Sponsors – EightDown™ Fest

Our Sponsors

Simply put, without our generous sponsors, Tha Block Party would not be affordable to the vast majority of the Indianapolis community. As a result of their generosity, we’re able to provide a free experience for attendees to experience live performances, a venue for Black-owned businesses and patrons to network with others, and contribute to the landscape of Black joy and entrepreneurship in Indy. By donating to The EightDown™ Festival, each has furthered our mission to provide opportunities to illuminate Black Excellence in entrepreneurship and supporting the youth of Indianapolis in their educational pursuits.

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For those of you who don’t know, Flanner House has been a staple in the Indianapolis Community consistently contributing to the uplift and support of Black People since it’s inception in 1898! “For 125 years, Flanner House of Indianapolis has been at the epicenter of helping people move to a place of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. Focusing on Education, Employment, Wellness, Peace and Safety, and Economic Development, and Food Justice, Flanner House is prepared to serve the evolving needs of our area residents.”

Morningstar, a subsidiary of Flanner House of Indianapolis, Inc., is a neighborhood-based, multidisciplinary behavioral health center that offers culturally affirming and responsive mental healthcare to the residents of the Near Northwest Side.

Vibranium Sponsorship

As a benefit corporation and management consultancy, Black Onyx Management helps organizations make informed, strategic decisions that lead to lasting change. We design and implement programs, conduct analysis and assessments, and deliver outcomes that drive results. Backed by senior leadership experience across government, Fortune 500 companies, and major nonprofit and civic initiatives, our advisors support clients in navigating complex challenges and advancing meaningful progress.

PMPHASE

PMPHASE is a consulting firm that believes “all jobs are projects”. The organization’s purpose is to assess, address and resolve issues that may be complicating or compromising daily business operations. Our goal is to promote platinum level service with integrity, quality and commitment.

The company has engaged with several top level organizations in the healthcare industry as well as one of the leading firms in the legal industry. We value our clients and their dedication to education, training and development, and process improvements for their staff and organization overall.

PMPHASE focuses on project management, education, training and development, business analytics, revenue cycle management, and process improvement. With over twenty five years of experience in the company, we offer the expertise needed to successfully complete all projects we are involved in.

Platinum Sponsor

The Naptown DJ Festival was created to celebrate and honor Indiana’s vibrant DJing culture and history, rooted in the spirit of The Blend-Mixing Proclamation of Indianapolis. This groundbreaking proclamation signifies the city’s recognition of DJing as a dynamic sonic art form that bridges communities, fosters creativity, and preserves the rich musical legacy of Indianapolis

The Vinyl Destination DJ Battle League (VDBL) is where skill, competitive spirit, camaraderie collide. Featuring the best DJs locally, regionally, and nationally competing for not only bragging rights and the opportunity to hold championship hardware, but to sharpen their skills, sharpen their opponents and ultimately #PlugUpOrShutUp

On August 2nd, 2025 at the EightDown™ Festival ONE DJ is set to etch their name in history on the perpetual DJ Skrill Memorial Heritage Cup, walk away with their own hardware as well as a grand prize. Which DJ has the fortitude and most importantly, the skills to make that happen… remains to be seen.

Youth-2-Greatness (Y2G) is a nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana that focuses on developing, cultivating, and enhancing the community’s access to resources through education, mentorship, and community service. We are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders and helping them reach their highest potential.

Y2G is partnering with the EightDown™ Festival this year to once again facilitate the “Youth & Young Adult 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament”! Tournament Divisions include: 9-12, 13-15, 16-18 and young adults.

Register now at https://bit.ly/eightdownyaya2025

Trademark protection has always been our foundation—and we’re still the firm founders call first.
From registration to enforcement, we help you secure what’s yours and keep it that way.
And no matter your industry, we’re still here for every founder who needs smart, efficient trademark protection.

But the next chapter of our work is built around the brands we know best.

At tmalaw®, we now support beauty, cosmetic, and personal care brands with the legal strategy behind what actually gets your product to shelf—labeling and marketing compliance, supplier and co-packer agreements, and launch-ready legal support tailored to your business model.

