Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indianapolis Public Library is once again celebrating community, culture, and creativity with its highly anticipated Fall Fest 2025, taking place on Saturday, November 15, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Central Library. This year’s event, presented by the Library’s African American History Committee in support of the Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC), promises an afternoon of inspiration, performances, and opportunities for youth to explore their talents and hear from remarkable role models.
The highlight of the event will be a special presentation from Drs. Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt, and George Jenkins, affectionately known as The Three Doctors. These extraordinary men rose from the challenging streets of Newark, New Jersey, to become successful physicians, authors, and motivational speakers. As teenagers, they made a pact to support one another, pursue higher education, and achieve their dream of becoming doctors—a promise they kept, overcoming adversity at every turn.
“The Three Doctors are extraordinary role models for anyone who’s been through any kind of life challenge or major hardship,” said Cordia Watkins, event organizer and Circulation Manager at The Indianapolis Public Library. “Fall Fest is a safe, enjoyable, family-friendly, and free event that introduces young people in our community to inspiring and relatable role models. We want our young people to know that The Indianapolis Public Library celebrates their gifts and talents and believes in their potential. This event gives Marion County students the opportunity to develop their public speaking skills and build confidence and character. Attendees also enjoy dynamic performances and hear from impactful speakers.”
The event goes beyond storytelling, offering local youth the chance to showcase their creativity and voice. Participants from grades 6-12 will perform winning entries from the Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge XIX, a contest encouraging students to explore poetry, rap, and spoken word. The competition allows young people to express themselves while honing public speaking skills, creativity, and self-confidence.
In addition to The Three Doctors and Slammin’ Rhymes performances, Fall Fest will feature engaging and energetic acts from the GEO Next Generation Academy Drumline, 3BFIT, Elevation Dance Refinery, and Steppin’ with Shayla, as well as appearances by speaker, author, and poet Kia Lanae. This mix of live performance and motivational storytelling ensures that every attendee—whether a student, parent, or community member—leaves with inspiration and new insights.
Fall Fest has long been a celebration of African American culture and creativity. Founded by the Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee, the event highlights heritage, achievements, and the vibrant talents of the community. In past years, Fall Fest has featured face painting, school choirs, fashion shows, youth crafts, live entertainment, and interactive storytelling, making it a beloved annual gathering for families across Marion County.
The African American History Committee, established in November 1979, has played a pivotal role in increasing awareness of African American contributions and ensuring that the library system provides engaging and culturally relevant programming. Through events like Fall Fest, the committee continues its mission of promoting understanding, pride, and appreciation for African American heritage among both youth and the broader public.
Fall Fest 2025 is part of a broader effort by the library to offer free, accessible programming that empowers young people and encourages them to pursue their passions. By connecting youth with inspirational speakers like The Three Doctors and providing platforms for self-expression through competitions like the Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge, the library fosters both creativity and character development.
The event is free and open to the public, made possible through support from The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund and the J. Steve and Donna D. Talley Fund via gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Families, students, and community members are encouraged to attend and participate in this celebration of culture, perseverance, and youth talent.
Fall Fest 2025 promises to leave a lasting impression, inspiring attendees with stories of determination, community, and the power of education. For local youth, the event offers a glimpse of what is possible when dedication meets opportunity, while for families and community members, it serves as a vibrant showcase of talent, culture, and collaboration that makes Indianapolis shine.
With its combination of motivational speakers, youth performances, and cultural celebration, Fall Fest 2025 is not just an event—it is a reminder of the resilience and potential that exists within every young person in Marion County.
