Indianapolis—The Indiana Civil Rights Commission and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Commission announced today plans to celebrate the King Holiday in January 2013. In addition to the 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Celebration and Youth Summit on January 17th, the Commissions have introduced an Art, Writing and Multimedia Contest for high school students and a Day of Service on January 18th.
“Dr. King believed strongly in community service projects,” said Jamal Smith, Executive Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.” That’s why I am so excited about the Art, Writing and Multimedia Contest and the Day of Service which both place a heavy emphasis on giving back to the community.”
More than 300 students from across the state, grades 6-8, will take part in the 22nd Annual Dr. King Youth Summit on Thursday, January 17th. Students will begin their journey in the Indiana State Museum where they will take part in interactive programming and listen to famous speeches by Dr. King. Students will then travel across West Street for the Statehouse program.
The Statehouse program, which is open to the public for no charge, is expected to bring together more than 600 students, state employees, local and state government officials, human rights agencies and Indiana residents from across the state to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Gary Brackett, former Indianapolis Colts linebacker and philanthropist, will deliver the keynote address. There will also be remarks by a member of the Governor’s office and the presentation of four awards. The awards ceremony will be highlighted by the Passing the Torch award which will be given, along with a $500 college scholarship, to the winner of the Art, Writing and Multimedia Contest.
“The Art, Writing and Multimedia Contest requires students to select a medium to highlight a community service project they are currently or have been a part of,” added Smith. “The winner of this contest will have demonstrated not only excellent community responsibility but artistic talent.”
In addition to celebrating community service projects students are actively involved in, the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Commission are hosting a series of projects of their own on the King Holiday, January 18th.
The Indiana Civil Rights Commission enforces the Indiana civil rights laws and provides education and services to the public in an effort to ensure equal opportunity for all Hoosiers and visitors to the State of Indiana. For more information on the Indiana Civil Rights Commission visit: www.in.gov/icrc.
Click here to view a flyer for the 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Celebration on Thursday, January 17, 2013.