Finding your rabbit: Deion Sanders to inspires next generation of leaders

Hundreds of guests dressed in their Sunday best attended the Steward Speaker Series Annual Gala at Lucas Oil Stadium in Downtown Indianapolis on April 11. Ready to soak up all the knowledge and inspiration from world-renowned athletes and business executives, the gala’s guest of honor was former NFL player and current college football coach, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. President and founder of Steward Speakers, Matthew Steward developed the series of events while he was a student at Indiana University Bloomington. He was responsible for inviting notable guest lecturers like Harry Belafonte, Dick Gregory and many other influential African-Americans to speak with the university community. Following graduation, he created Steward Speakers with the support of local community leaders. Since 1986, the organization has been committed to enhancing the community by offering opportunities to engage with some of the world’s best leaders and visionaries. Alongside hundreds of adult guests, nearly 500 students from Indiana schools attended this year’s annual gala. This year’s theme focused on sports and education. The 2023-24 speakers series featured Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee, NFL Hall of Famer and entertainment personality Shannon Sharpe and other notable African-Americans in sports and entertainment. The annual fundraising gala and oration was graced by...