Hard Rock Casino’s concert hall was filled with bow ties, gowns, and trap music rattling the walls Saturday night. Somewhere in the middle of it all, with his sunglasses on, fist raised and double bass in hand, was Timothy Stanford. Exactly where he never imagined he would be. For most of the Masterclass Trap Orchestra, […]
Culture
Posted inArts, Community
Gary Has No Movie Theater, but Organizers Brought the Michael Jackson Biopic Home
When Karen Toering heard that a biopic of Michael Jackson was in the works, a lightbulb went off in her head. Could the film be shown in Gary, the city where Jackson’s story began? “It’s easier to carry optimism than it is to carry doubt and anxiety,” Toering said. After months of organizing and outreach, […]
Posted inArts, Community, Events, History
Gary Residents Are Invited to Share Michael Jackson Memories Ahead of Premiere
When chatter started about a potential Michael Jackson biographical picture being produced, the gears in the Gary International Black Film Festival’s team’s mind started to turn. “How could we celebrate our native son?” was the question they all asked as rumors turned into teasers and trailers for the film that began to drop into the […]
Posted inLGBTQ, Politics & Policy
Indiana Blocks Gender Changes on IDs, Raising Risks for Trans Residents
Indiana residents can no longer change the gender on their driver’s licenses under an executive order from Gov. Mike Braun that requires state-issued identification to reflect a person’s assigned sex at birth. The policy, which went into effect Feb. 12, applies to all gender changes on Indiana-issued credentials, ending a long-standing Bureau of Motor Vehicles […]
Posted inHistory, Politics & Policy
The Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84; His Roots in Gary Shaped a Movement
The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, the civil rights leader and presidential candidate whose work helped reshape Black political power nationally and in cities like Gary, has died at 84. His death Tuesday prompted tributes across Indiana and the country from elected officials and community leaders who credited him with expanding opportunity and representation for Black […]
Posted inArts, Education, Youth
Gary Youth Art Exhibit Celebrates Black History Month Creativity
Families filled the Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts on Friday night for a show put together by young people that featured artwork from teens and young adults across Gary and Northwest Indiana during Black History Month. Called Colors of Culture, the exhibition was created to give Black youth a place to show their […]
Posted inArts
Gary Civic Symphony Orchestra Enters a New Era Under a New Conductor
Silence swept the room as Lamar Grear, the Gary Civic Symphony Orchestra’s new conductor, walked onto the stage with his baton under his arm. His footsteps echoed as he took the podium, turned from the audience and opened his score, scanning the musicians before him. The house lights dimmed inside the Main Stage Theatre at […]
Posted inBusiness, Community Spotlight
Biscuits and Breaking Barriers: How J’s Breakfast Club Brings People Together
This story originally published Oct. 31, 2025 The restaurant was still. Midday light slipped through the windows of J’s Breakfast Club on 26th Avenue and Broadway Avenue. In the back office, Joslyn Kelly sat at her desk, as the soft rustle of her staff moving in and out of the kitchen carried through the restaurant. […]
Posted inCommunity Spotlight, Culture, Religion
One of Gary’s Oldest Churches Welcomes Its First Black Woman Pastor
Murmurs filled one of Gary’s oldest churches this week as members attended Bible study, tidied up, and completed their daily tasks. Pastor Nicole Guns walked around the area with a smile as clergy members asked questions and prepared for upcoming services. “I didn’t know much about Gary, Indiana, before coming, outside of Michael Jackson’s house […]
Posted inArts, Culture
Gary Film Festival Celebrates 15 Years of Storytelling and Pride
When Karen Toering first proposed hosting a film festival in Gary, she didn’t know who would be involved or how it would come together, but she knew she wanted to see one in her hometown. With no movie theater in the city, Toering wanted to create a space for residents to experience films and filmmakers […]