FWIS Features

Worthy-A Christmas Cantata

Worthy-A Christmas Cantata,” is an original musical composition by Chicago-based recording artist and music educator, Lana Manson. “Worthy” presents the story of the birth of Jesus through diverse musical styles including classical opera, traditional Gospel, smooth jazz, rap, and more.

Worthy-A Christmas Cantata

Hideout 125 Building New 7,700 Square Foot Facility

Outgrowing its current space during its more than one decade of service in Fort Wayne, Hideout 125 is officially moving.

The new facility will bring steak, seafood, signature cocktails and a prohibition themed fine dining experience just around the corner from the restaurant's current location.

Hideout 125 Building New 7,700 Square Foot Facility

Voices of Unity Youth Choir Named World Champions at 2024 World Choir Games

The Voices of Unity Youth Choir has triumphed on the international stage, winning a Gold Medal in the Gospel category at the 2024 World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand. This prestigious award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent of the young choir members.

Voices of Unity Youth Choir Named World Champions at 2024 World Choir Games

Metro Youth Sports Celebrates 50 years!

Metro Youth Sports celebrated their 50 year anniversary of serving youth in Fort Wayne with a Jamboree hosted at Northrop High School and the organization was honored at the Indiana Black Expo Fort Wayne Chapter’s White Party over the weekend. The Jamboree included a health and resource fair and an awards presentation among other activities.

Metro Youth Sports Celebrates 50 years!

On the Summit’s Horizon: Combating Infant Mortality in Fort Wayne

“Food is medicine. We must get back to the Earth.” said, Kelley Marvin who has been a nutritionist for 15 years. Marvin has partnered with Ink Spot Publisher and Dream Center Visionary, John Dortch to help eradicate infant mortality in the Summit City.

On the Summit’s Horizon: Combating Infant Mortality in Fort Wayne

For Some Mothers…

Motherhood is one of the most natural, yet transformative aspects of human existence. While this is true, it doesn’t always feel instantly natural for all mothers. The perinatal period (pregnancy, and up to a year postpartum, or post-adoption) can bring about significant mental and emotional challenges.

For Some Mothers…

On the Summit’s Horizon: Kingdom Crowns

“I didn’t want to be in a traditional barber shop environment and truly wanted to be mobile. A lot of people say that they are mobile, but they are not”, said Elgien Richardson, 47, Local Entrepreneur and Visionary of Kingdom Crowns.

On the Summit’s Horizon: Kingdom Crowns

The Dyer Grant Program: Here to Support and Take the Journey with Black-Owned Businesses

The Dyer Family Foundation has generously supported leaders and non-profits over the years, which has made a great impact in the areas that Tammy and Jack Dyer felt passionate about. The Dyer Family Foundation was founded by Tammy and Jack Dyer in 2001. Jack and Tammy have raised their family in the city of Fort Wayne since 1973 and they have taken on various volunteer roles throughout the years

The Dyer Grant Program: Here to Support and Take the Journey with Black-Owned Businesses

Xayarath named Great Lakes Region Field Athlete of the Year

HUNTINGTON, Ind. – The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released its annual regional athletes and coaches of the year awards for indoor track and field and among the list of honorees includes Huntington senior Erica Xayarath.

Xayarath named Great Lakes Region Field Athlete of the Year

On the Summit’s Horizon: Romeo Morris

“Romeo Morris, Local Financial Advisor for Edward Jones and a community leader is definitely on the Summit’s Horizon. Morris has been making his presence known throughout the city now that he has returned to his hometown. As a young adult he has found his niche in servant leadership. However, he is no stranger to being involved in a variety of activities and organizations.

On the Summit’s Horizon: Romeo Morris

On the Summit’s Horizon: George Hicks

“Dr. King spoke on the back of my Grandfather’s pickup truck in Newbern, Alabama.” said, George Hicks, the newly elected President of the MLK Club, Inc. of Fort Wayne.

Hicks stands on the shoulders of his Grandfather, the late Tom Brown Hicks and others as he serves the community with passion and innovation.

On the Summit’s Horizon:   George Hicks

On the Summit’s Horizon: Chris Ford and The Sounds of Redemption

“The mass choir is a place where all voices are blended together to make one sound. There are no superstars, it cuts down on competition because everyone is together for a common cause. The members are humble, teachable and interested in learning.

