STEWARD & ASSOCIATES INC.

Executive Summary

Too often it has been left to television and the movies to provide images of the African-American community.  Few opportunities exist to experience positive images of African-Americans outside those media wherein the images portrayed are often in a negative context. Steward & Associates, a community based organization, developed the lecture/workshop/theatre series in 1986.  Our mission is to present prominent and credible African-Americans to the greater Indianapolis community and surrounding cities and Midwest states.  This forum is designed to inspire, inform and foster meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange.  An educational experience is afforded to young people, families, indigent and the adult learner who normally would not receive the opportunity to attend such events.  Steward & Associates showcases lecturers of national and local prominence. During the last season, Steward & Associates presented entrepreneur extraordinaire Dr. Randal Pinkett, Judge Glenda Hatchett, Angela Burt-Murray and Congressman Andre Carson addressing women in business and faith in politics. Steward & Associates produces the educational series.  The series provides an opportunity for people to be exposed to successful African-American personalities.  All public events for the 2010/2011 season are scheduled at the Madame Walker Theatre Center; other venues and all school lectures will be hosted by the Indianapolis Public Schools, Township Schools, and select churches.  The attendance for each public event is targeted for one thousand people per event.  Our audience is made up of adults, middle-class professionals, students, and the adult learner from all socio-economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Programs and Services Steward & Associates presents an educational lecture/workshop/theatrical series for the benefit of people in Indianapolis, surrounding cities and Midwest states.  The series provides an opportunity for adult learners, youth and the public to be exposed to African-Americans who are viewed as positive role models. Program Goals

1. To enhance the potential of young people and the adult learner by providing African-American role models;
2. To provide individuals first hand contact with role models who are successful in their respective careers.  In this process we can begin to pave a way for individuals to see the possibilities of attaining their personal goals; and
3. To provide educational programs for the adult learner, youth and the public.

1. To provide 25% of the series tickets free or substantially discounted for students, adult learners and economically disadvantaged persons;
2. To provide an outreach program for four or more area schools.  Approximately five thousand students will attend these activities.  This experience enhances the perception of real success with a clearer reality to the possibilities of African-American achievement.  The primary focus is to engage those who otherwise would not experience the benefit of learning from and talking with achievers;
3. To video/audio tape each event for use by schools and churches as an education tool;
4. To provide an annual series of three or more lectures.

1. To compel, challenge and excite students to continue their educational learning and broaden their quest for knowledge.
2. To stimulate the student’s interest in academic and general reading.
3. To broaden the student’s horizon and expose them to new opportunities.
4. To empower students with the personal confidence and reassurance that they can succeed.
5. To work with school administrators and teachers to enhance their curriculum by including the history of African-Americans.  Teachers will be encouraged to continue to stimulate the student’s interest once they have been exposed to this program.
6. To promote dialogue and information exchange with people from cross cultural backgrounds and
7. To generate greater awareness of the value of getting an education.