Jan. 19 is observed throughout the United States as a holiday honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The holiday was officially established, in part, by a 1983 bill sponsored by Gary native and U.S. Rep. Katie Hall, and was first observed on Jan. 20, 1986.
In an effort to bring community members together, several organizations across Northwest Indiana are hosting events to commemorate King’s birthday and legacy. Below is a list of events in Gary and the surrounding communities.
Gary
Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Jan. 17, 1 to 2 p.m.
Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education
218 S. Lake St., Gary
The Indiana Dunes National Park will screen the film I Have a Dream to honor King and the legacy of other civil rights activists of the era.
40th Anniversary Celebration
Jan. 18, 3 p.m.
First Baptist Church
626 W. 21st Ave., Gary
The Katie Hall Educational Foundation will observe the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day becoming a national holiday, highlighting the role that the former U.S. representative played to make sure it came to fruition. The day will feature a keynote speaker, gospel singing, historical speeches, and a showing of U.S. Representative Katie Hall: Dr. MLK, Jr. Day, an animated movie depicting a fictional conversation between Hall and President Ronald Reagan following the bill’s signing on Nov. 2.
MBTP MLK Community Summit
Jan 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
J’s Breakfast Club
2601 Broadway, Gary
Organizers describe the event as “a day on, not a day off,” focused on community service and education. Community members are invited to bring food, medical supplies, donations, and more to help community members.
Merrillville
MLK Day of Service
Jan 18, 2 p.m.
Dean and Barbara White Community Center
6600 Broadway, Merrillville
Admission: Four perishable food items
The Sigma Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. will host a walk to end hunger and honor King’s legacy through a day of community service.
Hammond
MLK March and Celebration
Jan 19, 6:30 to 8 a.m.
Dr. Martin Luther King Park
59 Columbia Ave., Hammond
Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr., city officials, and community organizations invite residents to participate in the annual march and celebration. The lineup begins at Freedom Plaza, with the march concluding at the Hammond Civic Center. Participants are encouraged to bring flashlights and candles.
East Chicago
MLK Candlelight Vigil March
Jan. 19, 6:30 a.m.
Subway Parking Lot
2204 Columbus Drive, East Chicago
The I Too Sing America organization of Northwest Indiana is collaborating with Greater Destiny Bible Church. This year’s theme, “Mission Possible II,” will kick off with a candlelight march to the Greater Destiny Bible Church at 1920 E. Columbus Drive, where pastors Donald Ramirez and Eric Boone Sr. will speak.
Valapariso
MLK Celebration
Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Chapel of the Resurrection
1600 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso
Valparaiso University will host its annual MLK Day convocation featuring a choir performance, award presentation, and a keynote address from state Rep. Ragen Hatcher.
Chesterton
Free MLK Day
Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chesterton Art Center
115 S. Fourth St., Chesterton
Participants will have the opportunity to create art and poetry while celebrating the power of words. Activities include word-based art projects, including a letterpress activity, storytelling at 1 p.m., personal stories, and poetry readings.
Westville
MLK Jr. Community Event
Jan. 19, 7:45 to 9:30 a.m.
Purdue Northwest University Westville Campus, The Great Hall
1401 South U.S. 421, Westville, free
Purdue Northwest invites community members to the Westville campus for a breakfast buffet, community conversations, a chorus performance by Krueger Middle School, and words from Chancellor Kenneth Holford, Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, and a keynote address from Kiahna Davis.