On the Summit’s Horizon:   Chris Ford and The Sounds of Redemption

On the Summit’s Horizon: Dr. Kim Barnett-Johnson, Chancellor, Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne/Warsaw

Amid the dynamic world of higher education leadership, Dr. Kim Barnett-Johnson stands out not just for her distinguished role as chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne and Warsaw, but also for her signature smile—a symbol of approachability and growth.

On the Summit’s Horizon:   Dr. Kim Barnett-Johnson, Chancellor, Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne/Warsaw

On the Summit’s Horizon: Nygel Simms

“I only came to Fort Wayne for a few weeks. I came to support my best friend and fellow Waycross, Georgia native, Josh Raines who can now be heard on STAR 88.3 FM.” During that time, I began to pray for a faith community. God led me to First Assembly of God. My Mom later asked the question: Do you think God is leading you to move to Fort Wayne?”

On the Summit’s Horizon: Nygel Simms

Christiana Danielle’s Christmas Show!

Christiana Danielle is spending time here in Fort Wayne with her family as she prepares to move to California in January. She is looking to continue her career as a professional singer while also working in her field of Social Work in which she received her Masters.

Christiana Danielle’s Christmas Show!

On the Summit’s Horizon: Darius Darling

Boy you got something there”, the words of my Mama a couple of months before she passed. I didn’t even have any verses to the song. It was just a song I was singing and even posted a snippet on my Facebook page. This was the beginning of “I’ll Press On” which is the title track of Darius Darling’s latest release.

On the Summit’s Horizon: Darius Darling

JUST GO!

It was a cold, gloomy and rainy day in Fort Wayne in January 2016. That day, I was scheduled for my annual mammogram screen with Francine’s Friends Mammography Mobile Unit. This mobile unit was about 100 yards outside my employer’s door.

JUST GO!

TAMEKA’S CAKES Tastes ohhhh ....so good!

Welcome back to UNSCRIPTED! This week I decided to take a short break from sports and get back to sharing a piece that I have been anticipating for a long time. Tameka Beckum Foster is one of our local business owners here in Fort Wayne and is establishing her business as one that will be firmly planted in our community for a very long time.

TAMEKA’S CAKES Tastes ohhhh ....so good!
FWIS FeaturesTabitha Ervin

Sensory Fun and Playroom

I was recently able to chat with Christiane Rogers, owner and founder of the Sensory Fun and Playroom here in Fort Wayne and currently located inside of Abundant Life Church. It is a large sensory room housed within 1500 square feet inside the church.

FWIS FeaturesTabitha Ervin
Sensory Fun and Playroom

In Touch With Sarah Collins Rudolph

On the Sunday morning of September 15, 1963, Sarah Collins and her sister, Addie Mae Collins, were in the Ladies Lounge in the basement of the 16th Street Baptist Church. The sisters, along with three other girls, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair were preparing for the Youth Service program and then an explosion happened.

In Touch With Sarah Collins Rudolph

Lifeline Academy Graduates at the Dream Center

Lifeline Academy was founded on October 20, 2022 and the organization provides high quality training for individuals seeking to be a CNA or QMA. Last week a few new individuals graduated from the program. Last week a few new individuals graduated from the program. They are: Bryson Smith-Wilson. He was enrolled in the 6 week CNA program.

Lifeline Academy Graduates at the Dream Center

Fox Lake History Through the Experiences of Dr. Robin Newburn

Fox Lake is a national historic district located in Steuben County, Indiana. Established in 1927 with a rich history of black families for 3-4 generations, it developed between 1928 and 1950 as a vacation resort for middle class African-Americans. The cottages are primarily one-story, frame dwellings with gable roofs and concrete block foundations. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

Fox Lake History Through the Experiences of Dr. Robin Newburn

The Power of Mentoring and Igniting Your Sparkle: Meet Cydney Bridges the Miss. Indiana That’s Sparking Change, Authenticity, and Love for Our Youth

Cydney Bridges and her family moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana when she was just 2 years old. At the age of 6, her father decided to leave but that didn’t stop her mother from making sure her babies reached their full potential.

The Power of Mentoring and Igniting Your Sparkle: Meet Cydney Bridges the Miss. Indiana That’s Sparking Change, Authenticity, and Love for Our Youth

1st Source Bank Minority Business Builder Loan

I was recently able to connect with the team from 1st Source Bank which included Terrece Fairgood, Banking Center Manager and  Community Development Officer, Mark Gould, Community Development Manager and Joseph O’dell, Business Banker, to discuss the bank’s Minority Business Builder Loan.

1st Source Bank Minority Business Builder Loan