Indianapolis—The Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Commission will be hosting the State of Indiana’s 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Celebration on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at the Indiana Statehouse.
The program will include the presentation of four awards that will be given to Hoosiers who have worked diligently to improve their communities in a manner that exemplifies the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Celebration Award Recipients are as follows:
Freedom Award
Greg Easton – Principal of Morton High School, Hammond
Chairman’s Award
Adrian M. Brooks, Sr. – Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Evansville
Spirit of Justice Award
Regina Shands Stoltzfus – Professor at Goshen College, Goshen
Citizen Advocate Award
Kendra Johnson – Community Advocate, Gary
In addition to the above mentioned awards, the Passing the Torch Award will be presented to the winner of this year’s Art, Writing & Multi-media Contest.
“We are excited to honor Hoosiers who have continued the dream of Dr. King through their work in making Indiana such a great place to live,” said Jamal L. Smith, Executive Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.”
The program, which is open to the public for no charge, begins at 12:30 pm and is expected to bring together more than 500 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.
The program’s keynote performer will be award winning journalist, Anita Woodley, and will feature addresses from Indiana Governor, Michael Pence, and ICRC Executive Director, Jamal Smith.
The following day, January 15, the ICRC will host the Fifth Annual Day of Service. This event is also open to the public and provides an opportunity to give back as we approach Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Participants will gather at Watkin’s Family Park in Indianapolis at 8:00 am to hear words of encouragement from community leaders before choosing group community service tasks.
