It’s a new year and the perfect time to recommit to serving our communities and helping our neighbors. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all, and encouraged all citizens to live up to the purpose and potential of America by applying the principles of nonviolence. MLK Day of Service (on Jan. 17) is one way to honor his life and teachings by engaging in community action that continues to solve social problems. Service breaks down barriers by bringing people from different experiences together – volunteering can unite Americans of all ages and backgrounds while building stronger communities.

In that spirit, and in conjunction with remembering the amazing work of Martin Luther King Jr., CCHA is proud to recommend a number of activities we encourage you and your family to participate in.

All CCHA offices will be closed on January 17th to allow for our team to give of our time and effort throughout the communities in which we live, work, and love. The entire team at CCHA is being invited and encouraged to participate in the events below:

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission:

The 2022 commemorative Wreath Placing Ceremony will take place on January 16, 2021 at 6 pm at the Indiana War Memorial: Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The event will conclude with the second annual light show presentation highlighting community members throughout the state of Indiana who serve Hoosiers. Learn more here.

2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Conner Prairie

Throughout the day, Conner Prairie will have activities, music, and discussions that will focus on the 1950s and 1960s Civil Rights Movement and the social justice issues of today. Throughout the Welcome Center, they will have a variety of experiences for all guests to enjoy. Learn more here.

IUPUI Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Action:

Serve. Advocate. Inspire. Learn how to be an advocate for social change in our community and honor Dr. King’s legacy. The 2022 MLK Week of Action projects will occur January 15-22. Learn more here.

FREE DAY! Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Indiana State Museum

Celebrate Dr. King’s dream and explore the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equity in America, at the Indiana State Museum. Videos will highlight Dr. King’s most iconic speeches, and activities and performances will explore civil and human rights. Reflect on what you can do to ensure the dream lives on. Learn more here.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Celebrate the life, achievements, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with special performances by The Griot Drum Ensemble, at 10 AM EST, at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Learn more here.

United Way of Central Indiana

This strictly service-based opportunity has virtual and in-person options spanning from food pantry stocking to creating activity kits for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. The geographic span is across central Indiana. Learn more here.

Indianapolis Zoo

Service and community were central themes in the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In recognition of his life and legacy, guests are invited each year in January to join the Indianapolis Zoo as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day presented by Honda Manufacturing. Parking and admission to the Zoo are free on this day, and donation dip jars will be on site for monetary donations benefiting Gleaner’s Food Bank. Learn more here.

31st Annual Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) Day of Service

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC), Indiana Black Expo, Inc (IBE), the City of Indianapolis, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Commission, and Indy Parks would like to invite you to participate in a volunteer opportunity to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Some projects will include neighborhood clean-up, trash pick-up on Edgemont Avenue, painting, organizing food and clothing pantries and cleaning. Learn more here. If you are unable to attend, you can also participate virtually here.

Activities at Home

If you choose to recognize the day at home, spend some time reading a book or article, watching a TV show or movie, or even following a new social media account from a person of color to expand your perspective.

CCHA in action on MLK Jr. Day/National Day of Service

CCHA encourages you to celebrate the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the year, and use January 17 as a day to give back in a meaningful way to your communities. In the words of Dr. King, “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way”. This aligns with CCHA’s long standing tradition of community service and leadership.

Enjoy your MLK Day by following his legacy of service and we’ll resume business as normal on Tuesday, January 18.