Fifty-three years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called to end racism when he delivered his “I have a dream” speech during the March on Washington in front of a crowd of more than 250,000 civil rights supporters in Washington, D.C.
Here are some events and activities happening around Indianapolis to honor King’s legacy:
- The 47th annual Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Dinner will be held Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 W. Washington St. Angela Davis, a political activist, scholar, author and educator, will give the keynote address, which will focus on civil rights issues including equality, freedom, justice and opportunity. The theme for this year’s event is “Time to Break the Silence.”
- The MLK Celebration Concert, “Living the Dream,” will be held at Indiana Wesleyan University Jan. 15 in the Chapel Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature gospel music performed by a choir of community members under the direction of Rodnie Bryant.
- Day of Service hosted by IUPUI is a volunteer opportunity held Jan. 16 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at various sites around Indianapolis. Participants meet at the IUPUI Campus Center.
- Indianapolis Museum of Art has partnered with local artists to put together an afternoon of written, spoken and interactive expressions of love Jan. 17 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can spread love through inspired art, performances, poetry or simply the world around them. Admission to this event is free.
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will have free admission Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in order to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and invites the community out for a day filled with special activities for the entire family.
- The Indiana Historical Society will have free admission Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy performances, programs and service opportunities, as well as the award winning “Indiana Experience.” Watch a short play featuring Hoosier reactions to Robert F. Kennedy’s speech in Indianapolis the night Dr. King was assassinated, view original materials related to MLK and the Civil Rights Movement in Indiana and pack care packages to benefit Wheeler Mission.
- White River State Park will have free park admission Jan. 18 with a donation of one non-perishable food item per person. Guests will be able to enjoy all the attractions the park has to offer at the cost of one can per attraction. All donations will go to Gleaners Food Bank. Park attractions include the Eiteljorg Museum, the Indiana State Museum, the Indianapolis Zoo, the NCAA Hall of Champions and the IMAX Theater.
- Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Bankers Life Fieldhouse Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. See incredible ball handling skills and enjoy some good laughs with the family. Tickets start at $23.
