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Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy of altruism, on Jan. 10, the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) and partners hosted the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday wreath-placing ceremony.

Speakers included Gregory L. Wilson, ICRC executive director; Alice Watson, Indiana Black Expo president and CEO; Eric Johnson, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity president; and Shonna Quick, Vice President of AFSCME Local 725. 

Here are other ways to commemorate MLK Day:

Friday, Jan. 12:

Monument Circle: The Indiana Civil Rights Commission presents: Shining A Light – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the AES Indiana building. Through Jan. 15, light performances will take place daily at 6:44 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:14 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10:14 p.m. Free.

Indianapolis Public Schools tribute: There will be no classes in observance of MLK Day, but families are invited to join a live streaming from 10 to 11 a.m. on the IPS YouTube channel and on WFYI-1. The program will include music by Crispus Attucks High School students, the JROTC Color Guard, as well as guest IPS schools and speakers. 

Sunday, Jan. 14

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Service Celebration at Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road: Starting at 6:30 p.m., Pastor Jeffrey Johnson, Sr., of Eastern Star Church and Rabbi Brett Krichiver of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation will deliver a multi-denominational service. Alyssa Gaines, 2022 National Youth Poet Laureate and a Park Tudor High School graduate, will also speak.

Monday, Jan. 15

Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St.: Celebrations will start at 11 a.m. with a community drum circle led by SITEAW, followed by a lecture, “The Real Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” by local artist and activist Wildstyle Paschall. At 2:30 p.m. the museum will screen “King in Chicago.” See full schedule of events.

Indiana Historical Society, 500 W. Ohio St.: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the museum will be free, but visitors are encouraged to register. Families can expect activities, as well as a story time and an afternoon concert with Keisha Ballinger and the University United Methodist Church praise team.

Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St.: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum will offer free admission for visitors to enjoy multicultural performances, community-focused activities, chats with museum curators and videos highlighting Dr. King’s most iconic speeches. Donations can be made via Dip Jars to Gleaners Food Bank. See event details.

Kennedy King Park Center, 601 E. 17th St.: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Kennedy King Memorial Initiative (KKMI) invites the community to the opening of KKMI’s Cultural Visitor Center, a space dedicated to  the memory and continued legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. (Bobby) Kennedy. The exhibit showcases historical artifacts, educational multimedia and interactive displays. Free.

Levi and Catharine Coffin House, 201 U.S. Highway 27, Fountain City: About an hour’s drive from Indy, you can take guided tours and see screenings of “John Lewis: Good Trouble” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To reserve your spot, call (765) 847-1691. $2 donation recommended.

NCAA Hall of Champions, 700 W. Washington St.: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy a free visit to the museum’s exhibitions and dive into the rich history of Hoosier basketball.

Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Avenue: The MLK Day of Celebration will start at noon with a tribute and a conversation featuring journalist Roland Martin. Free, but register.

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Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Indianapolis