Our law firm is digital-first, subscription-based, and designed for brands that move fast and build boldly. You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who get your industry, speak your language, and prioritize proactive advising—without the billable hour.

Rooted in trademark strategy. Built for everything that comes next.

The Bloom Project, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides college exploration, career exploration, character development, service learning and group mentoring for young males, ages 12-18.

Bloom Project offers character building to the youth that we serve to help cater to their overall development as a teenager. Their programs are designed to build a diverse network of leaders resulting in a powerful ripple effect of inclusion throughout the community. They build leaders in the community through programs focused on discrimination, entrepreneurship, relationships, and much more. They connect young men with mentors across the city that have a passion to help our youth develop and mature into successful citizens. The character development of our youth is so important to their future endeavors. They strive to make sure that what they provide to our youth is something that they can benefit from and use for future use.

Signature programs include:

Project King- career focused program that helps young men improve their social skills and relationships though service projects, college tours, community forums, and monthly discussions

Royal MENtality-is a college and career preparatory program that offers scholarship and job shadowing, college fairs and tours, and networking opportunities. Participants must be at least sophomore in high school and/or 16 years old.

Kings Feast Symposium- a prestigious event catered to the next generation of leaders. Participants attend seminars and networking a luncheon with professional men in the community.

A Total Solution CPA & Consulting Services, Inc. is a full service CPA firm that was established in 2005 out of a desire to impact change in the community. Toward this end the firm takes pride in providing bookkeeping,tax preparation, tax planning, and other advisory services to small business owners and non profit organizations.

24K Sponsor

ORR

ORR is an acronym for Organize Real Results. The assignment of ORR is to organize the business operations of payroll, Human Resources and Accounting(bookkeeping, billing and taxes) while producing results that support a companies bottom line. Our team of advisors consist of Payroll administrators, Human Resource Managers, Recruiters, Office Administrators, Billing Specialists and Bookkeepers. We provide administrative and management services to new and growing businesses needing an outsource solution that are tailored toward their core values and meets their budget.. The services are customized to meet businesses where they are on their business journey. Rather a business is in the start up phase or well established and scaling their business, organization is the real result we bring to any company. With ORR you get top notch services that create a competitive edge at a fraction of the cost, So you can represent just like the big companies! We pride ourselves in providing quality and affordable services to those who are new to operating a business. Get the need with with our service features that result in managing a successful business. We partner with businesses to help prepare them for growth and expansion before it comes.

Since our beginnings in 1893, we understand that it’s about the customer. We make our customers feel at home. We show them we care. We make them feel special. Give them advice. Give them value. Keep our promises. Help them out when they really need it. Reach out to them. Know them. Thank them.

First Merchants Corporation is the largest financial services holding company located in Central Indiana. We provide our customers with broad financial services delivered locally by bankers who are known and trusted in their communities. We offer personal banking, business banking, mortgage lending, treasury management services, and wealth management.

We are focused on building deep, lifelong client relationships and providing maximum shareholder value. We provide an environment where customers can bank with their neighbors, realizing that our business begins and ends with people.

The largest part of our company is First Merchants Bank, providing the best of what banking can offer since 1893:

• Local leadership and relationship professionals

• Community involvement with talent, time and treasury

• Local decision making

• Local boards of directors who are committed and engaged

to ensure that the voice of the customer is heard

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“Nap Or Nothing” is an Indianapolis based clothing store pushing “NAPTOWN” culture through fashion design. All threads in the shop are produced locally (Circle City Prints). We’re located downtown in the heart of “Mass Ave.” We’re growing and look forward to your next visit.”

We can’t thank Nap or Nothing enough for their support of this event as every penny raised helps keep this event free to the public and provides the much needed support and amenities to make each volume of Tha Block Party a huge success!

For more information about Nap or Nothing, or to grab YOUR locally designed and sou

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Republic Security is a fully licensed/insured private security and protection agency owned and operated by certified law enforcement officers. We offer trained uniformed guards, available armed and unarmed, 24 hours a day, 7 days week. Republic Security provides a collaborative and efficient approach to security and personal protection services that helps our clients reduce costs, manage risk, while maintaining a safe working environment.

