionals on breast cancer screenings, mental health toolkits and rehabilitation services tips on avoiding falls, the most prevalent form of injury to those 65 and older.
She has also taken on five on-location and several mobile blood drives yearly and assisted community health care workers and community weavers with dozens of their events at schools, libraries and community centers. For the past three years, Franklin has also worked with the voting board to add voter registration events at various Eskenazi Health Center locations. She leads other Eskenazi Health-sponsored community events as well, having, for example, quintupled her volunteer numbers for Indy Pride. Year after year, Franklin proves herself a force in community health, always looking for new ways to increase the number of and enhance services for the community members she serves.
6. Trevor Jackson – Actor & Artist
Trevor Jackson is a true multi-hyphenate with a career spanning over 20 years in film, television, theater, and music.
Born in Indiana, he first gained recognition at the age of 8 starring as Young Simba in Disney’s Broadway show, The Lion King. Since then, Trevor has showcased his versatility on screen, starring in various projects such as ABC’s Emmy award-winning series American Crime, Burning Sands as well as the Sony feature film Superfly.
He recently wrapped up six seasons as Aaron on Grown-ish, Freeform’s most highly rated series created by Kenya Barris.
Trevor’s music is genre-bending and demonstrates his versatility
and creativity. Throughout his career, Trevor has collaborated with renowned songwriters and
multi award-winning producers such as The Underdogs, Dianne Warren, Neyo and Tank, an
experience that has allowed him to sharpen his craft.
Last year, Trevor completed The Obsession Tour with singer/songwriter Eric Bellinger, who has
penned hits for notable musicians Usher, Chris Brown and Justin Bieber, in addition to serving
as mentor and collaborator for Trevor over the years.
His music has garnered 150+ million YouTube views, 115+ million streams on Spotify, and 85+
million streams on Apple Music and Pandora, with recent standout tracks “Heads Up” “Happy
Home” and “Find Out” from his stand out album “It’s Complicated.”
As Trevor prepares for a remarkable 2025 year ahead with his headlining tour It’s Complicated,
he will continue to release new music that reflects his personal evolution. His covers, known as “T-MIXES,” have
amassed approximately 120M collective views on social media.
7. Shannon Williams – Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President To The Mind Trust
As Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Shannon Williams oversees The Mind Trust’s impact in Indianapolis, serves alongside the CEO as an external leader of the organization, and ensures the success of various local and statewide initiatives that accelerate student learning.
Since joining The Mind Trust in 2018, Shannon has been instrumental in expanding partnerships, establishing strong relationships with the grassroots community, and working with key groups of civic and community leaders to build understanding about the organization’s work and education in general. At The Mind Trust, Shannon spearheaded the Community Learning Sites and Summer Learning Labs – both national exemplairs that resulted in safe, expanded learning opportunities for students. Additionally, Shannon led the rollout of The Mind Trust’s School and Community Partnership Investments, which has awarded millions of dollars to local non-profit and community organizations since its inception.
Prior to her career in education, Shannon spent nearly 20 years at the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper and Indiana Minority Business Magazine (IMBM), holding multiple leadership roles including editor, vice president, and president. During her role at the helm, she ushered the newspaper into the digital arena, expanded its readership, and enhanced its national presence. Under Shannon’s leadership, the Recorder was known for its hard-hitting investigative reporting, and her tell-it-like-it-is weekly editorials were one of the most popular sections of the Recorder.
Working with and advocating for the community has always been Shannon’s passion. It’s a devotion she inherited from her mother, who instilled in her the importance of bold, courageous leadership that helps the most marginalized amongst us. She has thus dedicated her life to the community and takes particular interest in causes focused on women, children, education, and criminal justice reform.
Shannon was the first African American to serve on the Hoosier State Press Association Board and the youngest person to serve on the National Newspaper Publishers Association Board. Currently she is Chair Emeritus of The Oaks Academy Board, serves on the Executive Committee of Scouting America, and is vice President of the Circle City Chapter of The Links, Inc.
Shannon has won numerous local and national journalism awards and several awards for her leadership and community contributions including being recognized by Ebony Magazine, selected as the inaugural Amos Brown III Legacy Award recipient, garnered a Woman of Influence by IBJ, and earning the noted Rosa Parks Trailblazer Award by IMBM. Additionally, she has earned commendations for her leadership and advocacy from the Indiana General Assembly and the Indianapolis City County Council.