by Jennifer Delgadillo, Mirror Indy
January 12, 2024

<h1>Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Indianapolis</h1> <p class="byline">by Jennifer Delgadillo, Mirror Indy <br />January 12, 2024</p> <p>Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy of altruism, on Jan. 10, the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) and partners hosted the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday wreath-placing ceremony.</p> <p>Speakers included Gregory L. Wilson, ICRC executive director; Alice Watson, Indiana Black Expo president and CEO; Eric Johnson, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity president; and Shonna Quick, Vice President of AFSCME Local 725.&nbsp;</p> <p>Here are other ways to commemorate MLK Day:</p> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01102024_MLK_WreathPlacing_22-1024x820.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9249" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The quote from King inspired the Shining a Light debut on the AES Indiana building on the Circle.</figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday, Jan. 12:</h2> <p><strong>Monument Circle: </strong>The Indiana Civil Rights Commission presents:<strong> </strong><a href="https://downtownindy.org/do/shining-a-light-dr-martin-luther-king-jr">Shining A Light – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.</a> on the AES Indiana building. Through Jan. 15, light performances will take place daily at 6:44 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:14 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10:14 p.m. Free.</p> <p><strong>Indianapolis Public Schools tribute: </strong>There will be no classes in observance of MLK Day, but families are invited to join a live streaming from 10 to 11 a.m. on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1rENaVN5ew">IPS YouTube channel</a> and on WFYI-1. The program will include music by Crispus Attucks High School students, the JROTC Color Guard, as well as guest IPS schools and speakers.&nbsp;</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sunday, Jan. 14</h2> <p><strong>Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Service Celebration at Newfields</strong>, 4000 N. Michigan Road: Starting at 6:30 p.m., Pastor Jeffrey Johnson, Sr., of Eastern Star Church and Rabbi Brett Krichiver of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation will deliver <a href="https://discovernewfields.org/calendar/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day-service-celebration">a multi-denominational service</a>. Alyssa Gaines, 2022 National Youth Poet Laureate and a Park Tudor High School graduate, will also speak.</p> </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monday, Jan. 15</h2> <p><strong>Eiteljorg Museum, </strong>500 W. Washington St.:<strong> </strong>Celebrations will start at 11 a.m. with a community drum circle led by <a href="https://www.siteaw.org/">SITEAW</a>, followed by a lecture, “The Real Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.," by local artist and activist Wildstyle Paschall. At 2:30 p.m. the museum will screen “King in Chicago.” <a href="https://eiteljorg.org/eiteljorg-events/martin-luther-king-jr-day-free-day/">See full schedule of events.</a></p> <p><strong>Indiana Historical Society</strong>, 500 W. Ohio St.: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the museum will be<strong> </strong><a href="https://indianahistory.org/events/martin-luther-king-jr-day-free-admission-2/">free, but visitors are encouraged to register.</a><strong> </strong>Families can expect activities, as well as a story time and an afternoon concert with Keisha Ballinger and the University United Methodist Church praise team.</p> <p><strong>Indiana State Museum, </strong>650 W. Washington St.<strong>: </strong>From<strong> </strong>10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum will offer free admission for visitors to enjoy multicultural performances, community-focused activities, chats with museum curators and videos highlighting Dr. King’s most iconic speeches. Donations can be made via Dip Jars to Gleaners Food Bank. <a href="https://www.indianamuseum.org/programs/free-day-martin-luther-king-jr-day-2/">See event details.</a></p> <p><strong>Kennedy King Park Center</strong>, 601 E. 17th St.: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Kennedy King Memorial Initiative (KKMI) invites the community to the opening of KKMI’s Cultural Visitor Center, a space dedicated to&nbsp; the memory and continued legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. (Bobby) Kennedy. The exhibit showcases historical artifacts, educational multimedia and interactive&nbsp;displays. Free.</p> <p><strong>Levi and Catharine Coffin House</strong>, 201 U.S. Highway 27, Fountain City: About an hour's drive from Indy, you can take guided tours and see screenings of “John Lewis: Good Trouble” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To reserve your spot, call (765) 847-1691. $2 donation recommended.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01102024_MLK_WreathPlacing_06-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9239" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">"Dr. King was a leader, a servant and had incredible power to unite," Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales said.</figcaption></figure> <p><strong>NCAA Hall of Champions</strong>, 700 W. Washington St.: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy a free visit to <a href="https://ncaahallofchampions.org/">the museum’s exhibitions</a> and dive into the rich history of Hoosier basketball.</p> <p><strong>Madam Walker Legacy Center, </strong>617 Indiana Avenue: The MLK Day of Celebration will start at noon with a tribute and a conversation featuring journalist Roland Martin. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/42nd-annual-mlk-day-of-celebration-at-the-madam-walker-legacy-center-tickets-779674315867">Free, but register.</a></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01102024_MLK_WreathPlacing_17-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9244" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Founder and CEO of Inner Beauty, Chrystal Hines, sings “Thank You” during the event.</figcaption></figure> <div class="wp-block-columns"> <div class="wp-block-column" style="flex-basis:100%"> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide"> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"> <ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="Members of the Iota Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity bow their heads in prayer after placing the memorial wreath." class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9236" data-id="9236" src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01102024_MLK_WreathPlacing_03-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Members of the Iota Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity bow their heads in prayer after placing the memorial wreath. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Commission hosted the 33rd Annual Indiana Wreath Placing, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, at The Soldiers and Sailors Monument, in Indianapolis.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9249" data-id="9249" src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01102024_MLK_WreathPlacing_22-1024x820.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">The quote from King inspired the Shining a Light debut on the AES Indiana building on the Circle.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9237" data-id="9237" src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01102024_MLK_WreathPlacing_04-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Elder Kevin Tichenor, of Overcoming Faith Apostolic Church, delivers a prayer.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9246" data-id="9246" src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01102024_MLK_WreathPlacing_19-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Commission hosted the 33rd Annual Indiana Wreath Placing, </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9248" data-id="9248" src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01102024_MLK_WreathPlacing_21-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">The quote from King inspired the Shining a Light debut on the AES Indiana building on the Circle.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9243" data-id="9243" src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01102024_MLK_WreathPlacing_14-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Vice President of AFSCME Local 725, shares thoughts during the event. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9235" data-id="9235" src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01102024_MLK_WreathPlacing_02-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Members of the Iota Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity prepare to place the memorial wreath.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9244" data-id="9244" src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01102024_MLK_WreathPlacing_17-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Founder and CEO of Inner Beauty, Chrystal Hines, sings “Thank You” during the event.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9239" data-id="9239" src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01102024_MLK_WreathPlacing_06-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">"Dr. King was a leader, a servant and had incredible power to unite," Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales said.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9234" data-id="9234" src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01102024_MLK_WreathPlacing_01-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Master of Ceremonies, Marcus Norris, welcomes the crowd to the event. </figcaption></figure> </li> </ul> <p><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a></p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div> </div> </div></div> </p></div> <p>This &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; 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