Our security guards are put through rigorous, in-depth training specified for each post assigned. They are uniformed in provided police style uniforms or uniforms that are requested by the client.

We operate our own security training facility where we license and train all our guards. Our guards are CPR/AED/First Aid certified.

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Founded in 2022 by artist Jamar “WillStomp” Barnett, [D]RUGS ART GALLERY was born out of a vision to build community through collaborative art. Focused on pushing the boundaries of the tufting industry, [D]RUGS serves as a creative hub where hands-on experimentation and mentorship thrive. By training apprentices and developing large-scale projects, Barnett is laying the groundwork for an ever-expanding imprint in contemporary textile art and beyond.

Based out of “The Bando”, an artist space and venue on Indianapolis’ Far East Side, [D]RUGS carries its energy into the community through immersive events curated by Barnett and his team. These gatherings strike a balance between party and chill, offering space for connection, creativity, and cultural exchange. Follow the movement and stay connected via Instagram: @willstomp | @drugs_art_gallery | @thebando317.

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Temicka “Chef Tweet” Moore is a Fort Wayne native, graduate of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, the CEO & Executive Chef of Sincere Catering, Sincerely Yours Events, Sincere Fresh, Sincere Lyfe Consulting, Moore Educational Ministries Inc., and a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Her passion for cooking derives from southern and northern culinary styles enthusiastically taught by her grandmothers, Susie & Theresa, which paved the way to launch her first food delivery business as a student at Indiana University! Chef Tweet seeks to provide succulent and unique food solely driven by the following mantras:

Love God, Family, and Food more than you love anything else

Treat others as you would want to be treated

Always be a woman of your word and THINK

Don’t be a Dinosaur…Constantly Evolve or become extinct

Everyday I’m Hustlin…Even When I’m Resting

Do the things you’re scared to do…find the courage later

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Cassandra is an innovator in the hair industry. Known for her unique and innovative hairstyles and sharp haircuts that catches people’s attention. She comes from a humbling background where her love for hair started when her mother could not afford to take Cassandra and her two sisters and two brothers to the barbershop and hair salon. Cassandra at the age of 13 years old, decided to take matters into her own hands. She taught herself how to cut and design hair to help her brothers and sisters feel and look better. Now, she teaches others to embrace their talents and gifts. Cassandra overcame bullying and feeling like an outcast and wasn’t comfortable in her own skin. Now she helps people to embrace their true identity and loving themselves. With a big heart and a driven purpose to spread self-love and helping people find their true identity through hair, she is not planning to slow down anytime soon. She is certified with the board, she is certified with her community, and she is definitely certified among other hair stylists.

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Where artisanal perfumery meets modern luxury. Saint Charles Parfums is an ode to the urban sophisticate, blending artistry, culture and opulence. We are committed to creating exceptional fragrances that empower you to embrace your unique self while exuding confidence.

We value quality and operational excellence. Whether it’s the velvety warmth of oud from Bangladesh, the delicate petals of Bulgarian rose, or the crispness of Calabrian bergamot, our compositions are a symphony of fragrant material. MSCP fragrances are meticulously crafted from a harmonious blend of:

Naturals: Quality essential oils, absolutes, and resins sourced sustainably from around the world.
Isolates: Precise aroma molecules that elevate our compositions.
Synthetics: Cutting-edge ingredients that push boundaries and improve performance.

Our fragrances are crafted to create a beautifully alluring sillage. All concentrations are eau de parfum or higher. Whether you are looking for a signature scent, artistic design, or a thoughtful gift, Saint Charles Parfums fragrances are a great choice.

To get your hands on a bottle of Maison Saint Charles Parfums, be sure to visit https://www.maisonsaintcharles.com

SkyIndemnity is your local insurance brokerage and we are proud to call Indiana home. If you are looking for insurance coverage in the state of Indiana or other states, be sure to visit us here at SkyIndemnity. Our insurance brokers are very knowledgeable with all lines of business, especially home and auto. The Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) is the governmental regulatory division that handles the enforcement of all state insurance laws and regulations, and all of the insurance brokers at SkyIndemnity receive ongoing training to stay abreast of all changes and additions to the state law.