She is a graduate of Jackson State University, the Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Program, and has earned three Executive Leadership Certifications from Harvard School of Business. Shannon is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the Circle City Chapter of The Links Inc.
8. Al London – Community Impact Director, SR, SVP
Al London recently joined Old National Bank in March of 2024. Old National Bank is the largest bank headquartered in the state of Indiana with over $50 billion in assets. Prior to joining Old National Bank Al had a long-standing career with JP Morgan Chase Bank for 28 years. Al brings a wealth of knowledge to his colleagues and community partners. During his tenure at Chase Al served in several different roles such as Branch Manager, Executive Director- Consumer Banking, and Executive Director-Area Manager Business Banking.
Al supports and encourages his colleagues to focus on ways to create a great client experience through relationship building and providing innovative solutions to help grow their business, all while achieving their financial dreams. More importantly, he promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion through recruiting, community partnerships and internal support groups to create a workforce that mirrors the diverse communities the bank serves. During his tenure at Chase, he served as co-chair for the firm’s Indiana Diversity Inclusion Council for 4 years and as Co-Chair of the Midwest Business Banking Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council for 2 years.
Al is passionate about helping others which is reflected in his commitment to volunteerism in the community. In 2022 Al received the Volunteer Service Award from the Indianapolis Urban League. Al is a proud board member of the Indianapolis Urban League and the Indiana Black Expo.
In Al’s new role with Old National Bank, he is working on creating and delivering resources to the unbanked and underserved communities across Indiana that will help address the generational wealth gap for generations to come.
Al currently resides in Fishers, Indiana with his wife and two of his three children. He is originally from Georgia and is an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan. Al takes a hands-on approach in supporting his children’s career aspirations and life goals.
9. Tracey Jackson – Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Impact at 16 Tech Innovation District
Tracey Jackson serves as the Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Impact at 16 Tech Innovation District, where she is a strategic and visionary leader driving transformative change in workforce development and community engagement. With nearly 20 years of experience spanning Higher Education, Workforce Development, and the Nonprofit sector, Tracey is committed to building inclusive talent pipelines, fostering economic mobility, and reducing barriers for underserved communities in Central Indiana.
Tracey has a proven track record of designing nationally recognized restorative justice programs, scaling equitable training initiatives, and implementing workforce strategies that deliver measurable impact. Her expertise extends to forging partnerships with global corporations, local organizations, and educational institutions to create sustainable career pathways and foster systemic change.
As an innovative educator with over 15 years of collegiate teaching experience, Tracey has taught at the collegiate level in the fields of Human Resource Management, Leadership, and Professional Development. Her ability to revitalize underperforming teams, coupled with her collaborative approach, has earned her recognition as a national leader in equitable education and workforce practices.
Tracey has served as a trusted advisor to workforce boards nationwide, developed workforce development infrastructures for companies, and worked extensively with K-12 schools to expand access to advanced career pathways for underestimated and underserved youth.
At the core of her work is a commitment to advancing equity and access, creating opportunities for economic mobility, and building impactful relationships across public and private sectors.
Tracey’s leadership is reshaping how communities and industries connect, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive in today’s innovation-driven economy.
10. Ezell Marrs III – Founder of TRG Talent Solutions
Ezell Marrs III is the founder and Managing Partner of TRG Talent Solutions, an executive search and talent development firm headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. With a broad background in corporate human resources and higher education leadership, Ezell has applied his entrepreneurial spirit to excel in various areas.
His career began in human resources with Allstate Insurance Company where he advanced to Division Manager. He went on to HR leadership positions with Liberty Mutual and Metropolitan Life Insurance. His leadership in human resources was the springboard to the founding of TRG Talent Solutions as a boutique human resources consulting firm.
With an assignment at a local university, Ezell began work in higher education. His career advanced from an academic recruiter to compliance director, director of admissions, and most recently vice president of corporate and strategic partnerships at Martin University.
In the community, Ezell serves as the Board President for The Diversity Roundtable of Central Indiana, the board of directors for The Indianapolis Uplift Foundation, and the board of directors of A-Way- Out- Ministries.