Dennis Jarrett
The Recorder Media Group is gearing up for its annual Champions of Diversity event in January 2025, a celebration honoring individuals and organizations committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
As one of the city’s most anticipated events, Champions of Diversity brings together leaders across various industries to recognize their efforts in promoting equity and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Now in its 18th year, the event will be held at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis on Jan. 17, 2025. This prestigious gathering celebrates individuals and institutions making a significant impact on diversity and inclusion efforts across the state of Indiana.
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Robert Shegog, president and CEO of the Recorder Media Group, reflects on the importance of the event:
“There are so many people doing incredible work in Indiana who often go unrecognized. The Champions of Diversity Awards give us an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and give them their flowers while they’re here.”
The legacy of the Indianapolis Recorder
The Champions of Diversity event is just one of many ways the Recorder Media Group continues to serve the community.
As one of the oldest African American newspapers in the country, the Indianapolis Recorder has been a pillar of the community since its founding in 1895. Originally launched as a two-page church bulletin, the Recorder has grown into a trusted news source for the Black community and beyond, providing coverage of local, national and international issues from a Black perspective.
Recorder Media Group President and CEO
Robert Shegog
“The Recorder was born out of a need to educate, inform and keep us connected,” Shegog said. “For nearly 130 years, we’ve told our stories in a way that other outlets simply wouldn’t. The role of the Recorder in this community is as significant now as it was when it started.”
As the longest-running African American newspaper in Indianapolis, the Recorder has played a vital role in documenting the history, triumphs, and challenges of the city’s Black community. From reporting on civil rights movements to highlighting local leaders, the Recorder has been instrumental in shaping the narrative around Black life in Indianapolis.
“Our mission has always been to be the voice for the voiceless,” Shegog said. “We’ve been there to share stories of resilience, innovation, and excellence that otherwise might go untold. The Recorder isn’t just a newspaper — it’s a lifeline for our community.”
Recognizing Excellence in Diversity
The Champions of Diversity event underscores the Recorder’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity.
The awards span a variety of categories, including the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award, the Rosa Parks Trailblazer Award and the Lifetime Education Achievement Award. These honors celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting diversity and creating pathways for marginalized communities.
“These awards aren’t just about recognition,” Shegog said. “They’re about showing the world that diversity and inclusion matter and that there are people in our community who are making a real difference.”
With past honorees representing a wide range of industries, including education, health care, business and the arts, the event is a testament to the broad scope of diversity efforts taking place in Indianapolis.
Shegog emphasizes the power of seeing such diverse leaders come together in one room.
“When you walk into that room on the night of the event, you’ll see people from all walks of life — different races, different industries — gathered to celebrate a common goal: making Indiana a more inclusive place for everyone.”
A Vision for the Future
Under Shegog’s leadership, the Recorder Media Group continues to evolve.
In addition to the Indianapolis Recorder newspaper, the organization also publishes Indiana Minority Business Magazine, further expanding its reach and influence across the state. Shegog’s commitment to community service and media excellence was recently recognized by the Indianapolis Business Journal, which named him one of the top 250 most influential leaders in Indiana.
Despite the challenges of running a historic newspaper in the digital age, Shegog is optimistic about the future.
“The Recorder is more than just ink on paper — it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for as a community,” he said. “We’re committed to keeping it relevant, impactful and a source of pride for generations to come.”
Join the Celebration
The Champions of Diversity event is a night of celebration, recognition and inspiration. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with leaders from various sectors, all while honoring the achievements of those who have made a lasting impact on diversity and inclusion.
The event will kick off with a networking reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the awards program at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the Recorder Media Group’s website, and those interested in attending are encouraged to purchase them early, as this event often sells out.
“The Champions of Diversity event isn’t just a night of awards,” Shegog said. “It’s a night where we come together as a community to celebrate the progress we’ve made and to commit to the work that still needs to be done.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Recorder Media Group’s website. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this remarkable celebration of diversity, equity and inclusion in Indianapolis.
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