SkyIndemnity has been operational in the state of Indiana for many years with over 20 years of experience and has a high level of expertise. We are here to help you find the best possible coverage for you and your family or your business.

If you are in need of insurance (Auto, Home, Commercial, Life, Renters, Landlord, etc.), feel free to give us a call, email, or stop by the office! We look forward to serving you.

IBE celebrates cultural diversity and inclusiveness across all races, ethnicities, nationalities, generations, socioeconomic levels and religious affiliations. We continue to strive for excellence by providing unique events and programs that reflect the changing landscape of Indiana and the world. Our commitment to excellence through personal enhancement and community development exemplify our dedication to improving the quality of life for all. With a statewide infrastructure now including 12 chapter affiliates, IBE continues to be a major economic and social contributor to our youth and the Indiana community.

Founded in 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is the nation’s foremost guardian of liberty, defending individual rights and enhancing and preserving liberties that are guaranteed in the U.S. and Indiana Constitutions and civil rights laws. We are nonprofit, nonpartisan, and dedicated to defending and protecting the individual rights and personal freedoms of all. Here in Indiana, the ACLU was established in 1953 as the Indiana Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Indiana adopted its current name in 2006.

The ACLU has a long history of fighting to protect the rights and freedoms of people throughout the country:

1920s the ACLU acted on behalf of newly arrived immigrants victimized by the Palmer Raids;
1930s the ACLU advocated for workers protesting deplorable labor conditions;
1940s the ACLU protested the forcing of Japanese-Americans into internment camps;
1950s the ACLU supported those who fought the witch hunts of the McCarthy era;
1960s & 1970s the ACLU defended those who spoke out for equality and civil rights.

Today the ACLU continues its defense of individual rights on many fronts. Some of these are recurring battles, such as fighting racial and gender-based discrimination and securing reproductive freedom. Other challenges are constantly emerging such as those raised by tensions between privacy and technology.

Silver Sponsor

Press Play Gaming Lounge is a new and exciting Family Fun Entertainment Center that includes VR (2 types), Nerf Warz, 3-Point Basketball Challenge B-BALL, NEX Playground, Pool Tables, Arcade, Ticket Redemption, Wii Station, Air Hockey, Massage Chairs, Board Games, X-Box One Play with much, much more! We are an all ages venue that have Over 16+ 75″ inch screen TVs all with X-Box’s and huge sectional couches, with bean bags and tall bar stool tables! We have a Cafe with awesome food and a full Bar for the over 21+ crowd. Our multi-use facility can hold 1079 people and can accommodate both private and company parties. Our TVs are smart TVs that can be used for team building or company/family meetings. Give us a try today!!

At Divine Grace Fashion Hub, we offer a carefully curated collection of accessories for men, women, and children. Our selection also includes authentic handmade Ghanaian items such as waist beads, hand fans, and apparel.

We’re a midwestern, brand design studio that focuses on helping small service businesses and tech start-ups gain visibility and be taken seriously. We’re committed to crafting brands that are out of this world.

Bronze Sponsor

Lisette Blythe is an author with big dreams. As a child she grew up writing, but hastily closed the door on that in favor of a career in IT. Now at her big age, she is embracing everything she loves unabashedly. That includes writing, K-Pop music, and acting as she so chooses, no matter who it embarrasses.

Her writing is a love letter to herself, as well as to the women who look like her and may not be as neurotypical as they play in their day to day lives.

To sign up for her newsletter where she talks about writing and even shares samples of her work, go to https://www.lisetteblythe.com/newsletter-sign-up/

Lisette is on Twitter, Tiktok, and Goodreads as Lisette Blythe. You can also join her motley crew of people in Discord. There, they talk book theories, share fan art, and share everything from music to photos of animals and plant babies. That can be found right here: https://discord.gg/qYWVqt2ajc

Foodlovetog is a food and recipe site, cooking school and spice brand. It is where food and creativity collide. The proprietor, Candace Boyd Simmons; fell in love with food at a young age. From cooking for her family to teaching healthy recipes to community groups, FoodLoveTog has been their vehicle to all things good eats.

