“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

When we think of the fight for civil rights and racial justice, we often think of the work of Dr. King. On this day, it is important to not only come together to celebrate the life and work of Dr. King, but also to examine how we are showing up in our daily lives in terms of service to our community, service to others, and the fight for racial equity and civil rights. We still have a long way to go toward true racial justice and eliminating racism, but every day we have the opportunity to effect positive changes in our community through our actions.
Below, you will find a list of events around the Greater Lafayette community commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We hope to see you at one or more of these amazing community events.
Friday, January 18
MLK Day Sabbath, 7:30 – 9 pm
Temple Israel | 620 Cumberland Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Temple Israel will be hosting a multi-faith service honoring the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote speaker will be Pastor Rodney Lynch from the Baptist Student Foundation at Purdue.
For more information, visit www.templeisraelwlaf.com or view the MLK Sabbath Event on Facebook.
Monday, January 21 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Indiana State Bar Association’s “Talk to a Lawyer” Day
9 am – 5 pm | Indiana Legal Services, Inc., 8 N. 3rd Street, Suite 102, Lafayette, IN 47901
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Indiana residents will access to free legal consultation during the Indiana State Bar Association’s annual “Talk to a Lawyer Torday.” Attorneys will provide 10-15 minute consultations to answer general questions regarding civil legal matters for those who utilize the service. The event is sponsored by the Indiana Bar Foundation and the Wabash Valley Volunteer Attorneys. Hosted by Tippecanoe County Bar Association and by Lafayette Indiana Legal Services Office.
Contact: Wabash Valley Volunteer Attorneys, Inc. 765-607-5819.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
11 am – 12 pm | Tippecanoe County Public Library, Downtown Branch
Join the Downtown Branch of the Tippecanoe County Public Library for their annual Martin Luther King Day celebration. For more information on the event, contact the Tippecanoe County Public Library.
Haraka Writers Performance: MLK Tribute
1 – 1:30 pm | Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, 102 S. 10th Street
The Art Museum will host the Purdue University Black Cultural Center’s Haraka Writers student performance, in honor of Martin Luther King. Organized by Purdue Black Cultural Center and the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette. For more information, visit Purdue University Calendar.
Contact Information:
Cheryl Borst: 765-742-1128, cheryl@artlafayette.org
Day of Service
Since 1994, the King Holiday and Service Act has challenged Americans to observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service. If you are interested in volunteering at YWCA Greater Lafayette on Monday, January 21 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, please email communications@ywcalafayette.org for more information on available projects.
Tuesday, January 22
The Enduring Vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
7 – 9 pm | Stewart Center, Loeb Playhouse
Wil Haygood, historian, journalist and author will provide the keynote address for the Purdue campus MLK celebration; also even in Purdue’s Giant Leaps Series. Organized by Purdue University Black Cultural Center.
For more information on the event, visit the Purdue University Calendar.
Contact Information:
Renee Thomas: 765-494-30091, rathomas@purdue.edu
If your organization is hosting an event honoring Dr. King and it is not listed here, please send details to communications@ywcalafayette.org to have it added.