Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is just around the corner.
The federal holiday gives kids and families the day off to not only reflect on the legacy of racial equality and justice Dr. King inspired, but the opportunity to celebrate and honor his legacy. The Recorder has put together a list of events, services, celebrations and more around Indianapolis leading up to Jan. 20 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.
Friday, Jan. 17
34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Celebration
Indiana State House, 200 W. Washington St.
Noon
Free
Hosted by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, the annual celebration honors Dr. King’s life and legacy and includes an award ceremony. The event will also be live streamed.
in.gov/icrc/events-and-programs/state-of-indiana-dr.-martin-luther-king-jr.-celebrations/
Sunday, Jan. 19
MLK Day: Mission Possible
Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free; registration required
All are welcome to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Newfields. Guests are invited to explore through art, music and reflection with hands-on activities led by local artists, children’s story times, a spoken word performance by Bruce Ford and a screening of “Mission Joy — Finding Happiness in Troubled Times.”
discovernewfields.org/calendar/mlk-day-mission-possible
Powerful Conversations on Race
Virtual
3-5 p.m.
Free; registration required
In honor of MLK Day, IU Indianapolis’ Powerful Conversations on Race series is hosting a virtual community dialogue about Dr. King’s writings and speeches outside of the famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
spiritandplace.org/event/powerful-conversations-on-race-2/
Monday, Jan. 20
56th Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Service
St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 1651 Dr. Andrew J. Brown Avenue — Rear Door 4
11 a.m.
Free
The theme of this year’s MLK Day service is “Strength to Love” and will include freedom songs, special guests, interfaith leaders and more. Attendees will also be able to stream the service on Unity Soul Network (USN): ICLC-TV.
Martin Luther King, Jr. FREE Admission Day
Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St.
Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St.
NCAA Hall of Champions, 700 W. Washington St.
The Children’s Museum, 3000 N. Meridian St.
The Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or regular business hours
Free; reservation required
In honor of the Civil Rights leader’s birthday, several museums and institutions around the city are hosting a free admission day packed full of educational activities and hands-on learning experiences honoring the legacy of Dr. King. See individual websites for more information.
MLK Day Table Talk and Journal Singing with Ujamaa Bookstore
Ujamaa Community Bookstore, 2424 Dr. M.L.K.Jr. St.
Noon to 2 p.m.
Free
Join Anthony Murdock II for a conversation surrounding the value of community in the current political climate. Following the conversation, Murdock will offer a book signing for his storytelling journals.
facebook.com/ujamaacommunitybookstore/
“Reclaim, Rebuild, Resist” Rally
Broadway United Methodist Church, 609 E. 29th St.
10 a.m. to noon
Free
In honor of MLK Day, Hoosiers for Democracy are hosting a rally, entitled “Reclaim, Rebuild, Resist,” where they will reclaim the vision and the principles of liberty, equality and unity through music, inspiring readings and guest speakers.
Seeds of Caring’s MLK Day of Youth Service
Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave.
9:30-11:15 a.m. and 1:30-3:15 p.m.
Free
In partnership with the Madam Walker Legacy Center, the 43rd annual MLK Day Celebration aims to spread Dr. King’s message of service, social action and empowerment with Indianapolis’ next generation.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