Candace is a Mid-Western born and raised home cook that loves to eat! Food is their love language and sharing it with you combines the two. They love to make family recipes and cultivate new flavors. They’re passionate about delicious meals, food access, and getting people comfortable in the kitchen. They’ve been in the kitchen for over 20 years, making meals that are fun, flavorful and feisty. As the story goes (their father loves to tell it) they made their first egg at the age of six and the rest is history.

The wealth of my knowledge came at the hand of her mother and grandmother. Learning how to season, be creative, and cook from the heart just by sitting at their laps while snapping beans or sitting on a stool to help stir. Coupled with their knowledge, experience became her next teacher. Exploring flavors in the kitchen is one way they take classic recipes and make them her own.

In short: Candace Boyd Simmons is the self-proclaimed foodie with condiment issues. The bacon lover, scratch biscuit baker, and spice-slanger. Podcast host (1/2 of Black Girls Eating) and table shaker. This is the food your mama wants you to eat. Head over to the recipe section and grab something yummy. Drop by The Shop to grab something spicy!

She’s been featured on The Cooking Channel, WISH-TV, Buzzfeed, and Blavity and you can find them on Facebook Twitter Instagram

Indiana Pride of Color’s mission is to provide advocacy, programming, and service for the BIPOC LGBTQ+ community while also forming partnerships that improve the quality of life for the Indiana LGBTQ+ BIPOC communities. Through our annual BLQ+ Pride Summer Festival, community scholarships and grants, and year-round programming, we are actively building a more inclusive and equitable Indiana. This year, we’re focused on expanding our reach and deepening our impact. To learn more about who we are and how you can help us make an impact, visit our website inpoc.org

Established in 2013, Whipped by M&S specializes in handmade, all-natural body products for both men and women. Our commitment is to provide our customers with high-quality, natural products crafted with care. We offer over 600 fresh fragrances, and more than 15 natural skin care products designed to soothe and nourish the skin. Our goal is to ensure that you find the perfect product tailored to your needs.

Media Partners

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Midwest Leak is an urban lifestyle marketing brand based in Indianapolis.

Our company is home to Midwest Leak Magazine which is a digital/print publication dedicated to sharing our community’s light. Midwest Leak Magazine celebrates our excellence by shining a light on all aspects of our culture creatively documenting our experiences through stories to inspire and empower our community across generations.

We are event engineers with key annual events being an awards show highlighting excellence in entrepreneurship and entertainment called the Leak Awards, Finesse the Runway which brings independent streetwear brands, artists, vendors and models together for an urban streetwear showcase and Music Monday which is an open mic and concert series.

We also have a community for entrepreneurs, the Creators’ Club, and a line of t-shirts and merchandise that promote messaging from our vision in our retail space called the Black Love Exchange.

Ultimately, we are passionate about connecting individuals with ways to market and grow their gifts, skills and talents turning them into entrepreneurship opportunities and encouraging self-sustainability to build our community.

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iHeart Media’s affiliate home of Hip Hop and R&B, Real 98.3 FM Indianapolis!!! Naptown’s new home for Hip-Hop n’ R&B will officially be in the house for this year’s event to hold it down and Keep it REAL. “We are the Culture. Every single one of Us.”

Tired of keeping up with social media? We get it. That’s why we run it, so you don’t have to. From social media marketing and content creation to email, SMS, and high-converting ads, we take the guesswork out of digital marketing. Whether you need a strategy that sells, a brand that stands out, or an event that fills up, we’ve got you covered. You focus on running your business—we’ll handle the rest. Ready to turn engagement into profit? Let’s make it happen.

At We Run It Social, we’re more than marketers—we’re brand builders. Our team includes creative partners, an event marketing expert, a photographer with a sharp eye, and a seasoned digital marketer. From standout content to high-impact campaigns, we bring strategy and creativity that get results. You rest, while WE RUN IT.

E.G.O. Entertainment is a multimedia production and service company established in 2017, comprised of three divisions, JQLM RADIO, E.G.O. MAGAZINE, and EGO TV. This company not only provides music, talk shows, and other entertainment with the highest levels of listener satisfaction in mind when it comes to radio, but also provides support, advertising (radio, magazine, and television), and other opportunities to help grow businesses and brands all over the world.

© EightDown™ Fest - Celebrating Black Creators, Curators and Community